Concrete Repair & Restoration

When Replacement Isn't Necessary

Not every concrete problem means you need to tear everything out and start over. Many issues can be repaired effectively, saving you thousands compared to full replacement. Cracks, spalling, uneven surfaces, and surface damage often have cost-effective repair solutions. The key is addressing problems early before they get worse and more expensive to fix.

We've repaired concrete driveways, patios, sidewalks, and more across Upland, CA. Our repair work is designed to last, not just patch things temporarily. We identify why the problem happened in the first place and fix the underlying cause, not just the symptoms. Let's look at common concrete problems and how we repair them properly.

Common Concrete Problems We Fix

Here are the most frequent concrete issues we see in Upland and how we address them:

• Cracks: Small cracks can be filled and sealed. Larger structural cracks might need epoxy injection or replacement of the affected section.
• Spalling and flaking: Surface damage from freeze-thaw cycles or poor concrete quality. We remove the damaged layer and apply a fresh overlay.
• Uneven surfaces: Settled or heaved sections create trip hazards. We can level surfaces through mudjacking or polyurethane foam injection.
• Stains and discoloration: Oil stains, rust marks, and other discoloration can often be removed or lightened with professional cleaning and treatment.
• Scaling: Surface layer peeling off due to weather or chemical exposure. We clean, prep, and apply protective coatings or overlays.
• Pitting and holes: Small voids and holes filled with specialized concrete repair compounds that match the existing surface.

Repair Methods That Actually Work

The repair method depends on the problem. For cracks, we first determine if they're structural or surface level. Hairline cracks get filled with crack sealers that prevent water intrusion. Wider cracks might need routing and sealing with flexible materials that can handle movement. Structural cracks sometimes require epoxy injection to bond the sections together, or they might indicate that a section needs replacement.

For settled or sunken concrete, we use mudjacking or foam jacking to raise the slab back to level. This process pumps material under the concrete to fill voids and lift the surface. It costs a fraction of replacement and takes only a few hours. The concrete is usable immediately after the repair. This works great for driveways, sidewalks, and patios where sections have dropped but the concrete itself is still in good shape.

Concrete Resurfacing and Overlays

When the surface is damaged but the underlying concrete is sound, resurfacing makes sense. We apply a thin layer of fresh concrete or specialized overlay material over the existing surface. This gives you a brand new appearance at about half the cost of replacement. You can even add decorative stamping or color to the overlay to completely change the look of your old concrete.

Overlays typically last 10-15 years when properly maintained. They work best on structurally sound concrete that just looks worn or has surface damage. If the underlying concrete has major structural issues, replacement makes more sense than covering up the problems.

When to Repair vs. Replace

Repair makes sense when the concrete is structurally sound but has cosmetic or minor functional issues. If your driveway has a few cracks but is otherwise level and solid, repair it. If half the slabs are cracked and settling is ongoing, replacement might be better. We give honest assessments because we want you to make the right decision, not the most expensive one.

Generally, if the damage covers less than 25-30% of the surface and isn't getting worse, repair is the smart choice. If damage is extensive, structural issues are present, or the concrete is old and deteriorating throughout, replacement will save you money long-term. We'll inspect your concrete and explain your options clearly so you can make an informed decision. Check out our homepage to learn more about all our concrete services and see before-and-after examples of repair work.

Preventing Future Problems

Once we've repaired your concrete, we'll show you how to maintain it properly. This includes sealing the surface every few years to protect against water intrusion and freeze-thaw damage. Clean up oil spills quickly. Use deicing salts sparingly in winter. Address drainage issues that allow water to pool on or under the concrete. These simple steps help your repair last and prevent new problems from developing.

Concrete Repair Questions