Concrete Repair & Replacement

When Concrete Needs More Than Just Cleaning

Cracked, sunken, or crumbling concrete is more than just an eyesore. It is a safety hazard that can cause trips and falls, and it damages your property value. Whether you have a driveway that is falling apart, a patio with major cracks, or a sidewalk that has settled unevenly, we can fix it.

We handle concrete repair and replacement throughout Alexandria and central Louisiana. Our team will assess your damaged concrete, explain your options, and give you an honest recommendation about whether repair makes sense or if replacement is the better choice.

Common Concrete Problems We Fix

Concrete develops problems for many reasons. Louisiana's clay soil, temperature changes, tree roots, poor drainage, and substandard original installation all contribute to concrete failure. Here are the issues we see most often:

• Cracks: From hairline surface cracks to wide structural cracks that go all the way through
• Settling and sinking: When sections drop lower than they should be, creating trip hazards and drainage problems
• Spalling and flaking: Surface concrete that chips, flakes, or crumbles away
• Uneven surfaces: Sections that have heaved up or sunken down, creating uneven walking or driving surfaces
• Pitting and erosion: Small holes and rough surfaces caused by weather and chemical damage
• Discoloration and staining: Oil stains, rust stains, and other permanent discoloration

Repair vs Replacement: How We Decide

Not every damaged concrete surface needs to be completely replaced. Sometimes repair is all you need, and it costs a lot less than replacement. Other times, trying to repair concrete that is too far gone just wastes money. Here is how we help you make the right decision.

When repair makes sense: If your concrete has minor cracks, small areas of spalling, or isolated damage in one section, repair is usually the way to go. We can fill cracks, patch damaged areas, resurface worn surfaces, and level slightly uneven sections. Repair costs 30 to 50 percent less than replacement and can extend the life of your concrete by many years.

When replacement is better: If more than 25 percent of your concrete is damaged, if you have major structural cracks, or if sections have sunk more than a couple inches, replacement is typically the smarter investment. Extensive damage usually means there are underlying problems with the base or drainage that repair alone will not fix. In these cases, trying to patch things up is like putting a bandage on a broken bone. It might look better temporarily, but the problems will come back.

Our Repair Methods

We use several proven repair techniques depending on what type of damage your concrete has:

• Crack filling and sealing: For cracks up to half an inch wide, we use flexible polyurethane or epoxy sealants that bond to the concrete and prevent water infiltration
• Concrete patching: Damaged sections get removed and filled with high-strength repair mortar that bonds to the existing concrete
• Resurfacing: A thin overlay of new concrete covers worn, stained, or pitted surfaces, giving them a fresh new appearance
• Slab jacking or mudjacking: We pump material under sunken concrete to lift it back to the correct level
• Joint repair: Damaged control joints get cleaned out and refilled with new joint sealant

The Concrete Replacement Process

When repair is not enough and you need full replacement, we handle the entire process from demolition to final finish. Here is what that looks like:

First, we remove the old concrete. We break it up, haul it away, and dispose of it properly. Then we inspect the base underneath. Often we find that the original base was inadequate or that drainage issues caused the failure. We fix any base problems and improve drainage so your new concrete does not develop the same issues.

Next comes proper preparation. We excavate to the right depth, install quality base material, and compact everything thoroughly. If needed, we add reinforcement beyond what the original concrete had to make the new installation even stronger.

Finally, we pour and finish your new concrete. Whether you want plain concrete to match what you had or you want to upgrade to decorative stamped concrete, we deliver quality work that will last for decades.

Preventing Future Concrete Problems

The best repair is the one you never have to make. While no concrete lasts forever, there are steps you can take to extend its life and avoid major problems:

• Seal your concrete every few years to protect against water damage and staining
• Keep gutters and downspouts directed away from concrete to prevent water pooling
• Fill small cracks as soon as you notice them before they grow larger
• Avoid using deicing salts in winter, as they can damage concrete surfaces
• Keep heavy vehicles off residential concrete that was not designed for that weight
• Address drainage problems around your property before they damage concrete

Working in Louisiana's Challenging Conditions

Central Louisiana's climate is tough on concrete. Hot, humid summers cause expansion. Cold snaps cause contraction. Heavy rains saturate the clay soil underneath, which expands and pushes against slabs. Then during dry periods, the clay shrinks and creates voids where concrete can settle.

We understand these local challenges because we have worked here for years. When we repair or replace your concrete, we account for our soil conditions and weather patterns. That means proper base preparation, adequate reinforcement, correct joint spacing, and attention to drainage. These details are what separate concrete that lasts from concrete that fails prematurely.

Get an Honest Assessment of Your Concrete

If you have damaged concrete and you are not sure whether to repair it or replace it, call us for a free evaluation. We will come to your property, inspect your concrete, and give you an honest opinion about the best course of action. No pressure, no sales tactics, just straightforward advice based on years of experience.

Call (318) 266-8869 to schedule your free concrete inspection. We serve Alexandria and all surrounding communities with professional concrete repair and replacement services. You can also visit our homepage to learn more about our company and see examples of repair and replacement projects we have completed.

Looking for new concrete installation instead of repair? We also specialize in new concrete driveways and patio installation for Alexandria area homeowners.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Repair and Replacement