Concrete Repair & Restoration

When to Repair vs Replace

Not every concrete problem needs a full replacement. If you have minor cracks, small settled areas, or surface damage, repair can save you money and extend the life of your concrete. But if your driveway, sidewalk, or patio has severe cracking, major heaving, or structural issues, replacement might be the smarter choice.

We'll assess your concrete honestly and tell you whether repair or replacement makes sense for your situation and budget.

Common Concrete Problems We Fix

Here are the most common issues we see in Champaign, IL:

• Cracks: Hairline cracks or wider fractures from settling, freeze-thaw cycles, or poor installation.
• Sunken or settled sections: Areas where concrete has sunk due to soil erosion or poor base prep.
• Spalling and surface damage: Flaking, pitting, or scaling on the surface from freeze damage or salt exposure.
• Lifted or heaved concrete: Sections pushed up by tree roots, frost, or expanding soil.
• Joint separation: Gaps between concrete slabs or where concrete meets other materials.

Repair Methods That Work

The right repair depends on the problem. Here's how we fix common issues:

For cracks, we clean and fill them with epoxy or polyurethane sealants that bond to the existing concrete and prevent water intrusion. For sunken sections, we can often lift and level the concrete using mudjacking or foam injection. This is faster and cheaper than replacement.

Surface damage like spalling may require grinding, patching, or applying a concrete overlay. Heaved sections sometimes need removal and re-pouring, especially if tree roots are involved.

Why Illinois Weather Damages Concrete

Freeze-thaw cycles are tough on concrete. Water seeps into cracks, freezes, expands, and makes the cracks bigger. Over years, this process breaks down even well-built concrete. Sealing cracks early and resealing your concrete every few years helps prevent freeze damage.

Salt and de-icers also damage concrete. They pull moisture into the surface, causing spalling and pitting. Using less salt and rinsing surfaces in spring reduces this damage.

Restoring Old Concrete Surfaces

If your concrete is structurally sound but looks bad, restoration can make it look new again. We can grind, clean, and reseal surfaces to remove stains and discoloration. For more dramatic changes, decorative overlays or staining can give old concrete a fresh, modern look.