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Concrete Repair & Replacement

Fix damaged concrete before small problems turn into expensive replacements, or replace sections that are beyond repair.

Professional concrete repair and replacement services in Urbana, IL

When to Repair and When to Replace

Not every crack or damaged section means you need to tear out your entire driveway or patio. Many concrete problems can be repaired effectively if you catch them early. We help homeowners throughout Champaign and Urbana make the right decision between repair and replacement based on the extent of damage, the age of the concrete, and your budget.

Small cracks, minor settling, and surface damage often respond well to repair techniques. We can fill cracks to prevent water infiltration, lift sunken sections back to level, and resurface areas with cosmetic damage. These repairs cost a fraction of replacement and can extend the life of your concrete by years. Many of our customers are surprised at how good their repaired concrete looks once we finish the work.

However, some situations call for complete replacement. If your concrete has extensive cracking throughout, major settling that affects drainage, or structural damage that compromises safety, replacement makes more sense. We will honestly assess your situation and recommend the most cost-effective solution. Sometimes replacing one badly damaged section saves the rest of your concrete and prevents further problems.

Common Concrete Problems We Fix

Central Illinois weather creates specific challenges for concrete. Freeze and thaw cycles cause the ground to expand and contract, which can lead to settling and cracking. Poor drainage washes away supporting soil. Tree roots push up sections of sidewalks and driveways. We have seen and fixed all these issues countless times.

Problems We Repair Regularly

  • Cracks that allow water to seep beneath the surface and cause further damage
  • Sunken or uneven sections that create trip hazards and drainage problems
  • Scaling and surface damage from deicing chemicals and weather exposure
  • Crumbling edges and corners that get worse every time you shovel or plow

We use different repair methods depending on the specific problem. Crack filling and sealing prevents water damage and stops small cracks from spreading. Slab jacking or mud jacking lifts sunken concrete back to the proper level without tearing anything out. For surface damage, we can apply new concrete overlays that restore appearance and protect the base concrete underneath. Each repair method has the right application, and we match the technique to your situation.

Our Replacement Process

When replacement makes sense, we handle the entire process from removal to finishing. We carefully remove only the damaged sections to minimize disruption and cost. If your driveway has one bad section but the rest looks good, we can cut out and replace just that area.

What to Expect During Replacement

We start by sawing clean lines around the damaged area to create straight edges for the new concrete. After removing the old concrete and hauling it away, we inspect the base to identify why the problem occurred. Maybe drainage needs improvement. Maybe the base was not compacted properly. We fix the underlying issue so your new concrete does not develop the same problems.

Next, we prepare the area the same way we would for any new concrete installation. This includes proper base preparation, reinforcement, and careful forming. We pour new concrete and work to match the existing surface as closely as possible. For stamped or colored concrete, we do our best to blend the new section with the old, though some visible difference is normal.

After the concrete cures, you end up with a safe, level surface that solves your problem without the expense of replacing everything. Many Champaign-Urbana homeowners choose this approach because it makes financial sense and solves the immediate problem while extending the life of their remaining concrete.

Common Questions About Concrete Repair and Replacement

How do I know if my concrete can be repaired or needs replacement?
As a general rule, if the damage covers less than 30 percent of the surface and the concrete is structurally sound, repair usually makes sense. If you have widespread cracking, multiple settled areas, or the concrete is old and deteriorating throughout, replacement becomes more cost-effective long-term. We offer free assessments where we evaluate your specific situation and provide honest recommendations. We will explain both options with pricing so you can make an informed decision.
Will repaired concrete look obvious compared to the rest?
This depends on the type of repair and the age of your existing concrete. Simple crack filling is barely noticeable once complete. Larger repairs and replacements will show some color difference initially because new concrete looks different from weathered concrete. Over time, the new section will weather and blend in better. For decorative or stamped concrete, we work to match patterns and colors as closely as possible, but expect some visible difference. Most customers find the improved safety and function far outweighs any cosmetic differences.
How long does concrete repair last?
Quality repairs can last many years when done correctly. Crack repairs typically last 5 to 10 years or more. Leveling repairs last as long as the underlying soil stays stable, often 10 to 15 years. Replaced sections should last just as long as new concrete, potentially 30 years or more. The key is addressing the cause of the original problem, not just the symptom. We fix drainage issues, improve bases, and take other steps to ensure repairs hold up over time rather than failing quickly.