Questions
Frequently asked questions
Should I repair or replace my cracked concrete?
It depends on what caused the cracking and how far it has gone. If the slab is still solid and the base under it is intact, crack repair or resurfacing usually makes sense. If the concrete is broken into pieces, spalling through, or sitting on a failed base, replacement is the better spend. We assess the cause and tell you honestly which way to go.
Can you fix a sunken driveway or walkway slab?
Often, yes. If a slab has settled but is otherwise sound, we can lift it back to grade by filling the void underneath, which is faster and less expensive than tear-out and replacement. If the slab itself is broken up, replacement is the better option, and we will say so.
What causes concrete to flake and pit at the surface?
That surface damage is usually spalling, driven by de-icing salt and freeze-thaw working on a surface that was not sealed or was finished poorly. If the spalling is shallow and the slab is sound, resurfacing with a bonded overlay can restore it. Deep spalling that reaches the reinforcement usually means replacement.
Will a crack repair just crack again?
Not if the cause is addressed. A crack over a slab that keeps moving because of poor drainage or a failed base will reopen no matter what you fill it with. We look at why it cracked, fix what we can, and use flexible, bonding repair materials so the fix holds through the freeze-thaw cycle.
Does resurfacing hold up in Ohio winters?
A properly bonded overlay over sound concrete holds up well when it is sealed and maintained. The key is that the concrete underneath is solid and the surface is prepped so the overlay bonds. Over a slab that is already failing, resurfacing only hides the problem for a while, so we check the base first.
