Concrete Repair & Restoration

When to Repair vs Replace Your Concrete

Not every crack means you need to tear out and replace your concrete. Many common problems can be repaired effectively, saving you money while extending the life of your existing surfaces. The key is knowing when repair makes sense and when replacement is the better investment.

Here in Hayward, we see concrete damage from several sources. Weather cycles cause expansion and contraction. Tree roots lift sections of sidewalks and driveways. Poor initial installation leads to premature cracking. Sometimes the damage is minor and easily fixed. Other times, structural problems require replacement.

NextPhase Hayward Concrete has been repairing and restoring concrete throughout the Bay Area since 2024. We give you honest assessments about whether repair or replacement makes sense for your situation. Our goal is to provide the most cost-effective solution that actually solves your problem, not just cover it up temporarily. When we recommend professional concrete repair, it is because we know it will work.

Common Concrete Problems We Fix

Here are typical concrete issues and how we address them:

• Surface cracks: Hairline and minor cracks often result from concrete shrinkage or temperature changes. We clean and fill these cracks with specialized sealants that flex with the concrete and prevent water infiltration.
• Scaling and spalling: Surface deterioration where the top layer flakes off happens from freeze-thaw cycles, de-icing salts, or poor finishing. We remove damaged material and apply overlay systems that restore the surface.
• Sunken or settled sections: When concrete sinks, it creates trip hazards and drainage problems. We use slab jacking or mud jacking to lift settled sections back to proper level without removal.
• Joint deterioration: Control joints and expansion joints can break down over time. We remove old joint material and install new sealants that protect against water damage and maintain proper joint function.
• Staining and discoloration: Oil, rust, and other stains can penetrate concrete surfaces. We use appropriate cleaning methods and can apply coatings or stains to restore uniform appearance.
• Worn or damaged edges: High-traffic areas and impact damage can break concrete edges. We reconstruct damaged areas to match existing surfaces.

Each problem requires the right repair approach. We assess the underlying cause, not just the visible symptoms, to ensure our repairs actually last.

Professional Repair Techniques

We use proven methods and commercial-grade materials for concrete repairs that hold up over time:

Concrete resurfacing: For surfaces with widespread minor damage, we apply a thin overlay of polymer-modified concrete. This creates a fresh, new surface while utilizing the existing structural base. We can match colors and textures to existing concrete or create updated appearances.

Epoxy injection: For structural cracks, we inject high-strength epoxy that bonds crack faces together and restores structural integrity. This works well for foundation cracks and load-bearing repairs.

Polyurethane foam lifting: Modern alternative to traditional mud jacking uses expanding foam to lift settled concrete. This method is cleaner, faster, and creates less disturbance than older techniques.

Partial depth repairs: When damage is limited to the surface layer, we remove only the affected concrete and patch with bonding materials. This is more economical than full replacement while providing long-lasting results.

Full depth repairs: For localized areas with severe damage, we remove and replace specific sections. New concrete is properly bonded to existing areas and finished to match.

Concrete Restoration Services

Beyond repairs, we offer restoration services that improve appearance and extend concrete life:

Cleaning and sealing: Professional cleaning removes stains, dirt, and organic growth. Sealing protects against future staining and weather damage. This simple maintenance significantly extends concrete life.

Color restoration: Faded stamped or decorative concrete can be refreshed with new stains and sealers. We can restore original colors or update to new color schemes.

Texture restoration: Worn smooth concrete can be re-textured for improved traction and appearance. This works well for pool decks and patios.

Cosmetic upgrades: Turn plain concrete into decorative surfaces with overlays, stains, or scoring patterns. These transformations provide the look of new concrete without the cost of replacement.

Signs You Need Concrete Repair

Contact us if you notice any of these problems:

Cracks wider than a quarter inch or cracks that are growing larger. Small cracks stay small, but progressing cracks indicate ongoing problems that need attention.

Uneven surfaces that create trip hazards. Even small height differences can cause falls, especially for children and elderly visitors.

Water pooling on your concrete surfaces. This indicates poor drainage or settling that will get worse over time.

Flaking or peeling surface layers. Once this starts, it accelerates unless repaired properly.

Visible rebar or deteriorating edges. These are signs of serious deterioration that will not improve on its own.

We provide free assessments and honest recommendations about repair vs replacement. Our estimates include detailed explanations of what we will do and why. Contact us to schedule an evaluation of your damaged concrete.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Repair