Concrete Repair & Replacement
Restore damaged concrete or replace beyond-repair surfaces with professional repair and replacement services.
When to Repair vs. Replace Your Concrete
Not all damaged concrete needs full replacement. Sometimes a targeted repair saves you money and extends the life of your existing concrete by years or even decades. Other times, replacement is the smarter long-term investment. Knowing the difference helps you make the right decision for your property and budget.
Minor surface cracks, small chips, and isolated damage usually qualify for repair. We can fill cracks, patch damaged areas, and restore the surface without tearing everything out. This approach works well when the underlying structure is sound and the damage is cosmetic or limited to small sections.
Major cracking, severe settling, widespread damage, or structural problems typically require replacement. If your driveway has multiple deep cracks, your patio has settled unevenly, or your walkway is breaking apart in several places, repair becomes a temporary fix that costs more in the long run. We'll assess your concrete honestly and recommend the approach that makes the most sense.
Common Concrete Problems We Fix
Concrete develops problems for many reasons, from poor initial installation to normal wear and environmental factors. We've seen and fixed just about every concrete issue you can imagine across Lathrop and San Joaquin County.
Problems We Repair
- Cracks from settling, temperature changes, or inadequate reinforcement
- Spalling and surface deterioration from freeze-thaw cycles or salt damage
- Sunken or settled sections from soil erosion or poor base preparation
- Broken or damaged edges and corners from impact or deterioration
- Discoloration, staining, or surface scaling that affects appearance
- Joint separation and gaps between concrete sections
For cracks, we start by determining what caused them. Settlement cracks need different treatment than thermal cracks. We clean out the crack, apply appropriate filler or epoxy, and seal it properly. For wider cracks or structural concerns, we may need to remove and replace the damaged section.
Surface repairs like patching spalled areas or fixing broken corners require matching the existing concrete as closely as possible. We use quality repair materials and proper techniques to ensure patches bond well and last. A good repair should be barely noticeable once complete.
Our Concrete Replacement Process
When repair isn't enough, full replacement gives you a fresh start with new concrete built to last. We handle the entire process from removing old concrete to installing the new surface.
How Replacement Works
Removal and Disposal: We carefully remove the old concrete, breaking it into manageable pieces and hauling it away. We protect surrounding areas and landscaping during demolition. All debris gets disposed of properly.
Site Evaluation and Correction: Once the old concrete is out, we assess what caused the original failure. If soil settled, we excavate further and install proper base material. If drainage was poor, we correct the grading. We fix underlying problems so the new concrete doesn't develop the same issues.
New Installation: We install the new concrete using current best practices. This includes proper base preparation, adequate thickness, appropriate reinforcement, and correct finishing. The new surface will be built right from the ground up.
Matching Existing Concrete: When replacing sections adjacent to existing concrete, we work to match the finish and color as closely as possible. While new concrete will look slightly different at first, it weathers over time to blend better with older sections.
Replacement projects typically take a few days depending on size and scope. The result is concrete that should last 30 to 50 years with proper care, far longer than patching badly damaged surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Repair
Can you repair cracks in concrete or do they always come back?
It depends on what caused the crack and whether it's still actively moving. Hairline cracks that have stabilized can be filled and sealed successfully. They may remain visible but won't worsen. Active cracks caused by ongoing settling or movement will likely reappear even after repair. In those cases, you need to address the underlying cause first, which might mean improving drainage, stabilizing soil, or in severe cases, replacing the section. We'll examine your cracks and give you an honest assessment of whether repair will hold or if you need a different solution.
How much does concrete repair cost compared to replacement?
Repair generally costs significantly less than full replacement, often 30 to 50% of replacement cost for minor damage. However, the economics change when damage is extensive. Repairing a driveway with cracks in multiple areas might cost almost as much as replacing it, while giving you a patched surface instead of new concrete. Small repairs like fixing one crack or patching a corner are clearly more economical than replacement. Large-scale repairs start to approach replacement costs without giving you the same long-term value. We provide quotes for both options when appropriate so you can make an informed decision.
Can you replace just part of my driveway or patio?
Yes, we can remove and replace specific sections while leaving the rest intact. This works well when damage is localized to one area and the rest of the concrete is in good shape. We cut clean lines to separate the damaged section, remove it, and pour new concrete that ties into the existing surface. The main consideration is that new concrete will look different from old concrete initially. Color and texture won't match perfectly, though the difference becomes less obvious over time as both surfaces weather. For large driveways or patios, partial replacement is often the most cost-effective solution when only part of the surface has failed.
Fix Your Concrete Problems
Whether you need driveway repairs or complete replacement, we provide honest assessments and quality work throughout the Lathrop area. We handle everything from residential concrete projects to commercial repairs.
Dealing with sunken concrete? Check out our concrete leveling services that can raise settled slabs without full replacement.