Cracks in concrete: when should you repair or replace?

12 May 2020

Concrete driveways, entranceways and sidewalks add a lot of value, functionality and curb appeal to your home but when it starts to deteriorate, which is eventually will, homeowners are faced with the decision to repair or replace the cracked concrete. The team here at Pavage Massie are commonly asked these questions about damaged or aging concrete:

  • Why is my concrete cracking, chipping or flaking?
  • Can I repair my concrete or do I have to replace it entirely?
  • How often can I fix my concrete before it needs to be replaced?
  • What’s the difference between repairing and replacing cracked concrete?

Our paving and concrete specialists provide answers to these questions below and we invite our readers in the Gatineau and Ottawa area to reach out anytime to ask any other questions you have about maintaining, repairing or replacing your concrete surfaces on your residential or commercial property.

Does all concrete eventually break down?

Yes. All concrete has a life expectancy and with the extreme weather conditions that we experience in the National Capital and Outaouais Region, the lifespan of your concrete driveway or other concrete surfaces will be shorter than in climates that have a more limited range in temperature. The freeze and thaw cycles are especially tough on concrete and the salt and other de-icing products that we use to keep our walkways safe during the ice and snow can cause early pitting to your pavement.

Repair or replace? What to ask when you have damaged concrete.

The most important question to ask when deciding whether or not to try to fix your damaged concrete instead of replacing it is whether or not the concrete can be restored to its original strength and integrity.

If the concrete has deteriorated so much that the repair will only fix part of the problem, a full replacement is necessary, no question. Where the decision becomes a little more grey is when a repair will solve the issues of your cracked, flaking or worn down concrete but the problems will surface again quickly.

This is when we have to dig a little deeper (figuratively and literally) to identify the problems, measure the extent of the damage and decide whether or not repairs are not only viable but also cost effective.

Can all types of concrete damage be repaired?

No. Concrete deteriorates for different reasons and the signs of the damage look different. Here are some common types of concrete damage that we see in the Gatineau/Ottawa area and what to do about them.

  • Chipped concrete (known in the industry as delaminated concrete) – repair is often a viable option for this type of damage to concrete. It looks flakey, dusty, and crumbles easily. If caught before more than ⅓ of the surface is affected, a professional paving company should be able to repair the chips.
  • Worn concrete that is exposed to the point of showing coarse aggregate materials on the surface (i.e. larger particles of gravel and stones) usually means a full replacement is necessary. Your paving company will refer to this damage as “spalling” and it is easily identified by trained professionals and homeowners alike. If the amount of surface material that has been swept, shoveled, washed or blown away is more than 2 inches deep, your concrete will need to be replaced and cannot be repaired while maintaining its original integrity (see early section).

It’s all about the base

If your concrete surface is weakened or damaged due to a poorly installed base or subbase erosion, no amount of surface repairs will solve the problem. It is important to turn to a trained and qualified pavement professional to help diagnose any issues with your concrete that may lie deep beneath the surface, otherwise home and business owners can end up wasting time and money on surface level repairs that will re-occur quickly and cost more in the long run than a full replacement.

Other factors that affect decisions to replace or repair cracked concrete

If you are faced with a decision to either repair or replace your concrete surfaces, here are some other variables to consider.

  • Time: how long are you willing and able to have your concrete pad out of service? Replacing concrete takes longer than repairs. But having to repair your concrete annually could add up to a longer disruption to your family or business in the long run.
  • Budget: in the short-term, repairs are much less costly than replacing concrete entirely. But if your concrete is at the point where it will be close to its maximum life expectancy and need recurring repairs, a replacement might be a more cost effective solution.

We understand how important it is for our clients to make informed decisions about how to invest in their properties. The team at Pavage Massie are here to listen and guide you through your options when it comes to cracked, damaged, worn or deteriorating concrete. Please reach out!