Concrete Repair & Replacement

When Concrete Needs Attention

Even the best concrete eventually shows signs of age. Cracks appear. Sections sink or heave. Surfaces become rough or flaky. These problems do not just look bad, they can create safety hazards and cause further damage if ignored. The good news is many concrete problems can be fixed without completely replacing the whole surface.

At SCM Sumter Concrete, we specialize in both repairing damaged concrete and replacing sections that are beyond repair. We will give you an honest assessment of your concrete condition and recommend the most cost-effective solution. Sometimes a repair will add years of life to your concrete. Other times, replacement is the smarter choice.

Since 2024, we have been helping homeowners in Sumter deal with concrete problems of all kinds. We understand what causes concrete to fail in our area, and we know how to fix it so problems do not come back. Whether your driveway has settled, your patio is cracking, or your walkway is crumbling, we can help.

Common Concrete Problems We Fix

• Cracks from settling, tree roots, or temperature changes
• Sunken sections caused by soil erosion or poor compaction
• Spalling and flaking surface damage
• Uneven surfaces that create trip hazards
• Crumbling edges and corners
• Staining and discoloration
• Drainage problems causing pooling water

If you notice any of these issues with your concrete, call us for a free evaluation. The sooner you address problems, the less expensive repairs usually are.

Repair vs Replacement

One of the first questions homeowners ask is whether they should repair or replace damaged concrete. The answer depends on several factors including the extent of damage, the age of the concrete, and your budget.

Minor cracks less than a quarter inch wide can usually be repaired effectively. We clean out the crack, fill it with specialized repair material, and seal it to prevent water from getting in. This stops the crack from growing and restores the appearance of the surface.

Sunken concrete can often be raised using a process called mudjacking or foam injection. This is much less expensive than replacement and works well when the concrete itself is still in good condition. We lift the settled section back to the proper level and stabilize it so it stays put.

Surface damage like spalling can sometimes be repaired with resurfacing. We apply a thin overlay of new concrete or specialized coating that bonds to the existing surface and creates a fresh, smooth appearance. This works when the underlying concrete is structurally sound.

However, some concrete is beyond repair. If you have extensive cracking throughout the slab, severe structural damage, or concrete that is severely deteriorated, replacement is usually the better option. Trying to patch failing concrete often just throws good money after bad. In these cases, we recommend removing the old concrete and installing a new surface that will last for decades.

When to Repair

• Minor cracks less than 1/4 inch wide
• Small sunken areas that can be lifted
• Surface damage with solid concrete underneath
• Limited damage to a specific section
• Concrete that is less than 15 years old

When to Replace

• Multiple large cracks throughout the surface
• Severe settling or heaving
• Widespread spalling and crumbling
• Concrete older than 25 to 30 years showing its age
• Damage covers more than 30% of the surface
• Underlying base problems causing repeated failures

We will inspect your concrete carefully and explain your options. Our goal is to recommend the solution that makes the most sense for your situation, not just sell you the most expensive option.

Our Repair Methods

We use proven repair techniques that actually work long-term. We do not do quick patches that fail in a year. Our repairs are done right so they last.

For crack repair, we thoroughly clean the crack to remove all loose material and debris. We then fill it with flexible crack filler designed specifically for concrete. This material bonds strongly, remains flexible as the concrete expands and contracts, and resists water penetration. We finish by sealing the entire area to protect it from further damage.

For slab jacking to raise sunken concrete, we drill small holes and pump stabilizing material under the slab. This lifts the concrete back to the proper level and fills voids that caused the settling. Once level, we seal the holes and the concrete is immediately usable. This process costs much less than replacement and causes minimal disruption.

For surface repairs, we use bonding agents and repair mortars specifically formulated to stick to old concrete. Regular concrete will not bond well to existing concrete, but these specialized products create a strong, durable bond. We match the texture and color as closely as possible to blend the repair with the surrounding surface.

Whatever repair method we use, we always address the underlying cause of the problem. If poor drainage caused the damage, we fix the drainage. If tree roots were the issue, we deal with them. Fixing just the symptom without addressing the cause means the problem will return.

Replacement Process

When replacement is the right choice, we can remove and replace just the damaged section or the entire surface, depending on your needs. Replacing only the bad sections saves money while giving you a fresh surface where you need it most.

We start by removing the old concrete. We cut it into manageable pieces, break it out, and haul it away. We leave surrounding areas undamaged and your property as clean as possible during this messy process.

Next, we evaluate and fix the base. Often, the base has settled or washed away, which is what caused the concrete to fail in the first place. We add new base material, compact it properly, and ensure good drainage. This step is critical to preventing the same problems from happening again.

Then we install new concrete using the same careful methods we use for all our concrete installation work. Proper forming, reinforcement, pouring, finishing, and curing ensure your new concrete will last for decades.

When we replace just a section, we take care to tie the new concrete into the old properly and match the finish as closely as possible. While you will always be able to see where new meets old, we work to make the transition as smooth and unobtrusive as we can.

Preventing Future Problems

After we repair or replace your concrete, you want it to stay in good condition. Here is what you can do to protect your investment and extend the life of your concrete.

Maintain good drainage around your concrete. Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from concrete surfaces. Keep the grade sloped so water flows away rather than pooling. Poor drainage is one of the biggest causes of concrete problems in our area.

Seal your concrete every few years. Sealer helps prevent water penetration, protects against stains, and reduces damage from freeze-thaw cycles. This is especially important for driveways and other surfaces that take a lot of wear.

Address small cracks quickly. A small crack you can repair easily today might become a major problem if water gets in and causes further damage. Catching problems early saves money in the long run.

Avoid using harsh deicing chemicals. If you need to manage ice, use sand for traction instead of salt or chemical deicers that can damage concrete. South Carolina does not get much ice, but when we do, avoid the chemicals.

Need help with damaged concrete? Call us at (803) 883-0376 for a free inspection and estimate. We will evaluate your concrete honestly and recommend the best solution for your situation and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions