How to fix pitted concrete?

Author: Miss Mertie Walker I  |  Last update: Monday, October 20, 2025

How to Repair Pitted Concrete: A Step-by-Step Guide
  1. What Causes Concrete Pitting?
  2. Why Concrete Grinders Are Key to Repairs.
  3. Step 1: Assess and Clean the Surface.
  4. Step 2: Grind Away Damaged Layers.
  5. Step 3: Fill in the Pits.
  6. Step 4: Grind and Polish the Surface.
  7. Step 5: Apply a Protective Coating.
  8. Step 6: Maintain the Surface.

Can you put a skim coat of concrete over old concrete?

You can pour concrete on top of an existing slab as long as it's still in reasonably good condition and structurally sound. This means the concrete should be free of cracks, buckling, and breaks. If you notice any small cracks or minor issues, it's in your best interest to repair them before you pour the new concrete.

What is the best product to repair pitted concrete?

If you have just a few small holes from pitting, then we recommend using something like Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield Concrete Patch. This is the same product that works well for crack repairs.

How do you fill pitted holes in concrete?

Welcome to JA! First put in sand until the hole is 4 inches deep. Them tamp it down with a little moisture and using a wood dowel or metal handle from a broomstick or handle of a tool. Then you can find concrete patch at the home depot and fill it Use a 2 inch putty knife to smooth it out then let it dry.

What causes pitting in concrete?

Pitting, characterized by small indentations on the concrete surface, can be attributed to: Air Entrapment: Air bubbles trapped during the pouring and setting process can lead to pitting once the concrete dries. Corrosive Chemicals: Prolonged exposure to chemicals, especially de-icing salts, can erode the surface.

Uncover the Secrets to Perfect Concrete Overlays!

Can pitted cement be repaired?

Q: Can pitted concrete be repaired without grinding? A: It is possible to fill shallow pits with a patching material, but grinding is recommended for best results and long-term durability.

Can pitting be fixed?

If a component is still structurally sound, pitting corrosion can be mechanically removed by grinding or polishing and the missing metal replaced by weld build-up. Care must be taken to prepare and undertake the welding process carefully, to avoid reducing the properties of the surrounding metal.

What is the best thing to fill holes in concrete?

2) Epoxy – Epoxy is a two-part liquid that can be mixed with just about anything on this list and will harden into something that can be used to patch holes in concrete. 3) 100% solids epoxy resin base – The best way to patch a concrete hole is by applying a 100% solids epoxy resin base.

Can salt damaged concrete be repaired?

Ways To Fix and Prevent Salt and Sand Damage

Concrete leveling can also repair and prevent salt or sand damage. This step involves using a concrete grinder to smooth out any uneven surfaces caused by the salt or sand and then sealing the entire thing with a protective coating.

How do you fill concrete pores?

Slurry is a mixture of cement paste, pigment, and water. It is used to fill in the small air bubbles in the surface of the concrete. This is especially important in something like a concrete countertop, because bacteria can get into those holes and grow.

Should I wet concrete before patching?

Wet the surface (if necessary)

If you are doing a large area and a scratch coat isn't practical, you will need to spray the surface with water before you apply the repair material.

How to fix dimples in concrete?

Here are a few options:
  1. Filling the pits with a repair material: Pits can be filled with a repair material, such as a concrete patching compound or epoxy, to smooth out the surface.
  2. Grinding down the surface: Pitted areas can be ground down using a concrete grinder.

What is the best material to use to repair concrete?

Best Compounds for Resurfacing and Spalling Repairs

Resurfacing and repairing spalling require specialized compounds that can restore the surface's integrity and aesthetics. One of the best options for this job is polymer-modified cement.

What is poor man's concrete?

This material is typically produced at a utility sluice pond site by dumping raw ash into the pond and allowing it to hydrate and harden into a working platform. Additional raw ash is placed on top of the platform in thin lifts, watered, compacted, and allowed to hydrate and harden.

Can I put Quikrete over existing concrete?

QUIKRETE® Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902) permanently bonds new concrete, plaster, and stucco to existing concrete, plaster, and stucco. Eliminates the need for roughing the surface before the application.

How thick does a concrete skim coat need to be?

APPLICATION: Typical application thicknesses range from featheredge to 1/4" (0.6 cm) for large areas and up to 1" (2.5 cm) for small fill areas.

How to fix a pitted concrete driveway?

Clean with a pressure washer. Apply a concrete resurfacing compound, mixing small batches, so you won't have to throw away any unused or dried-out concrete. Pour the mixture into the holes and level off using your trowel. Protect your repair from rain and foot traffic for at least 6 hours.

What does spalling concrete look like?

Identifying Concrete Spalling

Surface Flakes and Chips: Look for visible signs of flaking or chipping on the surface of the concrete. Spalled areas often have a rough, uneven texture.

Is it OK to put salt on concrete?

DOES SALT DAMAGE CONCRETE? Unfortunately, yes. Though concrete is strong, it is porous. So when salt enters the concrete, it can cause damage.

How to plug a concrete hole?

  1. Remove any loose debris from the hole. Wipe the area clean with a water-dampened rag. ...
  2. Using a putty knife, spread a thin layer of concrete patching material into the hole. ...
  3. Using a wet sponge, blend the repaired area into the existing surface.
  4. Allow the area to dry.

What is the difference between a cement patch and a concrete patch?

Here's the difference. Cement is a powder that by itself would not work well for pouring a sidewalk or a swimming pool. It's just one ingredient used in the recipe for concrete. Cement comes in lots of different flavors but the overwhelming majority of cement is gray and is referred to as portland cement.

How to fix a bad concrete job?

Large Cracks or Broken Areas: If you're dealing with larger cracks, you'll need to apply a thicker patch compound. For deeper cracks or gaps, consider using a two-part epoxy patch or concrete repair kit that's designed for structural repairs. Apply it with a trowel, making sure it's pressed deep into the crack.

Why is my cement pitting?

Causes of Concrete Pitting

Errors during the initial mixing process or mishandling during the curing stage can result in concrete pitting. If the concrete mix lacks cohesion, small air pockets can get trapped, creating weak areas. Over time, these weak spots can collapse and form pits when subjected to pressure.

What is the treatment of pitting?

Treatment is based on the underlying cause with additional treatments depending on its severity. Mild pitting edema may resolve temporarily with limb elevation, but for more severe cases a diuretic medication may be prescribed. In chronic cases, compression socks can be used.

How do you treat pitting corrosion?

Pitting corrosion can be controlled by:
  1. Use of a coating that will prevent pitting on metal surfaces.
  2. Using more corrosion resistant materials.
  3. Ensuring that the fluids in contact with the material is washed away regularly.
  4. Use of cathodic protection.
  5. Avoiding stagnant zones.
  6. Inhibitor use / fluid chemistry control.

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