Concrete flaking (also known as concrete spalling) refers to a type of surface deterioration that can occur on a concrete structure. Concrete flaking is caused by exposure to things that can displace the concrete’s particles, like water. Like the name implies, concrete flaking looks like the surface of the concrete is flaking off like paint. You can test to see if your concrete is flaking by dragging a sharp object across the surface of the concrete. If it creates a white line, then the concrete is structurally sound; but, if it flakes off, you know you have a problem. Concrete flaking is different from concrete pitting, which is another form of deterioration. With concrete pitting, the concrete forms craters along the surface because the concrete itself is structurally weak. Concrete flaking, on the other hand, occurs because of external forces, not because of the strength of the concrete. Concrete flaking can occur on any kind of concrete around your Terre Haute home, but it’s more likely to happen on the concrete outside. For example, if you have concrete slabs near your garden, any chemicals you use for your plants can fall on your concrete and displace the particles, causing flaking. Flaking is problematic because it makes your concrete look ugly. Not only that, but it also accelerates concrete settling. A deteriorating slab is a lot more porous than one that is structurally intact, so water is able to reach the soil a lot more easily. If your concrete is flaking, then you need to minimize its exposure to moisture and chemicals as much as you can, or you’ll be dealing with more than just surface deterioration in the future.