Don't let cracked or damaged concrete become a safety hazard or eyesore on your property.
Not every crack means you need to tear out and replace your concrete. Sometimes a repair does the job just fine and saves you money. But other times, trying to patch up old, failing concrete is like putting a bandaid on a broken bone. It won't hold.
Here's how we think about it. If your concrete has small cracks less than a quarter inch wide, surface chips, or minor spalling, repairs usually work great. We can fill those cracks, resurface damaged areas, and make it look almost like new. You get a few more years out of your concrete at a fraction of the replacement cost.
But when the damage goes deeper, replacement is the smarter choice. Watch for these red flags:
When we come look at your concrete, we'll be straight with you about what makes sense. Sometimes repairs buy you time while you save up for a full replacement. Other times, the damage is bad enough that patching it won't solve the problem. We help you make the choice that fits your budget and actually fixes the issue.
We use different repair techniques depending on what's wrong with your concrete. Each method is designed to last, not just cover up the problem temporarily.
For small to medium cracks, we clean them out completely, then fill them with flexible concrete crack filler or epoxy. The filler bonds to both sides of the crack and moves with the concrete as it expands and contracts with temperature changes. This keeps water from getting in and making the crack worse, especially during freeze-thaw cycles in our Massachusetts winters.
When your concrete looks rough but the base is still solid, resurfacing gives you a fresh top layer. We apply a thin coating of special concrete mix over the existing surface. This covers up stains, minor cracks, and surface damage. You end up with what looks like brand new concrete at a fraction of the replacement cost. It's popular for driveways and patios that are structurally sound but cosmetically worn.
Sometimes just one section of your concrete is bad while the rest is fine. Instead of tearing everything out, we cut out and replace only the damaged part. We saw cut around the problem area, remove the old concrete, prep the base, and pour fresh concrete that matches the rest. This works great for things like one broken panel in a sidewalk or a corner of your driveway that's crumbling.
When concrete sinks but isn't cracked, we can often lift it back up using mudjacking. We drill small holes in the concrete, then pump a special mixture underneath that raises the slab back to the right level. This fixes trip hazards and drainage problems without replacing anything. It's faster and cheaper than replacement. We also offer foam injection leveling for even more precise results. Learn more about this on our concrete leveling page.
When repairs won't cut it, we do full replacements the right way. This means figuring out what caused the damage in the first place so it doesn't happen again.
First, we remove the old concrete. We cut it into manageable pieces, break it up, and haul it away. Then we inspect the base underneath. Often, the concrete failed because the base wasn't compacted right or water washed it away. We fix those issues before pouring new concrete.
Next, we prepare the base properly with compacted gravel, install reinforcement like rebar or wire mesh, and pour new concrete at the right thickness for your needs. We add control joints in the right places to prevent cracking and finish the surface however you want it. Then comes the curing process, which takes about a week before you can use the area normally.
The whole job usually takes 3 to 5 days depending on size and weather. Yes, it's more work than a repair, but you get concrete that will last another 30 years instead of just limping along for a few more seasons.
Repairs typically cost 30% to 50% of what you'd pay for full replacement, sometimes even less. A simple crack fill might run $300 to $800, while resurfacing a driveway could be $3 to $5 per square foot. Full replacement runs $6 to $10 per square foot or more. The exact cost depends on how much damage you have and what method we use. We always give you both options with clear pricing so you can decide what makes sense for your budget.
We do our best to match color and texture, but repairs will often look slightly different at first. Fresh concrete is lighter than old, weathered concrete. Over time, usually within a year, the new material weathers and blends in better. For resurfacing jobs, we cover the entire surface so everything matches perfectly. For crack fills or small patches, you'll likely notice them up close, but from a distance they blend in well. The goal is to fix the problem and make it look as good as possible, not to make it invisible.
It depends on the repair method and what caused the damage. Crack fills can last 5 to 10 years if the underlying concrete is stable. Resurfacing can last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Mudjacking or slab lifting can be permanent if the soil underneath stays stable. That's why we look at the whole picture and recommend fixes that actually solve the problem, not just cover it up.
Not sure if you need repair or replacement? We'll come take a look and tell you exactly what your concrete needs.
Schedule a Free Inspection