Concrete Repair & Replacement

Damaged concrete doesn't fix itself. Cracks spread, uneven sections get worse, and what starts as a minor eyesore can become a safety hazard or structural problem. The good news is that catching concrete issues early means you can often repair them for much less than full replacement. Professional concrete repair restores function and appearance while extending your concrete's life by years or decades.

At LMC Lompoc Concrete, we handle all types of concrete repair and replacement throughout Lompoc and surrounding areas. Whether you need crack repair, surface restoration, or complete section replacement, we assess your concrete honestly and recommend the most cost-effective solution. Sometimes that means repair, other times replacement makes more sense. We'll explain your options clearly so you can make the right decision for your property and budget.

Common Concrete Problems We Fix

Concrete develops various problems over time depending on how it was built, what it's exposed to, and how it's used. Here are the most common issues we see and what causes them.

Understanding what caused the problem helps us fix it properly. Sometimes the damage is just age and weather. Other times it points to underlying issues like poor drainage or inadequate base preparation that we need to address to prevent problems from recurring.

When to Repair vs. When to Replace

The big question is whether your concrete can be effectively repaired or needs complete replacement. There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the damage extent, the concrete's age, and what caused the problem. Here's how we help you make this decision.

Good Candidates for Repair

Repair makes sense when damage is isolated and the underlying structure is sound. Small to medium cracks, surface spalling, minor settling, and cosmetic issues can usually be repaired effectively. If your concrete is relatively young and the damage resulted from a specific incident rather than systemic failure, repair often works well.

When Replacement Makes More Sense

Replacement is the better choice when concrete is extensively cracked throughout, when large sections have settled significantly, or when the base underneath has failed. Old concrete with multiple layers of previous repairs that are also failing usually needs replacement. If repairs would cost 50 percent or more of replacement cost, you're better off replacing and getting 30 more years of life.

Our Honest Assessment

We'll inspect your concrete and explain what we find. If repair will work, we'll recommend that because it's better for you and we'd rather have a satisfied customer than oversell. If replacement is needed, we'll explain why so you understand you're making a smart investment rather than just a costly repair. Our reputation is built on honest assessments and quality work, not pushing the most expensive option.

Our Concrete Repair Methods

Different problems require different repair approaches. We use proven techniques and professional-grade materials to create repairs that last. Here are the main repair methods we use and when each works best.

Our Concrete Replacement Process

When replacement is the right choice, we do it correctly so your new concrete lasts for decades. We don't just remove old concrete and pour new. We investigate what caused the original failure and fix those issues before installing new concrete. Here's our complete replacement process.

Removal and Disposal

We carefully remove the old concrete using the right equipment for your situation. We protect surrounding landscaping and existing concrete you're keeping. All debris is hauled away and disposed of properly. You don't need to worry about broken concrete sitting in your yard or finding a way to get rid of it.

Base Evaluation and Correction

With the old concrete gone, we can see what's underneath. Often we find the original base was inadequate or poorly compacted. We excavate deeper if needed, install proper base material, and compact it correctly. We fix drainage problems by adjusting grades and slopes. This step is why replacement often outlasts the original concrete that failed.

Installation of New Concrete

We install your new concrete using the methods described in our concrete driveways and other service pages. Proper thickness, reinforcement, control joints, and finishing create concrete that performs better than what you had before. We can upgrade to decorative finishes during replacement if you want to improve appearance along with function.

Matching Existing Concrete

When we're replacing sections while keeping other parts, we work to match the existing concrete as closely as possible. We match thickness, texture, and appearance so the new section blends in. Perfect matching isn't always possible because concrete weathers and changes color over time, but we get as close as we can.

Preventing Future Concrete Damage

Once your concrete is repaired or replaced, you want to protect your investment. While concrete is durable, some simple precautions help it last even longer. Here's how to prevent the most common types of concrete damage.

Control Water Exposure

Water is concrete's main enemy. Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from concrete surfaces. Keep drainage channels clear. Fix sprinklers that spray onto concrete. If water pools on your concrete, have us evaluate the grading. Standing water slowly damages concrete through freeze-thaw cycles and by allowing salt and chemicals to penetrate deeper.

Avoid Harmful Chemicals

Deicing salts can damage concrete surfaces, especially new concrete in its first year. Use sand for traction instead if you need something for icy conditions. Clean up oil, gasoline, and other chemical spills promptly. While sealed concrete resists stains, long exposure to harsh chemicals can eventually cause damage.

Prevent Excessive Weight

Don't park extremely heavy vehicles or equipment on concrete that wasn't designed for such loads. Residential driveways are built for cars and light trucks, not loaded dump trucks or heavy RVs parked in one spot for months. Distribute weight when you can by moving heavy items occasionally rather than leaving them in one place permanently.

Seal and Maintain

Sealing concrete every few years provides extra protection against water, stains, and surface damage. Keep concrete clean by sweeping regularly and washing off dirt and debris. Address minor cracks as soon as you notice them before they spread. Regular attention prevents small issues from becoming major problems.

Why Choose Local Concrete Repair Experts

Concrete repair isn't as simple as it looks. Poor repairs can fail quickly, wasting your money and leaving you back where you started. We've repaired hundreds of concrete surfaces in Lompoc and know what works in our local conditions. We understand which repair methods hold up to our climate and soil characteristics.

We use professional-grade materials designed for permanent repairs, not quick fixes. We prepare surfaces properly because repairs are only as good as the bond between old and new material. We match our repair methods to your specific problem rather than using the same approach for everything.

Most importantly, we stand behind our work. If we repair your concrete, we're confident it will perform as expected. If we recommend replacement, it's because repair won't give you reliable results. Our goal is solving your concrete problems permanently, not creating return customers because our work failed. For new installations, explore our patio services as well.

Common Questions About Concrete Repair