How much does it cost to fix concrete driveway scaling and pitting in Ottawa?

What Causes Concrete Scaling and Pitting

Scaling is when the top layer of your concrete driveway flakes off in thin sheets, exposing the rough aggregate underneath. Pitting creates small holes or craters across the surface. Both are extremely common in Ottawa because our winters involve constant freeze-thaw cycling, heavy road salt use, and prolonged exposure to moisture from over 200cm of annual snowfall. When water penetrates the concrete surface and freezes, it expands by about 9%, physically breaking apart the top layer from within.

Why Ottawa's Climate Accelerates the Damage

Homeowners in Nepean, Stittsville, and across the city see this damage worsen rapidly because Ottawa experiences roughly 50 to 70 freeze-thaw cycles per winter. Each cycle does a small amount of damage that compounds over time. Municipal salt and calcium chloride used on adjacent roads and sidewalks gets tracked onto driveways, further attacking the concrete surface. Driveways that weren't properly air-entrained during the original pour are especially vulnerable.

Repair Options and Their Costs

For minor scaling affecting less than 25% of the surface, a concrete resurfacer or overlay can restore the appearance and protect against further damage. This typically costs between $800 and $2,000 for a standard two-car driveway in Ottawa. For moderate damage, a bonded concrete overlay of 25 to 50mm thickness runs between $2,500 and $5,000. Severe scaling where the aggregate is deeply exposed or structural cracking accompanies the surface damage usually means full replacement at $8,000 to $15,000 depending on size and access.

Patching Individual Pits

If pitting is limited to a few spots, a contractor can grind the area and fill with a polymer-modified concrete patch compound. Individual pit repairs cost between $150 and $400 per area. However, if pitting is widespread, spot repairs become less cost-effective than a full resurfacing.

Preventing Future Scaling

After repair, applying a penetrating silane or siloxane sealer every two to three years significantly reduces water absorption and salt damage. Avoid using de-icing salts directly on the concrete surface — use sand for traction instead. A quality sealer application runs $300 to $600 for a typical Ottawa driveway.

Reach out through Ottawa Driveways to connect with concrete specialists in your neighbourhood who understand how to repair scaling that holds up through our harsh winters.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• 613Bins
• RenoMotion Inc.
• Elie The Carpet Guy Inc.
• ARTEXPRO Tile & Finishes
• Titley Construction