What are the Signs of Concrete Cancer and How to Prevent It?

Common signs of concrete cancer include cracking, crumbling, or flaking of concrete, rust spots or bubbles on concrete or cement plaster, and leaks in the ceiling and walls. Concrete cancer refers to the spread — and worsening — of concrete shedding. This process is what gives cancer to a specific structure. Concrete cancer occurs when concrete absorbs water and salt air that oxidizes the steel it contains.

When it expands, it cracks the concrete. Concrete cancer occurs when steel reinforcement within a concrete slab begins to rust. As the steel oxidizes, it expands and displaces the surrounding concrete, causing it to become brittle and crack, compounding the problem. As this steel begins to oxidize, it expands and this causes the surrounding concrete to shift.

This, in turn, becomes brittle and will begin to crack, which will speed up the deterioration process. Watch for signs such as concrete chips (cracks, etc.), rust spots that seem to leak from inside the concrete, bubbles from concrete plaster, or leaks that appear in raised concrete. Flat concrete roofs are particularly vulnerable to leaks and water-driven concrete cancer if they are not properly waterproofed. That's why it is important to waterproof your concrete surfaces with high-quality options such as Wolfin or Cosmofin waterproofing membranes to seal new horizontal concrete surfaces. This will help prevent water or moisture from corroding steel beams. Concrete in coastal areas is more susceptible to cancer than concrete due to the higher salt content in the environment, which also accelerates oxidation.

You should also have the concrete sealed regularly to protect it against water damage and wear. Consider high-quality options, such as Wolfin or Cosmofin waterproofing membranes, to seal new horizontal concrete surfaces. Another preventive treatment for concrete cancer is to repair minor cracks and other damage to the concrete as soon as you notice them. If left untreated long enough, specific cancer can cause a structure to completely collapse and even put lives at risk. If you suspect that your building may be suffering from concrete cancer, it is important to contact an expert immediately. That's because Diamond Cut Concrete offers a 24-hour customer service line and can provide you with a quote in one day.

Be sure to check if they have experience treating concrete cancer and if they know you want to repair rather than replace damaged concrete if possible, as the cost of concrete can increase rapidly.