Concrete repair is an important step to preserving and protecting the longevity of concrete structures. Depending on the cause of deterioration, restoration techniques can vary from cosmetic to structural.
For structural bonding, epoxy injection can repair cracks and stop water flow in concrete. This type of repair requires a professional contractor and may be expensive. To ensure quality results, hire experienced general contractors in Nashville TN.
Crack Repair

Concrete is an amazingly strong material, but even the most well-designed and constructed slabs can develop cracks. Cracks can be caused by a wide range of factors, including poor installation, drying conditions, freeze/thaw cycles and more. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to repair these cracks quickly to prevent further damage to your surface and to protect the safety and integrity of the structure.
The first step to taking care of these small cracks is to clean them out thoroughly. Use a pressure washer to remove any dirt, dust or other debris that might be lodged in the cracks. You should also spray the inside of the cracks to prevent moisture penetration and further deterioration.
Next, you’ll want to prepare the cracks for filling. You can do this by using a caulk tube, bottle or pre-mixed compound that’s designed to be used with concrete. If the cracks are very deep, a backer rod may need to be added before you start filling. Backer rod is a long, cylinder-like piece of foam that you can “shove” into cracks to help the sealant adhere better.
Once you’ve filled the cracks, it’s a good idea to let them dry completely before you use your outdoor space. If you’re in a hurry, you can accelerate the drying process by running a heat lamp over the cracks. However, this isn’t always recommended, as it can create an uneven and potentially dangerous surface.
The last step is to sand the patched area to blend it into the rest of the concrete. You can also run a brush perpendicular to the cracks to feather out the compound and further smooth the surface. Finally, a coat of clear polyurethane will give your concrete the finish it needs and keep any water out that might otherwise seep into the cracks and further damage your surface.
If you don’t feel comfortable or qualified to tackle the task of repairing your cracked concrete yourself, contact a local SUNDEK contractor. These professionals will be able to assess your concrete and provide you with an array of options, from resurfacing to full replacement.
Edge Repair
Concrete is a robust construction material that can be subject to a number of issues over time. These problems include deterioration, cracking, spalling, sinking and more. Fortunately, these pesky issues aren’t permanent and today there are several effective concrete repair methods to help keep your concrete intact.
The first step in repairing cracked concrete is to determine the cause. This will help you decide whether to replace or repair the damaged area. For example, if the cracks are caused by carbonation or corrosion induced deterioration, replacing the surface may be the best option.
If your cracked concrete is caused by freeze-thaw cycles, chemical exposure, structural movement or poor construction practices, repairing the damage will usually restore the integrity of the concrete and improve its lifespan. Repairing the damage will also ensure that you don’t experience any further deterioration and costly repairs in the future.
Repairing a crumbling concrete surface requires careful consideration of the type and size of the crack, its depth, moisture content and the condition of the surrounding concrete. In addition, the type of repair should consider the function required of the structure. For example, a repair for a crack in a structural wall should take into account the shear and tensile forces that are generated within the concrete.
Various constituents can be added to the repair mortar or concrete to modify its performance, such as the ductility, bond strength and water resistance. However, it is essential that the material used in a repair is compatible with the existing concrete substrate. This is especially important in the case of a repaired crack, where the bond between the repair material and the concrete substrate is critical for its durability.
For instance, traditional concrete repair for a sinking concrete slab was to inject cement through injection ports. This process was messy, chaotic and left large holes in the surface. PolyLevel is an alternative that uses a two-part polyurethane system to fill voids and lift the concrete slab back to its original position. This system is fast, noninvasive, aesthetically pleasing and doesn’t retain moisture.
Spalling Repair
Concrete has immense utility for the built environment, and if it is poured and cared for correctly can last a very long time. It is not, however, invincible and it is subject to a number of different environmental stresses that can cause spalling and damage.
Spalling occurs when the surface of concrete peels or breaks away in small, irregularly shaped chunks. This can occur due to a variety of environmental factors, including the use of de-icing salts and poor curing. Concrete spalling can also be caused by poor mix design, resulting in weak concrete that is more susceptible to damage and spalling.
If left unchecked, spalling can cause serious structural issues and present trip hazards. It is also unsightly and makes structures appear uncared for. Diligent maintenance is therefore a critical part of a structure’s lifespan and legislation often places a duty of care on owners to maintain their structures in a safe condition.
In many cases, a simple application of a penetrating concrete sealer can help prevent moisture related spalling. The sealer creates a chemically bonded barrier that helps slow down the deterioration process, providing protection against freeze-thaw cycles and the effects of de-icing salts.
When concrete spalls, it exposes the deeper layers to environmental stressors, causing further damage and reducing the structural integrity and lifespan of the concrete structure. The good news is that spalling can be repaired without the need to replace the affected concrete.
Surface patching and overlays can repair the damage caused by spalling, restoring the surface to a new, aesthetically pleasing appearance. Products such as RepCon V/O, RepCon 928, and Duo Patch can be used to repair the surface of spalling concrete and protect it from further damage.
Preventing spalling can be achieved by sealing concrete soon after installation and implementing routine maintenance such as cleaning and re-application of sealers. A concrete surface that is properly prepared and sealed can resist moisture and protect the steel reinforcement from corrosion, thereby reducing the risk of spalling. SpecChem offers a wide range of targeted solutions that can help both prevent and repair spalling, including penetrating sealers that are ideal for concrete surfaces.
Resurfacing
Concrete resurfacing is an excellent option for revitalizing and restoring the appearance of outdated, worn, or stained concrete surfaces. Using a new layer of concrete or specialized resurfacing material, resurfacing methods like overlay resurfacing, stamped concrete resurfacing, and epoxy resurfacing can be used to mask cracks, pitting, spalling, and discoloration, and create a fresh new surface. This type of resurfacing is often applied to patios, driveways, walkways, and other outdoor concrete surfaces to enhance the look of any space and boost curb appeal.
Resurfacing can also provide a variety of design customization options, as well as enhanced traction and safety features. For example, textured and anti-slip finishes, which are designed to improve traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls, can be added to resurfacing materials like stamped or epoxy coatings.
Before choosing a resurfacing method, it’s important to assess the condition of the existing concrete, as this will influence the most suitable solution. For example, if the concrete is heavily damaged or deteriorated, a more extensive repair solution like a complete concrete replacement may be necessary.
Other factors to consider include the desired aesthetic, traffic and usage, timeline, and budget. For example, simpler resurfacing techniques like concrete overlays and micro-toppings can be completed more quickly than more extensive options like stamped or epoxy coatings. Also, keep in mind that some resurfacing methods require regular maintenance routines such as cleaning, sweeping, and resealing to preserve their appearance and performance.

