How long do concrete repairs last?

The lifespan of concrete repairs varies depending on the repair type and underlying conditions. Crack filling typically lasts 3 to 5 years before needing attention again. Slab leveling can last 5 to 10 years or more if drainage issues are addressed. Surface overlays last 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. Partial slab replacement lasts as long as new concrete, typically 25 to 30 years.

Can you match the color of my existing concrete when repairing?

We do our best to match existing concrete, but perfect color matching is difficult because concrete naturally changes color as it ages. New concrete starts lighter and darkens over time through weathering and dirt accumulation. For small repairs, we can use tinted patching compounds that blend reasonably well.

How do I know if my concrete can be repaired or needs replacement?

The best way to know is to have us evaluate your concrete in person. As a general rule, if less than 25 to 30 percent of your concrete is damaged, repair usually makes sense. If more than half shows significant problems, replacement is often more economical long-term. We provide honest assessments and explain both options with cost estimates.

Concrete Repair & Replacement

Expert repair and replacement services to restore damaged or aging concrete surfaces.

Professional concrete repair and finishing in Tuscaloosa, AL

Concrete is incredibly durable, but even the best installations can develop problems over time. Cracks, settling, surface damage, and weathering affect concrete eventually. When your concrete shows signs of wear or damage, you have two main options: repair or replacement. We provide both services and will honestly assess your situation to recommend the most cost-effective solution.

When to Repair vs Replace Your Concrete

Deciding whether to repair or replace concrete depends on the extent of damage, the age of the concrete, and your long-term plans. Sometimes a simple repair extends the life of your concrete for years at a fraction of the replacement cost. Other times, replacement makes more sense because ongoing repairs become expensive and the underlying problems cannot be fixed.

Good Candidates for Repair

Your concrete can probably be repaired if the damage is limited and the overall structure remains sound. Small to medium cracks, minor settling, surface deterioration, and isolated damaged areas usually respond well to repair. If more than 70 percent of your concrete is in good condition, repair typically makes financial sense.

Hairline to moderate cracks that have not spread extensively
Minor settling or unevenness that creates small height differences
Surface spalling or pitting that has not penetrated deeply
Corner or edge damage on an otherwise solid slab
Isolated weak spots or damaged sections
Cosmetic issues like stains or discoloration

When Replacement Makes More Sense

Replacement becomes the better choice when damage is extensive, repairs would cost nearly as much as new concrete, or underlying problems cannot be fixed. Major structural issues, widespread cracking, and significant settling usually mean replacement is necessary.

Multiple large cracks forming a pattern across the entire surface
Significant settling that creates safety hazards or drainage problems
Deep deterioration affecting the structural integrity
Repeated repairs that keep failing due to underlying issues
Drainage problems causing ongoing damage
Age and condition suggest the concrete is nearing end of life

Our Concrete Repair Services

We offer several repair techniques depending on the type and extent of damage. Our goal is to restore function and appearance while extending the life of your concrete as much as possible.

Crack Filling and Sealing

Cracks allow water to penetrate underneath the slab, leading to further damage through freeze-thaw cycles and erosion. We clean out cracks thoroughly, then fill them with appropriate materials. Small cracks get flexible sealants that move with the concrete. Larger cracks may need epoxy injection or routing and sealing. Proper crack repair prevents small problems from becoming major issues.

Slab Leveling and Mudjacking

When sections of concrete settle and create uneven surfaces, we can often lift them back to the correct level. This process involves drilling small holes and pumping a special mixture underneath to raise the slab. This costs much less than replacement and can be completed in a day. Leveling eliminates trip hazards, improves drainage, and restores a smooth surface.

Surface Restoration

Surface damage like spalling, scaling, or pitting can be repaired by applying overlay materials. We prepare the existing surface, then apply a bonded concrete overlay that creates a fresh, smooth finish. This works well for driveways, patios, and walkways where the underlying concrete is sound but the surface has deteriorated. Overlays can also include colors or textures for an upgraded appearance.

Partial Replacement

Sometimes the most economical approach is removing and replacing only the damaged sections. We cut out the bad areas, prepare the base, and pour new concrete that matches the existing slab. This selective replacement saves money compared to replacing everything while solving the specific problem areas. We take care to match the finish and elevation so the repairs blend in.

Complete Concrete Replacement

When repair is not practical, we provide complete removal and replacement services. This gives you a fresh start with properly installed concrete that will last for decades. We handle every step from demolition and disposal of old concrete to installation of your new surface.

Replacement allows you to correct underlying problems that caused the original concrete to fail. We can improve drainage, upgrade the base, increase thickness, or redesign the layout. This is also an opportunity to upgrade to decorative options like stamped or colored concrete that enhance your property's appearance.

We remove old concrete carefully to protect surrounding landscaping and structures. All debris is hauled away and disposed of properly. Then we follow the same thorough installation process we use for new work, including proper site preparation, base installation, and quality finishing. The result is like-new concrete that performs better and looks great.

Common Concrete Problems We Fix

Understanding why concrete fails helps prevent future problems. Many issues stem from poor initial installation, inadequate site preparation, or lack of maintenance. Here are the problems we see most often:

Settling occurs when the ground underneath compresses or erodes. This creates uneven surfaces and cracks as the concrete breaks along the unsupported areas. Tree roots can lift and crack concrete as they grow. Freeze-thaw cycles cause damage when water penetrates cracks, freezes, and expands. Poor drainage leads to erosion underneath slabs and constant moisture problems.

Surface deterioration happens from exposure to chemicals, deicing salts, or just weathering over time. Some concrete simply reaches the end of its lifespan after 30 or 40 years. Whatever the cause, we can evaluate your situation and recommend the right repair or replacement approach. Our experience with concrete work in Tuscaloosa means we understand local conditions and common problem areas.

Preventing Future Damage

Whether you repair or replace your concrete, proper maintenance helps it last longer. Seal cracks promptly before they grow. Keep the surface clean and sealed to protect against moisture and chemicals. Ensure good drainage around all concrete to prevent water from pooling or flowing underneath.

Avoid using deicing salts in winter as they damage concrete surfaces. Do not overload driveways or slabs beyond their design capacity. Address tree root problems early before major damage occurs. Regular inspection lets you catch small problems before they become expensive repairs.

We can also help with related projects that protect your investment. Proper walkway installation includes planning for drainage and expansion. Our driveway services focus on long-term performance through quality materials and installation methods.