Concrete Repair & Replacement
Restore damaged concrete or replace failing surfaces with expert repair services that extend the life of your property.
When to Repair vs Replace Concrete
Not every concrete problem requires complete replacement. Understanding when repair makes sense and when replacement is necessary saves you money and prevents bigger problems down the road. Here in Wheaton and throughout Montgomery County, we've evaluated thousands of concrete issues and can quickly determine the best approach for your situation.
Minor surface damage, small cracks, and cosmetic issues usually respond well to repair. These fixes cost less than replacement and can extend your concrete's life by many years. However, significant structural damage, widespread cracking, or severe settling typically requires replacement. Trying to patch major problems often wastes money because the underlying issues continue causing damage.
We provide honest assessments of your concrete condition. If repair will solve the problem effectively, we'll recommend that approach and save you money. When replacement is the better choice, we explain why and show you what's causing the damage. This transparency helps you make informed decisions about your property investment.
Common Concrete Problems We Fix
Cracks and Surface Damage
Cracks develop in concrete for various reasons including settling, freeze-thaw cycles, and normal aging. Small hairline cracks can be sealed to prevent water infiltration and further damage. Wider cracks may need routing and filling with specialized repair materials. Surface damage from spalling or scaling can often be repaired by removing the damaged layer and applying a fresh concrete overlay.
Settling and Uneven Surfaces
Settling occurs when the soil beneath concrete shifts or compacts unevenly. This creates trip hazards and drainage problems. Minor settling might be fixable through mud jacking or foam injection that raises the concrete back to its original level. Severe settling usually requires removing and replacing the affected sections with proper base preparation to prevent recurrence.
Spalling and Surface Deterioration
Spalling happens when the concrete surface flakes or chips away, often due to freeze-thaw damage, deicing salt, or poor installation. If spalling is limited to the surface layer, we can remove the damaged concrete and apply a bonded overlay that restores appearance and protection. Deep spalling that reaches the reinforcement steel typically requires replacement.
Drainage Issues
Poor drainage causes water to pool on concrete surfaces, leading to ice formation in winter and accelerated deterioration. Sometimes we can improve drainage by grinding or cutting to create proper slope. Other situations require removing and replacing sections to establish correct drainage patterns. Good drainage is critical for concrete longevity, which is why it's central to all our concrete installation work throughout the area.
Repair Methods and Techniques
We use proven repair techniques matched to your specific concrete problem. The right method makes the difference between a repair that lasts and one that fails quickly:
- Crack injection with epoxy or polyurethane for structural crack repair
- Surface sealing and coating to protect against moisture and chemicals
- Concrete overlays and resurfacing for worn or damaged surfaces
- Patch repairs with high-strength polymer-modified concrete
- Joint repair and replacement for control and expansion joints
- Grinding and leveling to eliminate trip hazards
- Waterproofing and sealing to prevent future water damage
- Reinforcement installation for areas needing additional strength
Material selection matters for repairs. We use products specifically designed for concrete repair that bond properly and match existing concrete characteristics. Standard concrete doesn't work well for repairs because it shrinks differently and doesn't bond as effectively. Professional repair materials cost more but deliver lasting results.
Surface preparation is critical for successful repairs. We clean and prepare the damaged area thoroughly before applying repair materials. This might include pressure washing, grinding, or sandblasting to create a clean surface for proper bonding. Shortcuts during preparation lead to repair failures, which is why we never skip these essential steps.
The Replacement Process
When concrete needs replacement, we handle the entire process efficiently and professionally. First, we remove the damaged concrete carefully to avoid disturbing adjacent areas. This removal work can be dusty and noisy, but we take steps to minimize the impact on your property and neighbors.
After removal, we evaluate and correct the underlying cause of the failure. Maybe the base wasn't compacted properly, or drainage issues allowed water to undermine the concrete. We fix these problems before installing new concrete so you don't face the same issues again. This problem-solving approach distinguishes professional concrete contractors from those who just pour new concrete over old problems.
The new concrete installation follows best practices including proper base preparation, appropriate thickness and reinforcement, and professional finishing. We can match existing concrete appearance or upgrade to a more attractive finish. Many customers use replacement as an opportunity to improve their concrete surfaces with decorative stamped finishes or other upgrades.
Matching existing concrete color and texture takes skill. Concrete naturally varies in appearance based on materials, weather conditions during placement, and age. We use coloring and finishing techniques to blend new sections with existing concrete as closely as possible. Perfect matches aren't always achievable, but we minimize visible differences through careful material selection and finishing methods. Our experience working throughout Wheaton and Montgomery County means we understand how local conditions affect concrete appearance.
Preventing Future Concrete Problems
Many concrete problems are preventable with proper maintenance and care. Regular sealing protects against moisture penetration, freeze-thaw damage, and chemical exposure. We recommend sealing driveways, walkways, and patios every two to three years depending on traffic and weather exposure.
Address drainage issues promptly before they cause damage. Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from concrete surfaces. Keep the area around your concrete properly graded so water flows away rather than pooling. These simple maintenance steps prevent the moisture problems that cause most concrete damage.
Use appropriate deicing products in winter. Many common ice melters damage concrete surfaces over time. Choose concrete-safe products or use sand for traction instead. Remove snow and ice promptly to prevent buildup, but avoid metal shovels that can scratch or gouge surfaces. A plastic shovel or snow blower works better.
Watch for warning signs of concrete problems. Small cracks should be sealed before they grow larger. Slight settling might be correctable before it becomes severe. Addressing issues early costs less and prevents more extensive damage. We offer evaluation services if you're concerned about your concrete condition.
Professional installation prevents many future problems. When you need new concrete work, choosing experienced contractors who follow proper procedures means you'll face fewer repairs down the road. Quality installation with proper base preparation, adequate thickness, appropriate reinforcement, and correct finishing techniques delivers concrete that lasts for decades with minimal issues.