Concrete Repair & Replacement

Should You Repair or Replace?

Cracked, uneven, or damaged concrete is not just ugly. It creates tripping hazards, allows water to pool in the wrong places, and gets worse over time if you ignore it. The question is whether you need a simple repair or complete replacement. Here is how to think about this decision.

Minor surface cracks, small chips, and light scaling can usually be repaired effectively. These cosmetic issues do not threaten the structural integrity of your concrete. Repairs cost far less than replacement and can extend the life of your concrete by years.

On the other hand, extensive cracking, major settling, widespread damage, or structural failure usually means replacement makes more sense. Trying to repair severely damaged concrete often costs almost as much as replacement while delivering inferior results. We will assess your situation honestly and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

How We Fix Damaged Concrete

We use several repair techniques depending on the type and extent of damage. For cracks, we clean them thoroughly and fill them with flexible concrete crack filler or epoxy injection. This stops water infiltration and prevents the crack from spreading. Wider cracks might need routing and sealing with specialized materials.

Surface damage like spalling or scaling gets fixed with concrete resurfacing. We apply a thin layer of polymer-modified concrete that bonds to the existing surface and restores a smooth, attractive finish. This works great for patios, walkways, and pool decks where appearance matters.

For sunken or settled sections, we use either mudjacking or polyurethane foam injection. These techniques lift the concrete back to its original level without complete replacement. Mudjacking pumps a cement slurry under the slab to raise it. Foam injection uses expanding polyurethane that fills voids and lifts the concrete. Both methods cost far less than replacement and work well for driveways, sidewalks, and garage floors.

Complete Concrete Replacement

When repair is not enough, we remove and replace damaged concrete sections. This process starts with demolition and removal of the old concrete. We break it up, haul it away, and properly dispose of it. Then we prepare the base exactly like a new installation.

We figure out what caused the original failure and fix those underlying issues. Poor drainage, inadequate base preparation, or tree roots often cause concrete damage. If we do not address these problems, your new concrete will fail just like the old stuff. We take the time to do it right.

After fixing any base issues, we install new concrete using the same quality techniques we use for all our new concrete installations. This includes proper reinforcement, correct thickness, and professional finishing. We can match existing concrete or upgrade to decorative options if you want to improve the appearance.

Preventing Future Concrete Problems

Many concrete problems are preventable with proper installation and basic maintenance. Good drainage is critical. Water that pools on or under concrete causes settlement, cracking, and deterioration. Make sure downspouts direct water away from concrete surfaces and that your property grades properly.

Seal your concrete every few years to protect against moisture penetration, staining, and surface damage. This simple maintenance step extends concrete life significantly. Keep tree roots away from concrete by installing root barriers during construction or removing problem trees before they cause damage.

Finally, address small problems early. A small crack you repair today saves you from major replacement costs tomorrow. We offer maintenance services to help you protect your concrete investment over the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions