Concrete Repair & Replacement

When to Repair vs Replace Your Concrete

Not all damaged concrete needs to be replaced. Sometimes a repair is all you need to restore function and appearance. Other times, replacement is the smarter choice. Knowing the difference saves you money and prevents bigger problems down the road.

Minor cracks, small chips, and surface scaling can often be repaired successfully. If the damage is isolated to one area and the rest of the concrete is sound, a repair makes sense. We can fill cracks, patch holes, and resurface worn areas to make your concrete look and function like new again.

Replacement becomes necessary when the damage is too extensive or the concrete has structural problems. Large cracks that span the entire slab, severe settling or heaving, crumbling edges, or widespread surface deterioration usually mean the concrete has reached the end of its useful life. Trying to repair severely damaged concrete is like putting a bandage on a broken bone. It might look better temporarily, but the underlying problem remains.

We have repaired and replaced concrete throughout the Issaquah area for decades. When you work with our concrete repair team, we give you an honest assessment of your situation. If a repair will truly fix the problem, we will tell you. If replacement is the better option, we explain why and give you a fair price for the work.

Common Concrete Problems We Fix

Concrete damage happens for many reasons. Understanding what caused the problem helps prevent it from happening again. Here are the most common concrete issues we see:

• Cracks: Hairline cracks are normal, but wide or growing cracks indicate settlement, poor base preparation, or freeze-thaw damage. We can inject epoxy or polyurethane to seal cracks and prevent water infiltration.
• Settling and Sinking: When the soil under concrete erodes or compacts, the slab sinks. This creates trip hazards and drainage problems. We can lift and level sunken concrete or replace sections that have settled too much.
• Spalling and Scaling: The surface layer flakes or peels off, exposing the aggregate underneath. This usually happens from freeze-thaw cycles or using de-icing salts. We can resurface damaged areas or replace severely spalled concrete.
• Crumbling Edges: Edges break down from impact, poor edge support, or thin concrete. We remove damaged edges and pour new concrete with proper thickness and reinforcement.
• Uneven Surfaces: Trip hazards where slabs meet, like between a driveway and sidewalk. We can grind down high spots or raise low areas to create a smooth transition.

Each problem has specific repair techniques that work best. We assess the damage, identify the root cause, and recommend the most effective solution. Sometimes that is a simple repair, other times it requires removing and replacing the damaged section.

Our Repair and Replacement Process

For repairs, we start by cleaning the damaged area and removing any loose or deteriorated concrete. The repair material needs a clean, solid surface to bond properly. We use high-quality repair products designed to match the strength and appearance of the existing concrete. After applying the repair material, we finish and texture it to blend with the surrounding surface.

Crack repair involves cleaning out the crack, then injecting it with flexible sealant or epoxy depending on the crack width and cause. The goal is to stop water from getting into the crack where it can cause further damage, especially during freeze-thaw cycles. For active cracks that are still moving, we use flexible sealants that can accommodate movement without breaking.

When replacement is needed, we carefully remove the damaged concrete without harming adjacent sections. This requires skill because we need clean, straight edges for the new concrete to tie into. We evaluate and fix any base problems that caused the original failure. If the soil has washed out or is too soft, we excavate deeper and install proper base material.

After preparing the base, we form up the area and pour new concrete that matches the thickness, strength, and finish of the existing work. Color matching can be challenging since old concrete has weathered and aged. We do our best to blend new concrete with old, but exact matches are not always possible. Sometimes the best approach is to replace a larger area so the new concrete creates a complete section rather than an obvious patch.

Whether we are fixing damaged patio sections, replacing broken walkways, or repairing cracked garage floors, our goal is the same. We want your concrete to look good, function properly, and last for many more years.

Common Questions About Concrete Repair