Calcium Chloride Concrete Discoloration

Calcium chloride can significantly increase the chances of your cement project turning dark.

Calcium chloride concrete discoloration.

If the calcium chloride is not mixed thoroughly in the concrete it can lead to discoloration. Air cured concrete which is to say lack of curing exhibits the greatest amount of discoloration. However concrete discoloration could occur if there are sudden changes to the cement material if the finishing operations are rushed or if calcium chloride is added. Lastly there s the issue of poor workmanship.

A frequent reason behind a darkened concrete appearance is the addition of calcium chloride to accelerate the setting time of concrete see photo 1 especially when calcium chloride dosages approach 2 by weight of cement. Uneven curing will result in uneven coloring. The chances for discoloration are much less if calcium chloride or chloride bearing chemical admixtures are not used. Discoloration caused by calcium chloride admixtures and some finishing and curing methods can be reduced by repeated washing with hot water and a scrub brush.

Discoloration issues on new concrete discoloration on the surface of new concrete can be from several factors including inconsistent mixtures too much or not enough water low quality materials poor workmanship the use of calcium chloride environmental issues or issues created during the pore or during the curing process. Thoroughly moist cured concrete exhibits the least. Since a winter flatwork mix was used and considering the severity of the discolorations most likely your concrete contained calcium chloride. Concrete should be of one color if you are using the correct batch and materials from the ready mix.

The type kind and condition of formwork can influence surface color. They say the discoloration is probably just an aesthetic issue not a sign of weakness in the slab. There are also other complicated chemical reactions that can happen with the portland cement and other additives fly ash slag etc that might be in the concrete. Calcium chloride in concrete is a primary cause of concrete discoloration.

You can get trowel burns which produces a darkening when you use calcium chloride. Secondly the usage of calcium chloride in an attempt to speed up the setting process of the concrete can lead to discoloration. Certain treatments are successful in removing or decreasing the surface discoloration of concrete flatwork. Top rated concrete pros and industry association s we consulted say that calcium chloride especially if added in amounts that approach 2 percent of the cement weight can cause a mottled blotchy surface.

The use of calcium chloride as a chemical accelerator can exacerbate the problem by increasing the magnitude and permanence of the surface discolorations. This is especially true in concrete containing calcium chloride.