Concrete Repair & Replacement
Fix damaged concrete or replace it completely to restore function and appearance to your property.
When to Repair vs Replace Concrete
Not every crack or damaged section needs complete replacement. Minor surface cracks, small spalling areas, and isolated damage often respond well to repair. We can fill cracks, patch broken corners, and resurface worn areas for a fraction of the cost of tearing out and replacing the entire slab. Repairs work best when the underlying structure remains sound and the damage covers less than 30 percent of the surface.
Replacement makes sense when damage is extensive or the concrete has failed structurally. Severe settling, large heaved sections, multiple deep cracks, or widespread scaling indicate bigger problems that repairs cannot fix. Sometimes the concrete is just old and has reached the end of its useful life. A 50-year-old driveway with numerous patches and cracks will likely need more repairs every few years. At that point, replacement gives you a fresh start and decades of trouble-free use.
The decision often comes down to economics and long-term plans. If you plan to stay in your home for many years, replacement provides better value. If you need a quick fix before selling or want to buy time until you can afford a larger project, repairs might make sense. We walk you through your options honestly. Sometimes we can extend the life of your concrete with repairs, and sometimes we recommend replacement because that is what will actually solve the problem. Our goal is to help you make the right choice for your specific situation and budget.
Common Concrete Problems We Fix
Concrete develops problems for various reasons. Understanding what went wrong helps prevent the same issues in your new or repaired concrete. Some problems stem from poor original installation, while others result from age, weather, or changes in how you use the space.
Typical concrete issues we address:
- •Cracks from settling, tree roots, or freeze-thaw cycles
- •Spalling and scaling where the surface flakes or chips away
- •Sunken or settled sections creating trip hazards
- •Heaved concrete pushed up by frost or roots
- •Broken edges and corners from impact or plow damage
- •Pitting and deterioration from salt and chemical exposure
Settling happens when the soil under your concrete compresses or washes away. This is common near downspouts where water erodes the base material over time. We can sometimes raise sunken concrete with mudjacking or polyurethane foam injection, which costs less than replacement and fixes the problem in hours rather than days. When settling is severe or widespread, removing and replacing the section with proper base preparation prevents future issues.
Scaling and spalling often result from water penetrating the surface and freezing. This is especially common on driveways exposed to deicing salt. Once scaling starts, it tends to accelerate because the rough surface holds more water and salt. Minor scaling can be resurfaced with a concrete overlay. Severe scaling that exposes aggregate throughout requires replacement. In either case, proper sealing after repair or replacement helps prevent the problem from recurring.
Our Repair and Replacement Process
For repairs, we start by cleaning the damaged area thoroughly and removing any loose or deteriorated concrete. We cannot just slap new concrete on top of old and expect it to stick. Proper surface preparation creates a bond between old and new material. We use bonding agents when needed and choose repair materials that match the strength and appearance of your existing concrete.
Crack repair involves routing out the crack to create clean edges, filling it with appropriate material, and sealing the surface. Small cracks get filled with flexible sealants that move with the concrete. Larger structural cracks need more extensive repair, sometimes including stitching with steel reinforcement or cutting out and replacing the damaged section. We evaluate each crack individually because the right repair method depends on what caused the crack and whether the concrete is still moving.
Replacement projects follow the same process as new installations. We remove the old concrete, address any underlying issues like poor drainage or inadequate base material, and pour new concrete to current standards. This might mean going thicker than the original, adding reinforcement that was missing, or improving the base to prevent settling. We can replace entire slabs or just damaged sections, depending on what makes sense. When replacing part of a driveway or patio, we cut clean edges and tie the new section into the existing concrete properly so you do not end up with separation issues later.
Common Questions About Concrete Repair
It depends on what we repair and what caused the original damage. Crack repairs can last decades if the underlying issue has been addressed and the concrete has stopped moving. Surface repairs like patching spalled areas typically last 5 to 15 years depending on traffic and weather exposure. Mudjacking or foam lifting usually lasts as long as the original concrete, often 20 years or more. The key is identifying and fixing what caused the problem in the first place. If we just patch damage without addressing root causes like drainage issues or inadequate thickness, you will likely see problems return sooner.
Yes, we regularly replace individual sections of driveways, patios, and walkways. We cut out the damaged area with a concrete saw to create clean, straight edges, then pour new concrete that ties into the existing slab. This costs much less than replacing the entire driveway when only part of it has problems. The new section will look different initially because fresh concrete has a lighter color, but this difference fades as both sections weather together over the first year. If color matching is critical, we can add pigment to get closer to your existing concrete color.
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If the concrete is structurally sound with isolated damage, repairs make economic sense. If you have widespread problems, multiple previous repairs, or the concrete is very old and deteriorated throughout, replacement usually provides better long-term value. We look at the overall condition, not just the obvious damage. Sometimes concrete looks bad on the surface but remains structurally solid, and sometimes it looks okay but has hidden problems. We give you an honest assessment of whether repairs will actually solve your problem or just postpone the inevitable. Our reputation depends on doing what is right for your situation, not just making a sale.