Concrete Repair & Restoration

When Repair Makes More Sense Than Replacement

Not every damaged concrete surface needs complete replacement. If the base is still solid and the damage is mostly cosmetic or surface level, repair and restoration can save you thousands compared to tearing out and replacing the entire slab. We can fix cracks, resurface worn areas, level uneven sections, and restore the appearance of old concrete for a fraction of what replacement would cost.

In Mission Viejo, we repair driveways, patios, walkways, garage floors, and pool decks that have surface damage but are still structurally sound. The key is honest assessment. If the concrete is severely cracked, badly settled, or has major base problems, replacement is usually the better choice. But many issues can be fixed permanently without starting over from scratch.

Common Concrete Problems We Fix

Concrete damage happens for many reasons. Age, weather, poor initial installation, ground movement, and tree roots all take their toll. Here are the most common problems we see and repair:

• •Surface cracks from settling or temperature changes
• •Spalling and flaking from freeze-thaw cycles or poor finishing
• •Uneven sections caused by soil settlement or erosion
• •Stains from oil, rust, or other chemicals
• •Scaling and pitting from deicing salts or improper curing
• •Worn or damaged expansion joints
• •Surface wear from heavy traffic or improper sealing

Each problem has different repair techniques. Small cracks can be filled and sealed. Uneven slabs can often be leveled using mudjacking or polyurethane foam injection. Badly worn surfaces can be resurfaced with a new layer of concrete overlay. We assess the damage and recommend the most effective and economical repair method.

Crack Repair and Sealing

Not all cracks are the same. Hairline cracks might just need sealing to prevent water intrusion and further damage. Wider cracks need proper cleaning and filling with flexible sealants or repair mortars. We clean out the crack, prepare the edges, and fill it with materials that will move slightly with the concrete as temperatures change. This prevents the crack from reopening immediately after repair.

Concrete Resurfacing

If your concrete surface is pitted, stained, or worn but the base is solid, we can apply a new surface layer. This involves cleaning and preparing the existing concrete, then applying a thin overlay of specialized resurfacing material. The result looks like new concrete and adds years to the life of your slab. We can even add color or texture during resurfacing for an improved appearance.

Slab Leveling and Lifting

When concrete settles and becomes uneven, it creates tripping hazards and drainage problems. Mudjacking or foam injection can lift settled sections back to the correct level. This process involves drilling small holes and pumping material underneath to raise the slab. It costs less than replacement and gets completed in a day. Not all settling can be fixed this way, but when it works, it saves you significant money.

Restoration vs. Replacement: Making the Right Choice

How do you know if repair is worth it? We look at several factors. If the concrete has deep structural cracks, severe settling that keeps getting worse, or major base erosion, replacement is usually the answer. If the damage is surface level, limited to one section, or caused by fixable issues, repair makes more sense.

We give you honest advice because we do both repairs and full replacements. There is no incentive for us to push you toward the more expensive option if repair will solve your problem. During our site visit, we will explain what we find, show you your options, and let you decide what makes the most sense for your situation and budget. Dealing with damaged concrete? Let us take a look and tell you what can be fixed. Learn more about our process, or check out our services for new driveways and patio installations if replacement is the better option.