Concrete: Repair VS. Replace

Should You Repair or Replace Your Concrete?

Cracked sidewalks, a sunken driveway, or an uneven patio can be more than just an eyesore—they can be a genuine safety hazard. When you’re faced with failing concrete, the big question is always the same: Can this be fixed, or do I need to tear it all out and start over?

While a full replacement sounds thorough, it’s often an expensive, disruptive, and unnecessary ordeal. Modern repair techniques can restore your concrete's safety and appearance for a fraction of the cost and hassle. Here’s how to know which path is right for your situation.

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When to Repair Your Concrete

 

Repair is the ideal solution for concrete that is structurally intact but has settled over time or has cracks. If you see the following issues, you are likely a perfect candidate for repair.

You Should Repair If You See:

Sinking or Settling Slabs: Is your sidewalk a tripping hazard? Has your driveway dropped, creating an ugly gap against your garage? Are the stairs starting to separate from the home? This is caused by the soil underneath washing away or compacting. The slab itself is likely still strong; it just needs to be lifted back into place.

• The Solution: PolyLevel Injection. This high-density polyurethane foam is injected through small, penny-sized holes in the slab. It expands underneath, filling voids, stabilizing the soil, and precisely lifting the concrete back to its original position. It's a fast, non-invasive fix that addresses the root cause of the problem.
  
  

Open Cracks and Control Joints: Are the cracks and joints in your concrete filled with weeds and dirt? These open gaps are gateways for water to seep under the slab, which leads to more soil erosion and future sinking.

• The Solution: NexusPro Sealant. After lifting the concrete with PolyLevel, we seal all cracks and joints with this durable, flexible, silicone-based sealant. It prevents water intrusion and withstands extreme temperatures without cracking or bubbling like old-school caulking, protecting your concrete for the long haul.
  
  

The Verdict: If your concrete slabs are mostly whole, just sunken or separated by cracks, repair is the smarter, faster, and more affordable choice.

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When Replacement Might Be Your Only Option

 

While modern repairs can solve most concrete problems, some situations are too severe for a lift and seal. In these cases, a full replacement may be your best long-term bet.

You Should Replace If You See:

• Shattered or Severely Crumbled Concrete: If a slab is broken into multiple small pieces, there is no solid surface to lift. The pressure from a PolyLevel injection would likely just push the broken pieces further apart. Widespread, crumbling concrete (often called "spalling") indicates the concrete itself has failed.
  
  
• Damage from Heaving or Tree Roots: SOMETIMES it might require replacement, but it can be fixed if the tree root can be safely removed from under it. If the root requires the slab to be removed, then it may have to be replaced.
  
  The Verdict: If the concrete slab itself has lost its integrity and is shattered, crumbling, replacement may be the necessary course of action.

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Making the Smart Choice

 

 

Before you commit to the cost and chaos of a full replacement, have a professional assess your concrete. In most cases, you can save significant time, money, and frustration by choosing to repair the existing concrete. At Frontier, we use the latest technology and techniques to lift, level, seal, and protect your concrete. Contact us today to request your on-site inspection and free cost estimate!