How long do concrete repairs last?

The lifespan of a repair depends on what caused the damage and how well we address the underlying issue. Simple crack filling can last 3 to 5 years before the crack might reopen. Epoxy injection repairs often last 10 years or more. Surface repairs like overlays typically last 7 to 10 years before they need refreshing.

Will repaired concrete match the existing color?

Getting a perfect color match is challenging because concrete changes color as it ages. We use color additives and careful material selection to get as close as possible. For small crack repairs, the difference is barely noticeable. After a year of exposure, repairs usually blend much better.

Concrete Repair & Replacement

Q: Should I repair or replace my damaged concrete?

If your concrete is less than 15 years old and the damage is limited, repair usually makes sense. If it is 30 years old with multiple problems, replacement gives you a fresh start. We will assess your concrete and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

Expert concrete repair services that fix damage and extend the life of your existing surfaces.

Professional concrete repair work in Bell Gardens

When to Repair vs Replace Your Concrete

Not every crack or surface problem means you need to tear out your entire driveway or patio. Many concrete issues can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of replacement. The key is knowing when repair makes sense and when replacement is the smarter long-term choice. We've evaluated hundreds of damaged concrete surfaces in Bell Gardens, and we'll give you an honest assessment of which approach works best for your situation.

Small cracks, minor surface damage, and isolated problem areas usually respond well to targeted repairs. These fixes can add years to your concrete's life and cost much less than starting over. On the other hand, extensive cracking, severe settling, or concrete that's reached the end of its lifespan probably needs replacement. Trying to patch severely damaged concrete is like putting a bandage on a broken bone. It might look better temporarily, but the underlying problems remain.

Age plays a role too. If your concrete in Bell Gardens is less than 15 years old and the damage is limited, repair usually makes sense. If it's 30 years old with multiple problems, replacement gives you a fresh start with modern materials and techniques. We'll walk your property with you, point out the issues, and explain your options without pressure.

Common Concrete Problems We Fix

Concrete damage shows up in different ways depending on what caused it. Here are the most common issues we see and how we address each one.

Cracks and Fractures

Hairline cracks are normal as concrete cures and adjusts to temperature changes. These thin surface cracks don't threaten your concrete's integrity, but they can let water seep in and grow larger over time. We seal these with flexible crack filler that moves with the concrete. Wider cracks that go deeper into the slab need more aggressive treatment. We use epoxy or polyurethane injection to fill the crack completely and bond the separated concrete back together.

Structural cracks are more serious. These form when the ground settles unevenly or when the concrete wasn't thick enough for the load. If your driveway has cracks wider than a quarter inch or cracks that have caused the slab to shift vertically, we need to address the underlying cause before sealing the crack. Sometimes this means improving drainage, sometimes it requires mudjacking or replacing sections.

Sunken or Uneven Sections

When parts of your concrete sink or tip, you get trip hazards and drainage problems. This happens when the soil underneath washes away or compacts unevenly. We can lift sunken concrete back to its original level using polyurethane foam injection. This process, sometimes called mudjacking or slabjacking, involves drilling small holes and pumping foam underneath until the slab rises. The foam expands and hardens quickly, supporting the concrete permanently. This works great for driveways, sidewalks, and patio slabs that have settled but are otherwise in good shape.

Surface Damage and Spalling

Spalling is when the concrete surface flakes, chips, or peels away. It often results from freeze-thaw cycles in colder climates, but in Bell Gardens it usually comes from poor finishing during installation or using deicing chemicals. The surface breaks down while the concrete underneath stays solid. We remove the damaged surface layer and apply a concrete overlay or resurfacing compound. This restores the appearance and protects the structural concrete beneath.

Stains and Discoloration

Oil stains, rust marks, and general discoloration make concrete look neglected even when it's structurally sound. We use specialized cleaners and treatments to remove or lighten most stains. For stubborn discoloration that won't come out, we can apply an acid stain or concrete coating in a color that disguises the problem. Sometimes the best solution is a thin decorative overlay that gives you a fresh surface without the expense of replacement.

Our Repair and Replacement Process

Whether we're patching a few cracks or replacing an entire slab, we follow a proven process that delivers lasting results.

•Thorough inspection: We examine all visible damage and test areas that look questionable. We check for underlying issues like poor drainage or soil problems that caused the damage. If we don't fix the root cause, the repair won't last.
•Detailed recommendations: We explain what needs fixing and provide options at different price points. You'll get a clear explanation of what each approach accomplishes so you can make an informed decision.
•Proper preparation: For repairs, we clean and prep damaged areas to ensure good adhesion. For replacements, we remove the old concrete completely and prepare the base just like new construction.
•Quality materials: We use repair products specifically designed for each type of damage. For replacements, we pour the same quality concrete mix we use for new installations, with proper reinforcement and finishing.
•Color matching: When patching or resurfacing, we work to match the existing concrete color as closely as possible. Perfect matches are difficult, but we use techniques that blend repairs so they're not obvious from normal viewing distance.
•Protecting your property: We contain dust and debris, protect landscaping, and clean up completely when we're done. Your yard should look better than when we started, not like a construction zone.