Communities encounter many problems when trying to maintain safe and beautiful common area concrete.

• Spalling or pitted concrete

• Sidewalk trip hazards

• Concrete lifted by tree roots

• Concrete settled by soil erosion

• Broken, cracked, or separated concrete

• Settled pool decks

• Dropped interior floors

• Broken curbs

Communities don’t always understand the best repair options for such issues. There are a variety of solutions to these concrete issues such as patching, skimming, shaving (or cutting), grinding, polyurethane lifting (commonly referred to as slab-jacking or concrete-leveling), or replacing.

Let’s take a look at some concrete repair options:

Patching, Skimming, or Resurfacing

Patching, skimming, or resurfacing are all inexpensive in relation to labor and the cost of materials. These options are quick solutions for pitted, spalling, or cracked concrete that can help regain some curb appeal. These methods are, however, temporary solutions that do not permanently repair the structure.

of the concrete and therefore are not recommended for large cracks or holes.

Concrete Shaving or Cutting

Concrete shaving or cutting methods can be quicker and more affordable alternatives to the replacement of concrete. These solutions are often used for sidewalks lifted by tree roots but don’t qualify for certain types of trip hazards.

While this method minimizes the trip hazard, it doesn’t address the underlying issues.

Grinding

Concrete grinding is more cost-effective than replacement and can be done quickly and efficiently. Grinding is also used as a touch-up for other concrete repair methods, such as lifting.

While grinding does minimize trip hazards and leave a non-slip surface, it is not aesthetically pleasing and should be used sparingly on exposed aggregate.

Polyurethane Lifting

Polyurethane lifting, commonly referred to as slab-jacking or concrete-leveling, is the most effective repair option for settled concrete. Small holes are drilled into slabs and polyurethane is pumped into the voids, which expands and lifts the concrete back into place. At around half the cost of replacement with immediate foot traffic resumption, polyurethane lifting serves as the most cost-effective long-term solution for settled floors, sidewalk trip hazards, and pool decks.

When concrete is broken, cracked, or severely damaged and other methods are unable to be used, the only remaining solution is full concrete replacement:

Concrete Replacement

Concrete replacement is the most expensive method for repairing settled, broken, or damaged concrete. While expensive, this method removes imperfections and structural issues and improves overall appearance.

By Martha Moore, Business Development Manager, Concrete Jack