Concrete Repair & Replacement

When to Repair vs. When to Replace

Not all concrete problems need a complete replacement. Sometimes a repair does the job perfectly. Other times, trying to patch bad concrete is just throwing money away. We'll tell you honestly which approach makes sense for your situation.

Small cracks, minor surface damage, and isolated problem areas can usually be repaired. Major cracking, widespread settling, or structural failure typically means replacement. The age of the concrete matters too. If your driveway is 40 years old and falling apart, repair might just be delaying the inevitable.

We'll come look at your concrete, explain what's causing the problem, and give you options. Sometimes repair makes sense. Sometimes replacement is the smarter move. We've been doing this work in Highlands Ranch long enough to know the difference.

Common Concrete Problems We Fix

Here are the issues we see most often and what we do about them:

Cracks

Hairline cracks are normal and don't usually need fixing unless they're letting water through. Wider cracks need attention. We clean them out, fill them with appropriate repair material, and seal them to prevent water infiltration. For control joints that have opened up, we can rout and seal them properly.

Spalling and Surface Damage

Spalling is when the surface of concrete starts flaking or chipping away. It's usually caused by water getting in and freezing, or by using salt on concrete that wasn't sealed. We remove the damaged surface, prep the area, and apply a repair overlay that bonds to the existing concrete. If the damage is too extensive, replacement makes more sense.

Settling and Sinking

When sections of concrete sink or settle unevenly, it creates trip hazards and drainage problems. Sometimes we can lift and level the concrete using mudjacking or polyurethane foam injection. This works well for driveways, sidewalks, and patios that have sunk but are still structurally sound. If the concrete is also cracked and damaged, replacement might be the better option.

Uneven Surfaces

Concrete that has become uneven due to settling or poor initial installation can be ground down to create a smoother surface. We can also apply a self-leveling overlay to create a new, level surface. This works great for garage floors, basements, and patios where you want a smooth finish.

Structural Failure

When concrete is severely cracked throughout, has shifted significantly, or is breaking apart, repair isn't an option. At that point, you need replacement. We'll remove the failed concrete, address whatever caused the problem in the first place, and install new concrete that's built to last.

Our Repair Process

Every repair job is different, but here's generally how we approach them.

• Assess the damage and identify the root cause
• Clean and prepare the damaged area thoroughly
• Remove any loose or deteriorated concrete
• Apply bonding agents to ensure new material adheres properly
• Fill, patch, or overlay with appropriate repair products
• Finish to match existing concrete as closely as possible
• Seal or protect the repair to prevent future damage

Good concrete repair is about more than just filling holes. You have to fix the underlying problem or the damage will just come back. If water caused the damage, we need to address drainage. If settling caused it, we need to stabilize the base. We look at the whole situation, not just the symptoms.

Replacement When Repair Isn't Enough

Sometimes concrete is too far gone to save. Multiple large cracks, extensive settling, severe spalling, or old age can mean it's time for replacement. While this costs more upfront, it often makes more financial sense than repeatedly patching failing concrete.

When we replace concrete, we do it right from the ground up. We figure out what went wrong with the old concrete and make sure it doesn't happen again. Maybe the base wasn't compacted properly. Maybe there was no reinforcement. Maybe the concrete was too thin or the wrong mix. We'll correct whatever caused the failure.

We can often remove and replace just the damaged section rather than tearing out everything. This saves money and minimizes disruption. We'll saw-cut clean lines around the bad area, remove it, and pour new concrete that ties into the existing good concrete.

New concrete won't match old concrete exactly in color. It will be lighter at first, then darken and weather over time to get closer. If appearance is really important, we can consider dying or staining the new section to blend better. Or we might recommend replacing a larger area so everything looks uniform.

Preventing Future Concrete Problems

Once we've repaired or replaced your concrete, you'll want to keep it in good shape. Here's what helps concrete last.

Seal It: Sealing concrete protects it from water, stains, and salt damage. Reseal every few years, especially in areas exposed to weather.

Fix Drainage Issues: Water is concrete's enemy. Make sure water drains away from your concrete, not toward it or under it.

Avoid Salt: Road salt and ice melt can damage concrete surfaces. Use sand for traction instead, or choose concrete-safe ice melt products.

Address Problems Early: Small cracks and minor damage are easier and cheaper to fix than major problems. If you see something concerning, give us a call before it gets worse.