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crazy spider webs patterns on concrete surface

by dap
(portland)

Q. How do I repair crazy spider web patterns on my concrete. These are visible after it rains. I'm concerned about water and freezing in the winter.

Also, what caused them?

A. This is called "Crazing". Crazing is a network of fine surface cracks that makes the concrete appear spider webbed. This is not really a serious problem but could be down the road depending on the severity. It's caused by the concrete being finished while bleed water is still present. Bleed water is excess water in the mix that "bleeds" to the surface during the concrete set. Finishing with bleed water will bring too much sand and cement to surface. Cement shrinks as it hardens which is why too much of it on the surface results in the cracking or crazing. Adding water to the surface to aid in finishing can also create crazing.
What to do about it? There is absolutely nothing that can be done to fix it other that grinding down the surface or applying an overlay. As long as the surface is staying in tact then don't bother with either of those methods. The best thing to do is maintain a coat of concrete sealer to prevent any damage from freeze and thaw cycles.