When to Repair vs. Replace Your Concrete: A Homeowner's Guide
Staring at cracks in your driveway and wondering if it's time for a total replacement? You're not alone. Most homeowners face this decision at some point, and making the wrong choice can cost you thousands.
The Telltale Signs of Repairable Damage
Not every crack means disaster. Small hairline cracks under a quarter-inch wide are usually cosmetic. They happen as concrete settles and cures. Surface scaling from winter salt exposure? That's typically a repair job too. Minor chips along edges can be patched without replacing the entire slab.
If your concrete is less than 15 years old and the damage covers less than 30% of the surface, repair is usually your best bet. A skilled contractor can resurface, patch, or apply epoxy sealants that extend the life of your concrete by years.
When Replacement Makes More Sense
Here's where it gets serious. If you've got wide cracks—anything over a half-inch—or if sections have settled unevenly creating trip hazards, replacement becomes the smarter investment. Deep spalling that exposes aggregate means water has penetrated below the surface. That's foundation-level trouble.
Multiple repairs over the years? That's concrete telling you it's reached the end of its service life. Persistent drainage issues causing water pooling signal underlying problems that patching won't fix. At MonarchHill Henderson Concrete, we've seen homeowners throw good money after bad on repeated repairs when replacement would've been more cost-effective in the long run.
The Cost-Benefit Calculation
Here's a rough guideline: if repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost, or if you're looking at concrete older than 25 years with significant damage, replacement usually wins. Quality concrete installation lasts 30-40 years, so spreading that investment over decades makes financial sense.
Think about your property plans too. Selling within five years? Fresh concrete adds real curb appeal and return on investment. Staying put? Properly installed new concrete eliminates the hassle of repeated maintenance calls.
Getting It Right the First Time
Whether you repair or replace, proper installation is everything. Poor drainage, inadequate base preparation, or skipping control joints creates the same problems all over again. That's why working with experienced professionals who understand Henderson's soil conditions and climate matters.
Don't guess when it comes to your concrete. A thorough inspection by qualified contractors gives you the information you need to make the right call. Sometimes what looks like a major problem has a simple fix. Other times, what seems minor is actually a symptom of bigger issues below the surface.