Spalling Concrete on Slab Soffit: The Hidden Danger of Moisture Intrusion

When water penetrates your car porch slab, it doesn’t just cause surface stains — it can lead  to serious structural problems like concrete spalling on the soffit (underside of the slab).

What is Concrete Spalling?

Spalling occurs when concrete begins to crack, flake, or break off, especially at the soffit (bottom part) of the slab. You may notice:

  • Chunks of concrete falling off
  • Rust marks or exposed steel bars
  • Hollow-sounding patches when tapped
  • Discoloration or surface bubbling

Why Does Spalling Happen?

The main culprit is moisture intrusion. When water seeps into the slab and reaches the steel reinforcement (rebar), it causes:

  • Rusting of steel bars
    Rust expands up to 6 times its volume, creating internal pressure that cracks the concrete.
  • Loss of concrete cover
    As the rebar swells and concrete weakens, it breaks away from the slab surface — exposing the structure to more water and air.

Long-Term Risks:
If left untreated, spalling can lead to:

  • Structural instability
  • Falling debris hazard (especially dangerous in car porches)
  • High repair costs as a result of extensive steel and concrete damage

🛠️Our Repair Approach to Spalled Soffits

Structural Repairs (M) Sdn Bhd uses industry-grade methods to repair spalled slabs:

  1. Remove Loose Concrete
    We chip away all delaminated and weak concrete to expose the rusted rebar.
  1. Rebar Treatment
    The steel is cleaned and coated with corrosion inhibitors to stop further rusting.
  1. Recasting with Repair Mortar
    We rebuild the soffit profile using high-strength polymer-modified mortar or structural repair mortar.
  1. Waterproofing the Source
    We don’t just patch the symptom — we identify and waterproof the water entry point to stop the root cause.

With proper repair and waterproofing, your slab soffit can be restored safely and  permanently.

📞Get a Professional Inspection Today

With over 40 years of experience, Structural Repairs (M) Sdn Bhd is your trusted expert in structural waterproofing and concrete repairs.

👉Contact us today for an inspection or quotation.

📧Email us: structuralrepairs@gmail.com
🌐Visit: https://structuralrepairs.com.my
📞Whatsapp: +60 12-334 9113
📍Based in Kuala Lumpur, serving all of Malaysia

Tags:
#Waterproofing #SlabLeak #PorchLeak #ConcreteRepair #PUInjection #MalaysiaConstruction #StructuralRepairs

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