Understanding concrete spalling
Concrete cancer is caused when the steel reinforcing within a concrete slab begins to rust. As the steel rusts it expands, displacing the concrete around it, causing it to become brittle and crack thus accelerating the process.
- Crazing and cracking concrete (concrete spalling)
- Rust stains which seem to leak out from within the concrete
- Bubbling (also called Plating) of concrete render
- Leaks which appear in overhead concrete surfaces
The dangers of concrete spalling
Concrete spalling – especially on the outside of a building – not only looks terrible, but it is potentially dangerous too. Over time, and with increased exposure to the elements, untreated pieces of concrete may fall from your structure. The risk is it falling and damaging property, or even worse, hitting a person walking below.
The causes of concrete cancer
There are a number of reasons your building may have spalling concrete. The more common reasons include:
- A poorly poured substrate which has allowed moisture to seep into it through cracks and voids
- Inadequate preparation of the reinforcing steel when the original concrete was poured.
- The ends of the reinforcing are too close to the surface. In heavy rains, water may seep through causing lime and other chemicals in the steel to oxidise.
- Incompatible metals being used in close proximity to each other, thus causing a reaction which allows water into the slab
- Stress fractures from bearing weight or general wear-and-tear allow water to penetrate the concrete and react with the steel
For more information, or to speak with one of our concrete spalling specialists, please contact the Remedial team.
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LATEST NEWS
Stay up to date on the latest thoughts, trends and news in building repair and maintenance

23 May 2022. By Jeff Anderson
Once you find evidence of concrete spalling or concrete cancer, you need to act to prevent ongoing damage. Learn what you need about your options and how to fix concrete cancer.

26 April 2022. By Lubosh
Preventative maintenance is also called facility maintenance. We've compiled a checklist of proactive building maintenance tasks that will help you ensure you undertake maintenance and checks proactively and that assets are in optimal working condition.

11 March 2022. By Members of Remedial Team
Carbon fibre reinforcement is a high-performance and strength amplifying product that has advantages over steel. Learn more.