HCW Hollywood Concrete logoHCW Hollywood Concrete

Concrete Repair & Replacement

Expert concrete repair services that restore safety and appearance without full replacement costs.

Professional concrete repair and replacement services in Hollywood, FL

When to Repair vs Replace Concrete

Not every concrete problem requires complete replacement. In fact, many issues can be effectively repaired at a fraction of the cost of tearing out and replacing the entire surface. Understanding when repair makes sense versus when replacement is necessary can save you thousands of dollars.

Minor cracks, surface spalling, small chips, and cosmetic damage are usually perfect candidates for repair. If the concrete is still structurally sound and the damage is limited to the surface or specific areas, repair is almost always the smarter choice. Here in Hollywood, FL, we see a lot of surface damage from our intense UV exposure and temperature cycling, but the underlying concrete is often still perfectly solid.

Replacement becomes necessary when you have extensive cracking throughout the slab, severe settling that creates dangerous trip hazards, or when the concrete has deteriorated to the point where it's breaking apart. If more than 30 percent of your concrete surface has significant damage, replacement usually makes more financial sense than trying to patch everything. We'll always be honest with you about which approach makes the most sense for your situation.

The age of your concrete also factors into the decision. If your driveway or patio is approaching the end of its expected lifespan anyway, investing in repairs might just be postponing the inevitable. On the other hand, if your concrete is relatively new and has isolated problems, repair can extend its life for many more years. We evaluate every situation individually and recommend the solution that provides you the best value.

Common Concrete Problems We Fix

We've seen and fixed just about every concrete problem you can imagine. Here are the most common issues we repair for Hollywood homeowners and businesses:

Cracks and Fissures

Cracks happen for many reasons including settling, temperature changes, and structural stress. Hairline cracks are mostly cosmetic, but wider cracks can allow water infiltration that leads to bigger problems. We repair cracks using specialized fillers and sealants that bond to the existing concrete and prevent water penetration. For structural cracks, we may use epoxy injection or carbon fiber reinforcement to restore strength.

Spalling and Surface Damage

Spalling is when the surface of concrete flakes, chips, or breaks away. This often happens when water gets into the concrete and freezes, though in Florida it's more commonly caused by poor finishing techniques or using concrete that wasn't properly mixed. We grind away damaged areas and apply concrete overlays or resurfacing products that restore both appearance and protection.

Settling and Sinking

When the soil beneath concrete erodes or compacts, slabs can sink and create uneven surfaces. This is not just unsightly but also dangerous, creating trip hazards. We offer concrete leveling services that raise sunken slabs back to their proper position without the need for complete replacement. This process is much faster and more affordable than removal and replacement.

  • Step cracks where sections meet at different heights
  • Sunken driveway approaches that create a bump when you drive in
  • Tilted patio slabs that cause water to pool against your home
  • Uneven walkways that create tripping hazards

Our Repair Methods and Techniques

We use the most effective repair methods for each specific problem. Modern concrete repair techniques have come a long way, and we stay current with the best products and practices in the industry.

Concrete Resurfacing

For surfaces with extensive minor damage or wear, resurfacing provides a fresh new layer over the existing concrete. We apply a specially formulated overlay that bonds to the old concrete and creates a new, unblemished surface. This is perfect for worn driveways, faded patios, or surfaces with multiple small cracks and chips. The new surface can be finished smooth, textured, or even stamped to match surrounding areas.

Crack Filling and Sealing

We clean out cracks thoroughly and fill them with flexible sealants that move with the concrete as it expands and contracts. For structural cracks, we use epoxy injection that penetrates deep into the crack and bonds the concrete back together. The repair is often stronger than the original concrete. After filling, we can apply a sealer to the entire surface to prevent future moisture infiltration.

Partial Replacement

Sometimes specific sections need to be replaced while the rest of the concrete is fine. We can cut out damaged sections and pour new concrete that matches the existing surface. This is common for sidewalk panels that have tree root damage or small areas with severe deterioration. We take care to create proper joints so the new concrete integrates seamlessly with the old.

Preventing Future Concrete Damage

After we repair your concrete, you want it to stay in good condition. Here's how to protect your investment and prevent future damage:

Regular sealing is one of the best things you can do for your concrete. A good quality sealer creates a barrier that keeps water, chemicals, and stains from penetrating the surface. In Florida's wet climate, this protection is especially important. We recommend resealing every 2 to 3 years, more often for high-traffic areas.

Keep your concrete clean. Dirt and debris can hold moisture against the surface and accelerate deterioration. A simple hosing down periodically keeps concrete in better condition. For oil stains or other spills, clean them up promptly rather than letting them soak into the porous concrete.

Address drainage issues around your property. Water that pools on or flows across concrete causes problems over time. Make sure downspouts direct water away from concrete surfaces, and keep drains clear so water doesn't accumulate. If you notice water consistently pooling in certain areas, we can help you fix the grading or drainage to prevent ongoing issues.

Avoid using deicing chemicals on your concrete. While we don't often need them in South Florida, if you do use any chemicals on your concrete, make sure they're safe for concrete surfaces. Some chemicals can cause scaling and surface damage.

Frequently Asked Questions