Repairing Dust-Covered Concrete

There are several repair options for dust on concrete.

1 MIN READ

Placing a sealer on the surface may be effective if the damage is not to deep. A solvent based acrylic can be effective, as can treatment with an alkali silicate (sodium, potassium or lithium). If the damage is deeper than a couple of millimeters (1 mm is about the thickness of a dime) then a more aggressive treatment is likely required. Surface preparation by shot blasting and placement of a high build epoxy coating may be required. Ensure that this repair is compatible with the moisture emission rate of the slab, as epoxies can be quickly damaged if there is moisture coming through the slab. Consult your local flooring material supplier.

If extensive repair is required it is recommended that you consult a materials engineer to review the situation. They may suggest a petrographic exam or other diagnostic tests.

Learn how to prevent dust on concrete before it happens.

About the Author

Kevin MacDonald

Kevin MacDonald PhD, PE, FACI is the principal engineer with Beton Consulting Engineers in Minnesota. His practice focuses on durability of infrastructure, mass concrete, and production of concrete with high replacement levels. He is a member of several ACI and ASTM committees. He is a licensed professional engineer in Minnesota and Ontario Canada. Contact MacDonald via email.

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