Concrete Repair & Replacement
Fix cracked, sunken, or damaged concrete before small problems become expensive disasters.
When to Repair and When to Replace Your Concrete
Not all concrete damage needs full replacement. Sometimes a repair job costs less and lasts just as long. Other times, patching worn-out concrete just delays the inevitable. Knowing the difference saves you money and prevents repeat work. Here is how we decide what your concrete needs.
Good Candidates for Repair
Concrete in generally good condition with isolated problems responds well to repairs. We can fix:
- •Narrow Cracks: Cracks less than a quarter inch wide that are not growing or spreading. We fill these with epoxy or polyurethane to prevent water infiltration.
- •Surface Spalling: Flaking or chipping on the surface that has not penetrated deep into the slab. We can resurface these areas with a bonding agent and overlay.
- •Minor Settling: Slabs that have sunk one to two inches can often be lifted back to level using mudjacking or polyurethane foam injection.
- •Small Sections: Damaged areas smaller than a few square feet, like broken corners or edges, can be cut out and replaced without redoing the entire slab.
When Replacement Makes More Sense
Extensive damage or old, worn-out concrete usually needs complete replacement. We recommend replacement for:
- •Wide or Multiple Cracks: Cracks wider than half an inch or multiple cracks throughout the slab indicate structural problems that repairs cannot fix permanently.
- •Severe Settling: Slabs that have sunk more than a few inches or developed significant slopes need excavation and proper base preparation.
- •Age and Condition: Concrete older than 30 years showing widespread wear, surface degradation, or structural weakness throughout.
- •Poor Original Installation: Concrete poured without proper base preparation, inadequate thickness, or missing reinforcement will continue developing problems even after repairs.
We inspect your concrete and explain your options honestly. If repairs will last another 10 to 15 years, we tell you. If replacement is the better long-term investment, we explain why.
Concrete Repair Methods That Actually Work
Different problems need different solutions. We match the repair method to your specific situation for results that last.
Crack Filling and Sealing
Narrow cracks let water seep under your concrete, causing more damage during freeze-thaw cycles. We clean out the crack, inject flexible filler, and seal the surface. This stops water infiltration and prevents the crack from widening. The repair takes a few hours and extends your concrete life by years.
Concrete Leveling
Sunken concrete slabs create trip hazards and drainage problems. We use polyurethane foam injection to lift settled sections back to their original height. The process is fast, minimally invasive, and costs much less than replacement. The foam fills voids under the slab, provides support, and will not wash away like soil.
Surface Resurfacing
Worn, stained, or spalled concrete surfaces can be covered with a thin overlay of new concrete. We apply a bonding agent, then spread a layer of polymer-modified concrete over the existing surface. You can choose smooth, textured, or decorative stamped finishes. Resurfacing gives old concrete a brand-new appearance at half the cost of replacement.
Partial Slab Replacement
When damage affects only part of your concrete, we cut out the bad section and pour new concrete to match. This works great for broken corners, isolated cracks, or areas damaged by tree roots or settling. We tie the new concrete to the existing slab with rebar for a strong connection.
How to Prevent Future Concrete Damage
Most concrete damage in Dale City comes from water, poor drainage, or freeze-thaw cycles. You can extend your concrete life by addressing these issues before they cause problems.
Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from concrete surfaces. Keep expansion joints clean and sealed. Avoid using salt or harsh chemicals for ice removal in winter. Seal your concrete every few years to protect against moisture and staining. Fix small cracks as soon as you notice them, before they spread.
Trees growing near concrete can cause problems as roots expand and lift slabs. If you have trees close to your driveway or sidewalk, we can install root barriers during replacement to prevent future damage. Regular maintenance and attention to drainage issues prevent most repair problems before they start.
What Replacement Involves
When repairs are not enough, full replacement gives you decades of trouble-free use. We remove the old concrete, address any underlying issues with the base or drainage, install proper reinforcement, and pour new concrete built to last. You can upgrade to thicker concrete, add decorative finishes, or improve the layout during replacement.
Replacement costs more than repairs but makes sense when your concrete has reached the end of its useful life. New concrete with proper installation lasts 30 to 50 years, so you are making a long-term investment in your property.