How do I fix surface scaling on Ottawa concrete?

Surface scaling on concrete driveways is unfortunately common in Ottawa due to our harsh freeze-thaw cycles and heavy salt use, but the repair approach depends on the severity of the damage. For light scaling (surface roughness with small flakes), you can often restore the surface yourself, but deeper scaling that exposes aggregate requires professional concrete resurfacing.

Light to moderate scaling can be addressed with concrete resurfacer products available at Ottawa home improvement stores. Clean the surface thoroughly with a pressure washer and concrete cleaner to remove all loose material, dirt, and salt residue. Allow it to dry completely, then apply a thin coat of polymer-modified concrete resurfacer using a squeegee or trowel. These products bond to sound concrete and create a new wearing surface. Expect to pay $3 to $6 per square foot for materials if doing it yourself. The key is ensuring the existing concrete beneath the scaling is structurally sound — if you can press your thumb into the concrete or large chunks come away easily, the damage is too severe for surface trr comfortable walking and vehicle traffic while providing adequate texture for traction. HL3 handles the thermal expansion and contraction from Ottawa's 60-degree temperature swings between winter and summer, and the aggregate size is optimal for the typical 50mm lift thickness used in residential paving.

HL4 (12.5mm maximum aggregate size) uses smaller aggregate and creates a finer, smoother surface finish. While this sounds appealing, it comes with drawbacks for Ottawa driveways. The smaller aggregate size makes HL4 more susceptible to rutting under heavy loads, and the finer texture can become slippery when wet or icy. HL4 also costs 15 to 25 percent more than HL3 but doesn't provide meaningful performance benefits for residential use in Ottawa's climate.

Ottawa's extreme freeze-thaw cycles — over 50 per winter — are hard on any asphalt mix. HL3's aggregate gradation and binder content are specifically formulated to handle this stress. The key to longevity isn't the asphalt grade but proper base preparation (minimum 300mm Granular B sub-base plus 150mm Granular A base in Ottawa) and regular sealcoating every 2 to 3 years to prevent water infiltration.

Most Ottawa paving contractors stock and recommend HL3 because it's the industry standard for residential work. Unless you have specific requirements for an ultra-smooth surface (rare for driveways), HL3 provides the best balance of performance, durability, and cost. Focus your attention on finding a contractor who won't cut corners on base depth and compaction — that's far more important than the asphalt grade for long-term performance.

When to consider HL4: Only if you're doing a high-end project where appearance is critical and cost isn't a concern, or if your contractor specifically recommends it for technical reasons related to your specific site conditions.

Need help finding a paving contractor who understands proper Ottawa driveway construction? Ottawa Driveways can match you with local professionals for free estimates.