Concrete Repair & Replacement

Concrete develops problems for various reasons. Understanding what causes damage helps you make informed decisions about repair versus replacement. Here are the issues we see most often:

• Cracks: Small hairline cracks are normal, but wider cracks let water penetrate and can indicate structural issues
• Spalling and flaking: Surface concrete chips away, exposing aggregate underneath and creating rough, damaged areas
• Settling and sinking: Sections drop below their original level, creating uneven surfaces and trip hazards
• Heaving: Ground movement or tree roots push concrete upward, creating raised areas and cracks
• Discoloration and staining: Oil, rust, or other substances stain the surface, though this is mostly cosmetic
• Edge deterioration: Edges crumble and break away, especially along driveways and walkways
• Surface erosion: Weather and wear break down the surface, creating pitting and rough texture

Some problems result from installation issues like inadequate base preparation or lack of reinforcement. Others come from age, weather exposure, or external factors like soil movement. We diagnose the root cause to ensure repairs address the underlying problem, not just cosmetic symptoms.

This is the big question. Repair costs less upfront but might only be temporary for severely damaged concrete. Replacement costs more initially but can be the smarter long-term investment. We help you weigh the factors and make the right choice.

When Repair Makes Sense

Repairs work well when damage is localized and the underlying concrete remains structurally sound. If you have a few cracks, some surface spalling, or minor settling in one area, targeted repairs often solve the problem effectively. Repairs typically cost 30-50% less than replacement and cause less disruption to your property.

Consider repair when:

• Cracks are narrow and haven't spread extensively
• Only certain sections show damage while most of the concrete looks good
• The concrete is relatively new and damage came from isolated incidents
• You plan to upgrade or replace the surface in a few years anyway
• Budget constraints make replacement impractical right now

When Replacement is Better

Complete replacement makes sense when damage is widespread, the concrete has reached the end of its useful life, or underlying issues can't be fixed with surface repairs. If your driveway has extensive cracking throughout, major settling in multiple areas, or is just worn out from decades of use, replacement provides better long-term value.

Consider replacement when:

• More than 25-30% of the surface shows damage or deterioration
• The concrete is 30+ years old and showing its age
• You want to change the layout, size, or design
• Underlying problems like poor drainage or inadequate base preparation caused the damage
• You plan to stay in your home long-term and want a permanent solution

Different problems need different repair approaches. We use proven methods that deliver lasting results, not temporary cosmetic fixes that fail in a year or two.

Crack Repair and Sealing

We clean out cracks, inject or fill them with appropriate repair materials, and seal the surface. Small hairline cracks get filled with flexible sealants. Wider structural cracks may need epoxy injection or routing and sealing. The repair material must match the concrete's properties to prevent the repair from failing.

Surface Restoration and Resurfacing

When the surface is damaged but the underlying concrete is solid, we can apply new layers that bond to the existing concrete. Resurfacing creates a fresh, smooth surface and can add decorative finishes. This works well for spalling, light cracking, and worn surfaces.

Slab Jacking and Leveling

Sunken concrete gets lifted back to its original level using slab jacking techniques. We drill small holes, inject material underneath to raise the slab, then patch the holes. This costs much less than removing and replacing settled sections.

Partial Replacement

Sometimes the best approach is removing only the damaged section and replacing it. We cut out the bad concrete, prepare the base properly, and pour new concrete that ties into the existing surface. This gives you new concrete where you need it without the expense of replacing the entire area.

Complete replacement starts with removing the old concrete. We break it up, haul it away, and prepare the site properly. This is your opportunity to fix any underlying problems that caused the original concrete to fail.

We evaluate drainage and make corrections if needed. Poor drainage is the number one cause of concrete failure. If water pools around or under your concrete, we grade the site to direct water away from the surface. Sometimes this requires installing drainage systems or addressing landscape issues.

Base preparation gets done right this time. We excavate to proper depth, remove any soft or unstable soil, and install compacted aggregate base material. This creates the solid foundation that was probably missing from the original installation.

The new concrete gets poured with proper reinforcement and thickness for your specific application. We follow current building codes and best practices, which often exceed what was done when your old concrete was installed decades ago. The result is a properly built surface that will last for many more years.