Concrete Repair & Replacement in NW Indiana
Cracked, sunken, heaved or flaking concrete: find out whether it can be repaired or should be replaced.
What’s wrong with your concrete?
Most concrete problems around here trace back to three things: water, freezing and salt. Here’s how the common issues usually play out:
| What you see | Likely cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Thin hairline cracks | Normal shrinkage | Usually cosmetic; seal to keep water out. |
| Wide or offset cracks | Settlement or base failure | Section replacement; check drainage. |
| Flaking, pitted surface (scaling) | Salt and freeze-thaw on the surface | Resurfacing can help if the slab is sound; widespread scaling usually means replacement. |
| Panel lifted at one edge | Frost heave or tree roots | Remove and replace the panel; deal with roots. |
| Sunken section, water pooling | Washed-out or poorly compacted base | Slab lifting or replacement with new base. |
| Slab sloping toward the house | Settlement next to the foundation | Lifting or replacement to restore pitch; important for keeping basements dry. |
Repair, lift or replace?
- Crack sealing is inexpensive and worth doing on sound slabs before winter.
- Slab lifting (mudjacking or foam injection) can raise a sunken but intact slab back to level.
- Resurfacing can renew a scaled surface if the slab underneath is solid.
- Section replacement cuts out and re-pours only the failed panels, which is common for lifted sidewalk squares and sunken garage aprons.
- Full replacement makes sense when damage is widespread or the base underneath has failed. See concrete driveway replacement for what a new slab should include.
A local contractor can look at the slab, check what’s going on underneath, and tell you honestly which of these fits. Not every crack needs a new driveway.
Preventing the next round of damage
- Seal new concrete once it’s cured, and reseal periodically.
- Go easy on rock salt, especially during the first winter after a pour. Never use deicers containing ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate on concrete.
- Keep downspouts and sump discharge from dumping water against slabs.
- Shovel early so snow doesn’t melt and refreeze on the surface.
Where we connect homeowners
Other concrete services
Concrete Driveways
New driveways, tear-out and replacement, apron and approach work.
Concrete Patios
Backyard patios, fire-pit pads, walkways to the yard and hot-tub pads.
Sidewalks & Walkways
Public sidewalk replacement, front walks, steps and stoops.
Stamped & Decorative Concrete
Stamped patterns, color, borders and sealing for patios and walks.
Planning concrete work in The Region?
Call and tell us what you need. We’ll connect you with a local concrete contractor for a free estimate.