Concrete Repair & Replacement

Not every cracked or damaged concrete surface needs to be replaced. In fact, many problems can be repaired for a fraction of the replacement cost. The key is knowing which approach makes sense for your situation.

We typically recommend repair when:

• Cracks are narrow and haven't caused major settling or shifting
• The concrete is less than 15-20 years old and structurally sound
• Damage is limited to specific sections rather than the entire surface
• The issue is cosmetic and doesn't affect safety or function
• Budget constraints make replacement impractical right now

Replacement makes more sense when:

• Multiple large cracks indicate widespread structural failure
• Sections have sunk significantly, creating trip hazards
• The concrete is very old and deteriorated throughout
• Previous repairs have failed or the damage keeps recurring
• You want to change the size, shape, or appearance significantly

We visit your property to assess the damage honestly. If repair will work, we'll tell you. If replacement is the better long-term solution, we'll explain why. We never push you toward a more expensive option than necessary. Our goal is solving your concrete problem in the most practical, cost-effective way.

We handle all types of concrete damage and deterioration. Here are the issues we see most often:

• Cracks: From hairline surface cracks to structural cracks that go all the way through. We determine what caused the crack and fix the underlying problem, not just patch the surface.
• Sunken or settled sections: When soil underneath washes away or compacts unevenly, concrete slabs sink. This creates trip hazards and drainage problems.
• Spalling and scaling: When the surface layer flakes off or crumbles. This often happens from poor finishing, weak concrete, or freeze-thaw damage.
• Uneven surfaces: Sections that have tilted or shifted, causing water pooling or creating unsafe walking surfaces.
• Holes and pitting: Areas where the concrete has broken down or been damaged by impact, creating divots and rough spots.
• Discoloration and staining: While mostly cosmetic, severe staining or discoloration can be addressed with cleaning, resurfacing, or coating.

Each problem has specific causes and solutions. During our assessment, we identify why the damage occurred. There's no point fixing symptoms if the underlying cause will just create the same problem again.

We use different repair techniques depending on the type and severity of damage. Here's what we offer:

Crack Filling and Sealing

For narrow cracks that haven't caused major structural issues, we clean out the crack thoroughly and fill it with flexible polyurethane or epoxy compounds. These materials bond strongly to the concrete and can flex slightly with minor movement. For wider cracks, we rout them out to create a better bonding surface, then fill and seal. This prevents water infiltration that could cause further damage.

Slab Jacking and Leveling

When sections have sunk, we can often lift them back to the proper level without replacement. We drill small holes and inject specialized material underneath that fills voids and raises the concrete. Modern polyurethane foam is lighter and more precise than traditional mud jacking. This method works great for sunken driveway sections and sidewalks.

Partial Replacement

Sometimes the most practical solution is removing and replacing only the damaged sections. We saw cut around the problem area, remove it, prepare the base properly, and pour new concrete that ties into the existing slab. This costs less than full replacement while giving you a like-new result in the damaged area.

Resurfacing and Overlays

For concrete with surface damage but good structural integrity, we can apply a new surface layer. This involves bonding a thin layer of fresh concrete or specialized overlay material to the existing surface. It's perfect for fixing spalling, pitting, or simply updating the appearance. We can even add color or texture for a decorative finish.

Patching and Rebuilding

For localized damage like holes or broken edges, we remove the damaged concrete and rebuild that specific area. We use repair mortars specifically designed to bond well with old concrete. Edges and corners get reinforced if needed to prevent the damage from recurring.

When we determine that replacement makes more sense than repair, here's how we handle it:

• Complete removal: We saw cut and break out the old concrete, then haul away all debris. You won't need to deal with disposal.
• Address underlying problems: If poor drainage, inadequate base, or other issues caused the failure, we fix those before pouring new concrete.
• Proper preparation: We prepare the base exactly as we would for new construction, with proper grading, compaction, and drainage.
• Quality installation: The new concrete is poured and finished to the same high standards as all our work, with appropriate reinforcement and thickness.
• Matching existing surfaces: When replacing sections of patios or driveways, we do our best to match the texture and color of adjacent concrete.

Replacement gives you a fresh start with properly installed concrete that should last another 30-50 years. It's an investment, but sometimes it's the only way to truly solve the problem.

After repair or replacement, you want your concrete to last as long as possible. Here's how to protect your investment:

• Seal concrete every few years to prevent moisture penetration
• Keep gutters and downspouts directed away from concrete surfaces
• Fill small cracks promptly before they expand
• Avoid using de-icing salts that can damage concrete
• Don't allow large vehicles on concrete not designed for heavy loads
• Keep vegetation away from concrete edges where roots can cause problems
• Ensure proper drainage so water doesn't pool on or under concrete

Many concrete problems develop slowly over years. If you notice small cracks, slight settling, or other minor issues, address them early. Small repairs are quick and inexpensive. Waiting until the problem becomes major costs significantly more to fix. We're always happy to evaluate your concrete and let you know if action is needed now or if you can wait.