Concrete Repair & Restoration

When to Repair Instead of Replace

Not every damaged concrete surface needs complete replacement. Many problems can be repaired effectively at a fraction of the cost. The key is catching issues early before they progress from minor cosmetic problems to structural failures.

Small cracks, surface scaling, minor settling, and cosmetic damage are usually good candidates for repair. Major structural cracks, extensive heaving or settling, complete deterioration, or damage affecting more than 30-40% of the surface typically mean replacement makes more sense. We'll honestly assess your situation and recommend the most cost-effective approach.

The advantage of repair is obvious: it costs less and takes less time than tearing out and replacing concrete. When we can extend the life of your driveway, patio, or other concrete surface by 10-15 years with a repair that costs a quarter of replacement, that's usually the smart choice.

Common Concrete Problems We Fix

Here in Merrillville, we see the same concrete problems repeatedly due to our local climate and soil conditions:

• Surface Cracks: Hairline to moderate cracks caused by settling, temperature changes, or inadequate control joints.
• Spalling and Scaling: Surface deterioration where the top layer flakes or peels off, often from freeze-thaw damage or deicing salts.
• Sunken Sections: Areas that have settled due to soil erosion or poor base compaction, creating trip hazards and drainage issues.
• Corner Breaks: Damaged edges and corners on slabs, especially common on driveways where snow plows catch edges.
• Discoloration: Staining from rust, oil, mold, or other substances that make concrete look old and neglected.
• Joint Deterioration: Broken or missing control joints and expansion joints that no longer function properly.

Each problem has specific repair techniques that work best. We match the repair method to your specific situation rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our Repair and Restoration Methods

We use several different techniques depending on what your concrete needs:

Crack Filling and Sealing: For smaller cracks, we clean them thoroughly and fill with flexible sealants that move with the concrete as temperatures change. This prevents water infiltration that can make cracks worse over time.

Concrete Resurfacing: When the surface is damaged but the structural base is sound, we can apply a new thin layer of specially formulated concrete over the existing surface. This gives you a like-new appearance and adds years of life. We can even add color or texture to give your concrete a fresh look.

Slab Jacking: Also called mudjacking, this technique lifts sunken concrete back to its original level by pumping material underneath. It's much cheaper than replacement and works well when the concrete itself is still in good condition but has just settled unevenly.

Patching and Rebuilding: For localized damage like broken corners or deteriorated edges, we remove the damaged section and rebuild it to match the existing concrete. This requires skill to achieve good adhesion and color matching.

Cleaning and Sealing: Sometimes concrete just needs a deep clean and protective sealer to look great again. We use professional-grade cleaners and sealers designed for concrete that remove stains and protect against future damage.

Preventing Future Concrete Damage

The best repair is the one you never need. While all concrete will eventually age, proper maintenance significantly extends its lifespan. Here are practical steps that make a real difference:

Keep concrete clean. Dirt and debris trap moisture against the surface. Oil, gasoline, and other chemicals can stain and deteriorate concrete over time. A simple occasional rinse with a hose or pressure washer helps a lot.

Avoid using deicing salts in winter. Salt accelerates freeze-thaw damage by drawing water into concrete. Sand or kitty litter provides traction without the damage. If you must use deicer, choose products specifically labeled as concrete-safe.

Seal your concrete every few years. Sealer is inexpensive and easy to apply yourself. It prevents water penetration, which is the root cause of most concrete damage in our climate. This is especially important for newer concrete that hasn't been sealed yet.

Address drainage problems promptly. Water pooling on or near concrete causes all sorts of issues. Make sure downspouts direct water away from concrete surfaces. Fill in low spots where water collects. Keep nearby vegetation trimmed so concrete can dry after rain.

What Concrete Repair Costs

Repair costs vary widely based on the extent of damage and which techniques we use. Simple crack sealing might run a few hundred dollars. Full resurfacing of a driveway can cost several thousand but is still much less than complete replacement. Slab jacking typically costs about half what replacement would.

The best time to repair is when problems are still small. A crack that costs $200 to seal properly today might cause $2,000 worth of damage if left alone for another year or two. We provide free estimates and will show you exactly what needs attention now versus what can wait.

Keep in mind that good repairs aren't always perfect cosmetically. Matching the color of aged concrete is difficult. We get as close as possible, but some color variation is normal. Most homeowners find this acceptable given the cost savings compared to replacement. If appearance is critical, we'll discuss whether replacement might be the better option.

Common Questions About Concrete Repair