Fix damaged concrete before small problems turn into expensive replacements, or replace beyond-repair surfaces with new concrete.
Not all damaged concrete needs complete replacement. Understanding when repair makes sense and when replacement is the better choice saves you money and gives you better long-term results. The decision depends on the extent of damage, the age of the concrete, and what caused the problem in the first place.
Minor surface damage like small cracks, chips, or spalling often responds well to repair. If the concrete is structurally sound underneath and the damage is mostly cosmetic, we can patch and resurface the area to restore appearance and function. Cracks less than a quarter inch wide, small areas of scaling on the surface, and isolated chips from impacts are all good candidates for repair work.
Replacement makes more sense when damage is extensive or structural. Wide cracks that keep growing, sections that have settled several inches creating trip hazards, severe scaling that has exposed aggregate throughout the surface, or concrete that crumbles when you touch it all indicate the need for replacement. If the concrete is old and showing problems in multiple areas, replacing it now prevents ongoing repair costs and gives you a fresh surface that will last decades.
We use proven repair methods that restore function and appearance while addressing the underlying cause of damage. Just patching the surface without fixing what caused the problem leads to failure and wasted money.
Small to medium cracks get cleaned out thoroughly to remove loose material and debris. We fill them with flexible polyurethane or epoxy compounds designed for concrete repair. These materials bond strongly to concrete and flex slightly with temperature changes to prevent the crack from reopening. For cracks caused by settling, we address the base issue before repairing the surface. Surface sealing protects the repair and the surrounding concrete from water penetration.
When surface damage is widespread but the base concrete remains sound, resurfacing creates a new top layer. We apply special bonding agents and then pour a thin concrete overlay that bonds to the existing surface. This restores smooth appearance and protects the concrete underneath. Resurfacing costs much less than complete replacement and adds years of life to structurally sound concrete. The new surface can be finished plain, stamped with patterns, or colored to match your preferences.
Settled concrete slabs often just need lifting rather than replacement. We drill small holes and pump material underneath to raise the slab back to proper level. This eliminates trip hazards and fixes drainage issues. The process takes hours instead of days and costs a fraction of replacement. Once level, we patch the drill holes and seal the surface. This works great for sidewalks, patio sections, and driveway aprons that have settled but are otherwise in good condition.
Sometimes only part of your concrete is damaged beyond repair. We can cut out and replace individual sections while leaving good concrete in place. This works well for driveways where just the apron is damaged, or patios with one bad section. We saw cut the damaged area, remove it, prepare the base properly, and pour new concrete that matches the existing surface. Control joints isolate the new section so movement does not transfer to old concrete.
Considering new concrete work? We also install complete driveways and patios when replacement makes more sense than ongoing repairs.
When repair is not practical, complete replacement gives you a fresh start with new concrete built to last. We remove all failed concrete, address any underlying issues, and install new concrete following current best practices.
We start by evaluating why the old concrete failed. Poor base preparation, inadequate thickness, lack of reinforcement, and drainage problems are common culprits. Understanding the cause ensures we do not repeat the same mistakes. We measure the area, check access for equipment, and plan the removal and installation. You get a detailed quote that covers removal, disposal, new base work if needed, and installation of new concrete.
We break up the old concrete with jackhammers and load it into trucks for disposal. All debris gets hauled away and disposed of properly. If the base underneath has settled or washed out, we excavate deeper and bring in new gravel. Tree roots that caused heaving get removed. We fix drainage issues that contributed to concrete failure. This prep work takes time but ensures your new concrete will not suffer the same problems.
With a clean slate, we install your new concrete following the same quality process as any new project. Proper gravel base, forms, reinforcement, and correctly mixed concrete go in. We ensure adequate thickness, proper slopes for drainage, and appropriate finishing for your needs. The new concrete cures and then is ready for decades of service. You can choose upgraded finishes like stamped patterns or colors to enhance appearance beyond the original surface.
Ready to fix your damaged concrete? Contact our Lewiston team for a free evaluation where we will assess the damage and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
