Concrete Repair & Replacement
Fix damaged concrete or replace it entirely when repair isn't enough.
Cracked, sunken, or crumbling concrete doesn't just look bad. It's a safety hazard and can cause water damage to your property. Whether your driveway has developed cracks, your patio is sinking, or your walkway is breaking apart, UptownView Chicopee Concrete can help you decide whether to repair or replace it.
Sometimes a repair job can add years to your concrete's life and save you money. Other times, replacement is the better long-term investment. We'll give you an honest assessment of your concrete and explain your options so you can make an informed decision.
When Concrete Can Be Repaired
Not all damaged concrete needs to be replaced. Here are situations where repair is a good option.
- •Surface Cracks: Hairline cracks and small surface cracks can be filled and sealed to prevent water infiltration.
- •Spalling: Surface flaking or chipping can be patched with repair mortars or resurfaced with a thin overlay.
- •Small Sunken Areas: If a section has settled slightly, we can sometimes lift it using mudjacking or polyurethane foam injection.
- •Isolated Damage: If damage is limited to one small section and the rest of the concrete is sound, we can remove and replace just that section.
- •Recent Concrete: If your concrete is relatively new and the underlying issue can be addressed, repair makes sense.
When Replacement Is the Better Choice
Sometimes repairs are just throwing money at a problem that's going to come back. Here's when replacement makes more sense.
- •Widespread Cracking: If your concrete is cracked throughout, patching individual cracks won't solve the underlying problem.
- •Severe Settling: When concrete has sunk several inches and creating drainage problems or trip hazards, lifting often isn't enough.
- •Old Age: Concrete that's 30-50 years old has lived its life. At this point, replacement gives you decades more use.
- •Structural Issues: If the base has failed, tree roots have caused heaving, or frost has done major damage, you need to address the foundation problem, which means starting over.
- •Design Changes: If you want to expand your patio, widen your driveway, or change the layout, replacement lets you redesign the space.
When we replace your concrete, we fix the underlying issues that caused the damage in the first place. Better drainage, improved base preparation, and proper reinforcement mean your new concrete won't develop the same problems.
Common Repair Methods We Use
Crack Filling and Sealing
For cracks less than a quarter inch wide, we clean them out and fill them with flexible crack sealant. This prevents water from getting in and causing the crack to widen. For wider cracks, we use patching compounds that bond to the existing concrete. After repair, we can apply a sealer to the entire surface to protect it and blend the repair.
Concrete Resurfacing
If your concrete is structurally sound but looks worn or stained, we can apply a thin overlay (typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch) over the existing surface. This gives you a fresh, new appearance without the cost of full replacement. We can even stamp or stain the overlay for a decorative finish.
Slab Jacking
When concrete slabs have settled and created uneven surfaces, we can lift them back to the proper level. We drill small holes and pump either a grout mixture (mudjacking) or polyurethane foam under the slab. The material fills voids and lifts the concrete. This is much less expensive than replacing the concrete and works well when the slab itself is in good condition.
Partial Replacement
If only one section of your driveway or patio is damaged, we can cut out and remove that section, address the base issues, and pour new concrete to match. We use proper bonding techniques to ensure the new section integrates well with the existing concrete.
Our Assessment and Repair Process
We start with a thorough evaluation of your concrete. We look at the type and extent of damage, check for underlying issues like poor drainage or base failure, and consider the age and overall condition of the concrete. Then we explain your options with honest pros and cons for each approach.
If you choose repair, we prepare the area properly, use quality materials, and make sure the repair blends with the existing surface. If you choose replacement, we remove the old concrete, address the root causes of the damage, and install new concrete that's built to last. Either way, you'll know exactly what we're doing and why.
We've worked on countless repair and replacement projects throughout Chicopee. We've seen every type of concrete failure, and we know how to fix it correctly. You can trust us to give you straight answers about what your concrete needs.