Concrete Repair & Replacement
Fix cracked, damaged, or worn concrete before small problems become expensive replacements.
Why Concrete Repair Matters
Concrete is durable, but it is not indestructible. Over time, cracks appear. Surfaces chip or spall. Sections settle and become uneven. These problems do not fix themselves. In fact, they get worse. A small crack lets water in. When winter comes, that water freezes and expands. The crack grows. What started as a hairline fracture becomes a major problem. Catching damage early saves you money and extends the life of your concrete.
Ignoring concrete damage can create safety hazards. Uneven surfaces are trip hazards. Cracked steps can cause falls. Settling driveways can damage vehicles. Beyond safety, damaged concrete hurts your property value. Buyers notice cracks and worn surfaces. They wonder what else has been neglected. Taking care of concrete shows you maintain your property. It gives buyers confidence and can help you get a better price when you sell.
At Brickhaven Dover Concrete, we specialize in concrete repair before it needs complete replacement. Not every damaged slab requires tearing out and starting over. Many issues can be fixed effectively and affordably. We assess the damage, explain your options, and recommend the most cost-effective solution. Sometimes that means repair. Sometimes replacement makes more sense. We will tell you honestly which approach is best for your situation.
The key is addressing problems early. Small repairs are quick and inexpensive. Major replacements are not. Regular inspection helps you catch issues before they spiral. Walk around your property a few times a year and look for cracks, settling, or spalling. If you notice something, give us a call. We can evaluate it and let you know if it needs immediate attention or if you can wait. Prevention and early intervention save you money in the long run.
Common Concrete Problems We Fix
Concrete can fail in several ways. Here are the most common issues we see in Dover, NH:
Cracks
Cracks are the most common concrete problem. Small hairline cracks are normal and usually not a concern. They happen as concrete cures and adjusts to temperature changes. Larger cracks indicate a problem. They might be caused by settling, poor installation, or freeze-thaw damage. We can fill cracks with epoxy or polyurethane to seal them and prevent water intrusion. For severe cracking, we may recommend replacing the section.
Spalling
Spalling is when the surface of concrete flakes or chips away. You see pits and divots where the top layer has broken off. This often happens due to freeze-thaw cycles, deicing salts, or improper finishing. Spalling starts small but spreads if not addressed. We can resurface spalled concrete with a thin overlay or patch material. This restores the appearance and protects the underlying concrete.
Settling and Sinking
Concrete slabs can settle or sink if the soil underneath shifts or compacts. This creates uneven surfaces and trip hazards. It also affects drainage, allowing water to pool in unwanted areas. We use concrete leveling techniques to raise sunken slabs back to their original position. This is faster and cheaper than replacement. For more information, check our concrete leveling services.
Discoloration and Staining
Stains from oil, rust, or other substances can make concrete look dirty and worn. While stains do not affect structural integrity, they hurt the appearance of your property. We can clean or resurface stained concrete depending on the severity. For decorative finishes, we offer staining and coloring to give old concrete a fresh look.
Broken or Missing Sections
Sometimes a section of concrete breaks completely or needs to be removed for access to utilities. We can replace individual sections without tearing out the entire slab. We match the thickness, finish, and color as closely as possible. The goal is to make the repair blend seamlessly with the surrounding concrete.
Erosion and Voids
Soil erosion under concrete creates voids. This happens when water washes away the base material. Eventually, the concrete loses support and cracks or settles. We can fill voids with grout or foam to restore support. This prevents further damage and extends the life of the slab.
When to Repair and When to Replace
Deciding between repair and replacement depends on the extent of the damage. Here is how we think about it:
- •Minor Cracks and Surface Damage: If the concrete is structurally sound and the damage is cosmetic, repair makes sense. We can fill cracks, patch spalls, and resurface worn areas. The cost is a fraction of replacement.
- •Moderate Settling: If a section has settled but the concrete itself is in good shape, leveling is the best option. We lift the slab back to its original height. This fixes the problem without the mess and expense of replacement.
- •Extensive Cracking: If more than 25 percent of the surface is cracked, replacement may be more practical. Repairing dozens of cracks is time-consuming and may not look good. A new pour gives you a fresh start.
- •Structural Failure: If the concrete is breaking apart or the base has failed, replacement is usually necessary. There is no point in patching concrete that cannot support its intended load.
- •Age and Condition: If your concrete is 30 or 40 years old and showing multiple problems, replacement might be the smarter investment. You could spend money on repairs only to face more issues in a few years. Sometimes starting fresh makes more sense.
We provide honest assessments. If repair makes sense, we will recommend that. If replacement is the better choice, we will explain why. Our goal is to give you the solution that fits your needs and budget. We do not upsell unnecessary work. You can trust our advice because it is based on decades of experience and a commitment to doing right by our customers.
For new installations or major projects, we also offer services like concrete driveways and patios. Whatever your concrete needs, we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Concrete Repair or Replacement?
Contact Brickhaven Dover Concrete for a free inspection and estimate. We will assess the damage and recommend the best solution for your situation. Let us restore your concrete to like-new condition.
(603) 665-0813