Scarification removes the top layer of concrete leaving a rough, irregular surface profile consisting of coarse aggregate. The roughness ensures the success and durability of the new concrete surface to be applied.
As with all our hydrodemolition methods, scarification does this without fracturing or bruising adjacent areas.
Scarification uses standard hydrodemolition tractors or hydrodemolition vacuum tractors to remove between one-quarter (¼) inch and two (2) inches of concrete–although specified depths between one-quarter (¼) inch to one (1) inch are the norm.
When vacuum tractors are used, the wastewater is continuously vacuumed at the cutting head. Because there is no puddling, we refer to the process as “dry-hydro-scarification.”
High-speed scarification is similar to scarification, this process removes up to 1/4″ and is a good candidate for new decks needing an overlay. 
By maximizing the surface area for bonding, hydro-scarification has excellent shear resistance, and mechanical methods like rotomilling cannot create beneficial roughness and irregularity. That’s because rotomilling evenly shears the coarse aggregate thereby lessening the surface area. In addition, rotomilling can lead to fracturing the underlying substrate, thereby weakening the link between the existing base and the new concrete.
Hydro-scarification is a much more efficient than mechanical methods and provides superior and long-lasting results. Move the cursor over the image below to see the difference hydroscarification and an almost-smooth, rotomilled surface.
