Concrete Repair & Replacement

When to Repair and When to Replace Damaged Concrete

Cracked driveways, sunken patios, and crumbling walkways don't just look bad. They create safety hazards, reduce your property value, and get worse the longer you wait to fix them. The question most homeowners ask us is whether they should repair the existing concrete or replace it completely.

The answer depends on several factors: how extensive the damage is, what caused the problem, and how old the concrete is. Minor surface cracks can often be repaired cost-effectively. But when you have major structural issues, widespread cracking, or sections that have settled significantly, replacement usually makes more sense in the long run.

Our team provides honest assessments of your concrete problems. We'll show you what's wrong, explain what caused it, and give you options for both repair and replacement with clear pricing for each. Some contractors push replacement even when repair would work fine. We don't operate that way. We recommend what's actually best for your situation.

Problems We Can Fix With Concrete Repair

Repair makes sense when the concrete is structurally sound overall but has localized damage. Here are situations where repair is the right choice:

• •Hairline cracks: Small cracks less than 1/4 inch wide that aren't growing rapidly
• •Surface spalling: Top layer flaking or scaling off but base concrete is solid
• •Minor settling: Small sections that have sunk less than 2 inches and can be lifted with mudjacking
• •Edge damage: Corners or edges that have chipped or broken away
• •Control joint issues: Cracks that follow existing control joints and can be sealed
• •Small holes or divots: Impact damage or small areas of deterioration

We use professional-grade repair materials that bond to existing concrete and last for years. The key is addressing the underlying cause of the damage so the problem doesn't return. If poor drainage caused settling, we fix the drainage. If tree roots pushed up a section, we deal with the roots before repairing the concrete.

When Replacement Is the Better Investment

Extensive Cracking Throughout the Slab

When cracks cover more than 30% of the surface or when multiple large cracks intersect, the concrete has reached the end of its useful life. You could repair individual cracks, but new ones will keep forming. Replacement gives you a fresh start with proper preparation to prevent future problems.

Significant Settling or Heaving

If sections have dropped more than 2-3 inches or heaved upward significantly, the base underneath has failed. Mudjacking might level the surface temporarily, but the underlying problem remains. Proper replacement includes fixing the base so settling doesn't happen again.

Structural Failure or Deep Cracking

Cracks that go all the way through the slab indicate structural failure. Surface repairs won't fix this. The concrete needs to be removed and replaced with proper thickness, reinforcement, and base preparation.

Age and Overall Condition

Concrete typically lasts 25-30 years. If your driveway or patio is approaching that age and showing multiple problems, replacement makes more sense than trying to patch failing concrete. New concrete gives you decades of trouble-free service and improves your home's appearance significantly.

Our Repair and Replacement Services

We handle all types of concrete repair and replacement projects in Midlothian and surrounding areas. Driveways, patios, walkways, steps, garage floors, and commercial surfaces. Each project starts with a thorough assessment where we identify what's wrong and what caused it.

For repairs, we clean out damaged areas, prepare the surface properly, and use high-quality repair products that bond well and last. We match the color and texture as closely as possible so repairs blend with existing concrete. All repaired areas are sealed to protect them from moisture and wear.

For replacement, we remove the old concrete completely and evaluate the base underneath. If needed, we improve drainage, compact new base material, or address soil issues before pouring new concrete. The new installation includes proper reinforcement, thickness, and finishing to give you concrete that lasts.

We also offer options for upgrading when you replace concrete. If your old driveway was plain gray, you might consider stamped or decorative finishes for the new one. Many homeowners use replacement as an opportunity to improve the appearance and functionality of their concrete surfaces.

How We Approach Every Repair and Replacement Project

Everything starts with an on-site evaluation. We need to see the damage in person to give you an accurate assessment and quote. During this visit, we'll examine the concrete, check for underlying issues, and discuss your options. You'll get a written quote that breaks down costs for repair, replacement, or both if either option would work.

Once you approve the work, we schedule the project and show up when promised. For repairs, we complete most projects in 1-2 days depending on size and complexity. For replacement, expect 2-4 days from demolition through final finishing.

We protect your property during the work, contain dust and debris, and clean up completely when we're done. You won't have concrete chunks or construction mess left in your yard. We haul away all demolished material and leave your property cleaner than we found it.

After completion, we explain how to care for the repaired or new concrete. We'll tell you when it's safe to use, how to clean it, and when to reseal it. If any issues come up, we're just a phone call away.