Concrete Repair & Replacement
Restore damaged concrete or replace beyond-repair surfaces with expert craftsmanship.
When to Repair vs Replace Your Concrete
If your driveway, patio, or walkway has cracks, settling, or other damage, you face an important decision. Should you repair the existing concrete or replace it entirely? The right choice depends on several factors including the extent of damage, the age of the concrete, and your long-term plans for the property. We help you make an informed decision based on a thorough inspection and honest assessment.
Minor issues like small cracks, surface spalling, or isolated damage can often be repaired effectively. Repairs cost less than replacement and can extend the life of your concrete for years. However, extensive cracking, widespread settling, or structural problems may make replacement the better option. Trying to repair severely damaged concrete is like putting a bandage on a serious wound. It might look better temporarily, but the underlying problems remain.
Age plays a role too. Concrete that is 20 or 30 years old and showing multiple problems is probably near the end of its useful life. Investing in repairs might only give you a few more years. Fresh replacement will last another 30 years or more. We evaluate your specific situation during a free consultation and recommend the most cost-effective approach. Our goal is not to sell you the most expensive option but to provide the solution that makes the most sense for your needs and budget.
Common Concrete Problems We Fix
Cracks and Crack Repair
Cracks are the most common concrete problem. Small hairline cracks are usually cosmetic and do not affect structural integrity. These develop naturally as concrete cures and experiences temperature changes. However, wider cracks or those that continue to grow indicate more serious issues. Water can enter through cracks and cause further damage through freeze-thaw cycles. Soil movement under the slab can widen cracks over time.
We repair cracks using several methods depending on their size and cause. Narrow cracks can be filled with flexible sealants that accommodate minor movement. Wider cracks may need routing and sealing with specialized materials. For structural cracks, we may need to stabilize the underlying soil or install reinforcement before making repairs. The key is addressing the cause of cracking, not just filling the visible crack.
Spalling and Surface Damage
Spalling is when the surface of concrete flakes, chips, or breaks away. This often results from water penetrating the surface and freezing, causing the top layer to pop off. Poor finishing techniques or inadequate curing can also lead to spalling. Once started, spalling tends to get worse as more water enters the damaged areas. Surface damage not only looks bad but creates trip hazards and allows deeper deterioration.
For minor spalling, we can grind down the rough edges and apply a concrete overlay or resurfacer. This creates a new, smooth surface over the damaged concrete. Deeper spalling may require cutting out the damaged section and patching with fresh concrete. We match the color and texture as closely as possible to blend repairs with the existing surface. Proper surface preparation and quality repair materials ensure lasting results.
Settling and Uneven Surfaces
When concrete slabs sink or tilt, it creates safety hazards and drainage problems. Settling happens when the soil under the slab compacts or washes away. This is common where proper base preparation was skipped during installation. Uneven sidewalks and driveways are not just unsightly but can cause trips and falls.
We offer concrete leveling services to raise sunken slabs back to their original position. This process involves drilling small holes and pumping material under the slab to lift it. It costs less than replacement and causes minimal disruption. Once level, we seal the holes so you cannot tell work was done. For severe settling or when the slab is also badly cracked, replacement may be more practical.
Other Repair Services
Beyond these common issues, we handle a variety of other concrete repairs:
- Joint repair and resealing to prevent water intrusion
- Edge repairs where concrete has broken away
- Step and stair repairs for safe access
- Curb and gutter repairs
- Foundation crack repair and waterproofing
- Removing and replacing oil-stained sections
- Fixing drainage problems that cause concrete damage
Whatever concrete problem you face, we have the tools and expertise to fix it properly. We do not just patch over problems. We identify the root cause and provide repairs that last.
Our Repair and Replacement Process
Inspection and Assessment
We start every repair or replacement project with a thorough inspection. We look at the visible damage but also investigate underlying causes. Is the problem just surface level or does it involve the base and subgrade? Are there drainage issues contributing to the damage? What condition is the concrete in overall? We take measurements, check for settlement, and evaluate the extent of cracking or other damage.
Based on this inspection, we provide a detailed estimate that outlines the recommended work. We explain why we recommend repair or replacement and what results you can expect. If multiple options exist, we present them with the pros and cons of each approach. You get clear information to make the best decision for your situation. Our estimates are detailed and include all costs so there are no surprises.
Repair Execution
When performing repairs, we take care to match materials and techniques to your existing concrete. The repair area is properly prepared by cleaning out loose material, removing contaminants, and creating a sound surface for bonding. We use professional-grade repair materials designed for long-term durability. The repaired sections are finished to blend with surrounding concrete as much as possible.
Proper curing is just as important for repairs as for new concrete. We protect repaired areas from traffic and weather until the material reaches adequate strength. This might mean blocking off part of your driveway or walkway for a few days. We work efficiently to minimize inconvenience while ensuring quality results. After repairs cure, we can apply sealers to protect the entire surface and help repairs blend better.
Complete Replacement
When replacement is needed, we remove the old concrete and haul it away. This gives us a chance to address any base or drainage problems before installing new concrete. We follow the same high standards for site preparation, forming, pouring, and finishing that we use on all concrete work. The new concrete is installed to current building codes and will last for decades. Replacement also gives you an opportunity to make improvements like increasing thickness, adding decorative finishes, or expanding the size of the area.