5 Ways to Repair a Concrete Patio
In a previous article, we discussed concrete patio repair with PolyRenewal foam injection. This highly effective, minimally invasive concrete lifting solution repairs various concrete surfaces, from driveways and sidewalks to pool decks and patios.
This page outlines five additional ways to repair concrete patios and how to address potential foundation damage.
How to Fix a Damaged Concrete Patio
Concrete lifting methods raise and stabilize slabs, often restoring them to their original condition. This process involves drilling small holes and injecting a specialized material beneath the concrete. The material fills voids and gaps, stabilizing and leveling the area. The surface is then smoothed for a seamless finish.
Concrete lifting restores damaged patios, driveways, garage floors, and other surfaces. For more severe structural cases, other repair methods, like underpinning, may also be implemented. Several concrete repair techniques are available, depending on the severity of the damage and the structure’s age. Let’s take a look at a few.
5 Ways to Repair a Concrete Patio
Long-term patio repair is possible if the correct techniques are used. Here are five of the most common concrete repair methods:
1. Concrete Lifting Injection
Concrete lifting injections utilize a specialized material injected beneath the uneven or sinking patio slab to lift and level the surface. There are two injection methods:
- Polyurethane Foam Injection: This lightweight, minimally invasive foam expands and reinforces the unstable soil beneath the slab, filling gaps and voids and raising the patio to a level position. Polyurethane foam injection is less disruptive than mudjacking and cures within 15 minutes. This method addresses the underlying cause of damage, is cost-effective, and provides durable, long-lasting results.
- Cement-Based Injection: This traditional concrete lifting method, known as mudjacking, involves pumping a cement-based slurry beneath the slab to fill gaps and voids and lift the patio. Mudjacking is more disruptive than polyurethane foam and requires longer curing times. It is often a temporary solution because it does not address the underlying causes of damage, like unstable soil.
2. Concrete Patching
Concrete patching methods repair existing damage and minor defects like cracks, holes, and spalls. Patching types include:
- Epoxy-Based Patching: A durable, quick-setting, and moisture-resistant material that may require special tools for application depending on the product and specific repair.
- Concrete Patching: This pre-mixed concrete is easily applied, affordable, and used to repair large areas. However, it is less durable than epoxy-based compounds, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Mortar: A cement, sand, and water mixture for patching large areas. This method requires more preparation and longer cure times.
- Self-Leveling Concrete: Levels uneven surfaces and fills holes but is more expensive than other concrete patching methods. While DIY applications are possible, professional applications are often recommended for the best results.
3. Concrete Sealants
Sealants create a protective barrier on the concrete surface, preventing moisture seepage through the pores. It also helps to protect against concrete stains and weathering. Concrete sealing prevents future damage and protects the concrete’s overall integrity. Types of concrete sealants include:
- Acrylic Sealants: These easily applied materials protect against concrete stains and moisture, though they are less durable than other options, especially in harsh weather conditions.
- Penetrating Sealants: These deeply penetrating sealants offer long-lasting moisture and chemical resistance. However, they can be challenging to apply, require careful prep, and multiple applications.
- Silane-Based Sealants: These penetrate deep into the concrete, providing durable moisture resistance, especially on exterior surfaces exposed to harsh weather conditions.
- Fluoropolymer Sealants: Extremely durable and resistant to chemicals and stains, offering long-lasting protection.
4. Slab Replacement
Slab Replacement is recommended when the patio damage is beyond repair. This process involves removing the damaged concrete, pouring a new slab, and ensuring a smooth and level surface finish. Slab replacement is labor-intensive and expensive, but it is a permanent solution for severely compromised patios.
In some cases, additional reinforcement, such as rebar or mesh, may be used during the replacement to enhance the slab’s strength and longevity.
5. Foundation Piers
If a failing foundation causes a damaged concrete patio, foundation piers may be used to stabilize and lift the affected area. The most common types include:
- Helical Piers: These screw-like steel plates are screwed deep into the ground. They’re ideal for unstable soil areas or when the foundation is sinking. Helical piers lift and stabilize the foundation, which also helps raise the patio.
- Push Piers: These steel piers are hydraulically driven deep into the ground until they reach stable soil or bedrock. They support and lift the foundation and, by extension, the sinking patio.
- Slab Piers: These piers are designed specifically for concrete slabs. They are driven through small drilled holes and then hydraulically pushed into stable soil. They lift and stabilize the slab and patio.
Depending on the severity of the damage and the soil conditions, a combination of foundation piers may be used. Contact a professional to determine the best solution for your unique property.
Signs Your Patio Needs Repair
The following signs indicate your concrete patio may require repair:
- Cracks: Hairline fractures or larger fissures
- Spalling: Flaking or chipping concrete surfaces
- Sinking: Uneven or sinking areas may indicate underlying structural issues.
- Discoloration or staining: Caused by moisture damage, oil spills, or other contaminants
- Efflorescence: A white, powdery substance on concrete surfaces may indicate moisture concerns.
- Soil Washout and Erosion: Rounded or worn down patio edges may indicate erosion.
- Pooling: Water accumulation after rain may indicate drainage issues or uneven areas.
If you notice signs of concrete damage, contact a concrete repair professional. Addressing concerns promptly prevents further deterioration and more expensive repairs later.
What’s Next?
Is your patio uneven, sinking, or cracked? Contact Groundworks for a free, no-obligation inspection. Our concrete repair experts will diagnose the problem and provide customized solutions tailored to your home’s unique needs. Click the button below to get started.
Concrete Repair FAQs
The effectiveness of concrete lifting in repairing cracks varies based on the severity of the damage. For minor cracks, the lifting process can significantly diminish their visibility. In some cases, the elevation of the concrete may be sufficient to completely close small cracks.
However, when dealing with extensive or severe cracks, lifting alone may not be adequate. In such instances, complete replacement of the concrete section might be the only viable solution to fully address the problem.
Cracks in concrete slabs can significantly detract from the appearance of your property, lowering its curb appeal and potentially its value. More importantly, these cracks can evolve into serious safety issues like tripping hazards if left unaddressed.
It depends on the method selected. Polyurethane foam injection addresses the soil instability or voids under the slab by stabilizing the soil beneath it.
Shaye Glisson
Related Resources
Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Groundworks does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.