How long do concrete repairs last?

The lifespan of concrete repairs depends on the type of damage, repair method, and ongoing conditions. Simple crack filling can last several years before needing attention again. Proper spalling repairs using quality materials often last 5 to 10 years or more. Concrete leveling typically provides a long-term solution if the underlying cause of settling was addressed. The key is addressing the root cause of damage, not just the symptoms.

Can you repair just part of a driveway or patio?

Yes, we can replace sections of driveways, patios, and other concrete surfaces. This approach makes sense when damage is localized to one area and the rest of the concrete is sound. We cut out the damaged section, remove it, and pour new concrete to match the existing surface as closely as possible. The new section will have seams where it meets old concrete, and color matching can be challenging. Partial replacement costs much less than replacing the entire surface.

What causes concrete to crack and deteriorate?

Multiple factors contribute to concrete damage. Poor base preparation causes settling and cracking. Water infiltration leads to freeze-thaw damage and erosion of the base. Heavy loads beyond what the concrete was designed for create stress cracks. Tree roots growing under concrete lift and crack it. Improper finishing or curing during installation results in weak surface layers that spall and chip. Understanding what caused your concrete problems helps us recommend solutions that address the underlying issues.

Concrete Repair & Replacement

We fix damaged concrete and know when repair makes sense versus complete replacement.

Professional concrete repair and replacement services in Washington, UT

Repair or Replace? Here's How to Decide

When your concrete shows signs of damage, you need to figure out whether repair or replacement makes more sense. This decision affects your budget and how long your concrete will last. Let's walk through the factors that determine the best approach.

Minor surface cracks, small chips, and shallow spalling can often be repaired successfully. These cosmetic issues don't affect the structural integrity of your concrete. A skilled repair job fixes the problem, restores appearance, and costs much less than replacement. If the damaged area is small and the rest of the concrete is in good condition, repair is usually the right choice.

Major problems require replacement. When concrete has settled significantly, developed wide cracks throughout, or shows extensive surface deterioration, repairs won't last. You'll spend money on fixes that fail within a few years. Large sections with multiple issues cost almost as much to repair as replacing while delivering inferior results. Sometimes the honest answer is that your concrete has reached the end of its useful life.

Age plays a role too. Concrete that's 20 or 30 years old and showing multiple problems probably won't benefit much from repairs. The underlying structure is deteriorating and other problems will appear soon. Newer concrete with isolated damage responds better to repairs. We'll assess your specific situation and give you an honest recommendation based on what makes the most sense for your property and budget.

Concrete Repairs We Handle

We fix various types of concrete damage for residential and commercial properties. Here are the most common repair services we provide.

Crack Repair

Cracks are the most common concrete problem. Small hairline cracks can be filled and sealed to prevent water infiltration and further damage. Wider cracks may need routing out and filling with specialized repair materials. We evaluate each crack to determine if it's just cosmetic or indicates a structural issue. Some cracks signal foundation movement or inadequate reinforcement. These situations require more extensive work than simple crack filling.

Spalling and Surface Damage

Spalling is when the concrete surface flakes, chips, or breaks away. This often happens when water gets into the concrete and freezes, or when the surface wasn't finished properly. We remove loose material, prepare the surface, and apply repair mortar that bonds to the existing concrete. The repaired area is finished to blend with the surrounding surface. Spalling repairs work well when caught early before damage extends too deep.

Sunken or Settled Concrete

When soil beneath concrete erodes or compacts, the concrete sinks creating uneven surfaces and trip hazards. For minor settling, concrete leveling or mudjacking can raise the slab back to its original position. This process pumps material under the concrete to fill voids and lift the slab. It costs less than replacement and works well for sidewalks, walkways, and driveways with localized settling.

Joint and Edge Repairs

Control joints and edges are vulnerable areas that often crack or chip first. We can rebuild broken edges, replace damaged joint sealant, and repair corner breaks. These repairs restore function and prevent further deterioration. Edge damage on driveways is particularly common where vehicles drive on and off the concrete regularly.

Surface grinding: Removes high spots, smooths rough areas, and levels uneven joints
Patching: Fills holes, broken sections, and damaged areas with repair concrete
Resurfacing: Applies a new surface layer over damaged concrete to restore appearance
Waterproofing: Seals concrete to prevent water damage and extend lifespan
Joint resealing: Replaces old caulk and sealant in expansion and control joints

What to Expect During Replacement

When repair isn't viable, replacement gives you a fresh start with new concrete that will last for decades. Here's how the replacement process works.

We start by removing the damaged concrete. This involves breaking up the old concrete, hauling it away, and properly disposing of it. Removal generates noise and dust, so we take steps to minimize disruption to your property. We're careful around landscaping, underground utilities, and adjacent structures. Access can be challenging in tight spaces, but we have equipment sized for residential properties.

After removal, we evaluate and repair the base. Often, the same problems that damaged your old concrete still exist in the base. We address drainage issues, improve soil compaction, and add base material where needed. This step is critical because it prevents the new concrete from developing the same problems as the old concrete. We won't skip this phase even though it adds time and cost.

The new concrete installation follows our standard process for driveways, patios, or whatever surface we're replacing. We form the area, install reinforcement, pour concrete, and finish it to your specifications. You can choose different finishes or colors if you want to upgrade from your original concrete. Many homeowners take this opportunity to add decorative elements.

Matching existing concrete presents challenges. New concrete will look different from old concrete initially. Over time, weathering helps new and old sections blend together. If matching is important, we can use coloring techniques to get closer to your existing concrete. Perfect matches are difficult, but we can usually get close enough that the difference isn't obvious from normal viewing distances.

The entire replacement project typically takes several days depending on size. You'll need to avoid the area during demolition and stay off the new concrete while it cures. We'll give you a detailed timeline and keep you informed as work progresses. Most replacement projects go smoothly, but we're prepared to handle unexpected issues that sometimes come up during demolition.

Repair and Replacement Questions

Need Concrete Repair or Replacement?

Call (435) 236-6876