That crack in your driveway. The sinking slab on your patio. The pool deck holds puddles after it rains. These might seem like minor issues, but they’re all signs that your concrete is in trouble—and ignoring these can lead to bigger problems over time.
At Ogburn Concrete Leveling & Resurfacing, we believe every homeowner deserves strong, safe, and beautiful concrete. This guide explains the most common signs of damage, what causes them, the smartest ways to fix them, and what to expect when it comes to concrete repair and resurfacing options.
Types Of Concrete Repair
Concrete issues fall into three main categories, each with a solution depending on the depth of the damage.
- Structural Repair: When concrete cracks deeply, sinks, or becomes uneven, the issue is likely below the surface. This is often caused by shifting soil or water erosion. Structural concrete repairs stabilize the slab and prevent further movement.
- Surface Repair: These repairs fix problems on the top layer—like flaking, small cracks, stains, or discoloration. The concrete underneath is still solid. Concrete surface repair helps restore appearance and adds protection against wear.
- Decorative Repair: If your concrete is in good shape but looks worn or outdated, decorative concrete repair adds a fresh, durable finish. Options like resin stone concrete overlays improve appearance and extend the life of patios, pool decks, and driveways.
Now that you know the main types of repair, let’s look at the warning signs. These common problems are your concrete telling you it needs help.
Common Concrete Problems (And Why They Happen)
Concrete is tough, but it’s not invincible. Over time, it can break down due to weather, soil movement, moisture, and simple wear and tear. Here are some of the most common issues—and what causes them:
🔹 Cracks in Concrete: Cracks often appear when the ground underneath your concrete shifts or settles. As the soil moves, it creates gaps that allow the slab to bend and break. Temperature changes and heavy loads can make it worse over time.
🔹 Sunken or Uneven Concrete: If a driveway, patio, or sidewalk starts to sink or tilt, it’s usually because the soil below has eroded or wasn’t compacted properly. Water can wash away that support, leaving parts of the slab without a solid base.
🔹 Flaking, Spalling, and Surface Damage: In cold climates like Virginia, freeze-thaw cycles are one of the biggest threats to concrete. When water gets to the surface and freezes, it expands and causes the top layer to crack or flake. Add moisture and de-icing salts, and the damage can worsen quickly. Left untreated, surface wear can lead to deeper issues over time.
🔹 Broken Slab Corners: Corners of concrete slabs are especially vulnerable to cracking and breaking off. This often happens when slabs shift unevenly or are exposed to repeated stress.
🔹 Pooling Water or Drainage Issues: Water that collects on or around your concrete can mean it isn’t sloped right or some sections have sunken. Poor drainage doesn’t just cause puddles; it can also weaken the concrete and the soil underneath.
🔹 Concrete Discoloration or Stains: Uneven color or stains can be caused by water damage, mold, rust from nearby metal, or chemical spills. While mostly cosmetic, discoloration can be a sign that moisture is seeping into the surface.
🔹 Efflorescence: This looks like a white, powdery film on your concrete. It happens when water pushes salts from inside the concrete to the surface. It’s not dangerous, but it can indicate moisture problems below.
🔹 Curling and Blistering: These are surface distortions where the edges lift (curling) or bubbles form (blistering). They usually happen when the top layer of concrete dries faster than the bottom during installation—or when moisture gets trapped underneath.
Our Concrete Repair System
Fixing concrete isn’t just about concrete patching—it’s about solving the real issue underneath. We at Ogburn Concrete use a three-part concrete repair system designed to lift, seal, and protect your concrete for long-lasting results.
Here’s how it works:
PolyLevel® Foam Injection
PolyLevel is a two-part polyurethane foam injected beneath sunken or unstable concrete. Once injected, this slab repair material expands to fill empty spaces in the soil, lifting the slab back into place while stabilizing the ground underneath.
- Cures in just 15 minutes
- Strong enough to support 4,800 lbs per square foot
- Clean, quick, and minimally disruptive
Why it matters:
Sunken slabs aren’t just a trip hazard—they’re a sign of shifting or eroding soil. Traditional concrete leveling methods like mud jacking use heavy materials that can make the problem worse. PolyLevel is lightweight, strong, and cures in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for fast, effective slab lifting repairs.
Best for:
- Sunken or uneven concrete
- Pooling water from low spots
- Broken slab corners due to loss of support
NexusPro® Crack & Joint Sealant
NexusPro is a silicone-based sealant engineered to seal cracks and joints in concrete. This concrete crack repair material remains flexible as the concrete slab expands and contracts with temperature changes, preventing water from getting underneath the slab.
- UV-resistant and long-lasting
- Fast cure time—ready for traffic the next day
- Finished with sand to match the look of the concrete
Why it matters:
Water is one of the leading causes of concrete failure. Once it gets into cracks or joints, it can erode the soil, freeze and expand, or cause shifting. Unlike store-bought caulks, NexusPro resists UV damage, doesn’t dry out or bubble, and cures quickly for minimal downtime.
Best for:
- Cracks from shifting soil or temperature swings
- Open joints that allow water intrusion
- Preventing freeze-thaw damage and surface breakdown
SealantPro™ Surface Treatment
SealantPro is a clear, permanent concrete sealant that chemically bonds with the surface to block water, oil, and salt from soaking in. It’s applied in a single coat and dries in just six hours.
- Extends lifespan by 3–5 times
- Penetrates and bonds at a molecular level
- Works on both new and existing concrete
Why it matters:
Concrete is naturally porous, which absorbs moisture that can cause staining, cracking, or surface wear. SealantPro closes those pores, helping to preserve the concrete’s strength and appearance while extending its life by three to five times.
Best for:
- Surfaces beginning to show stains or wear
- Driveways and walkways exposed to the elements
- Preventing discoloration, flaking, and efflorescence
What to Expect With Concrete Repair Costs
Concrete repair costs can vary widely depending on the situation. While it’s hard to quote an exact price without seeing the damage, here are the biggest factors that influence what you’ll pay:
- Type of repair: Lifting a sunken slab, sealing cracks, or resurfacing each requires different materials and techniques.
- Size of the area: Larger spaces may take more time and materials, though they can sometimes reduce the cost per square foot.
- Condition of the surface: Uneven concrete, deep cracks, or poor drainage may require extra prep work before repairs begin.
- Access to the area: Tight spaces, slopes, or obstacles can affect how long the job takes and how it’s completed.
- Finish or appearance goals: Choosing a decorative overlay or specific color blends can influence overall cost.
The good news is that most repairs are quicker and more cost-effective than a full concrete replacement, and they often deliver longer-lasting results.
What Causes Concrete Damage (and How to
Prevent It)?
Concrete is strong, but it’s not indestructible. Weather, soil movement, and everyday wear can all take a toll. The good news? Most damage can be prevented with the right care. Here’s what causes concrete to break down—and how to protect it.
- Weather Conditions: Freeze-thaw cycles and rain are tough on concrete. When water gets into small cracks and freezes, it expands and breaks the surface apart. Over time, this can lead to flaking, scaling, or deep cracks. The best way to protect against this is by sealing your concrete to remove moisture before damage starts.
- Poor Installation: If concrete is poured over soft or loosely packed soil, it may settle unevenly or crack as the ground shifts. This kind of damage usually shows up months or years later. Proper installation matters, but if the problem’s already there, concrete lifting with foam injection can bring it back to level.
- Chemical Exposure: De-icing salts, oil drips, and even some household cleaners can stain or slowly eat away at concrete. These chemicals soak in over time, weakening the surface. To protect against this, a long-lasting surface sealant can block out harmful substances before they cause damage.
- Heavy Loads & Traffic: Driveways and patios take a lot of wear from vehicles, foot traffic, and even heavy furniture. Over time, the stress can lead to cracks or sinking. Using the right concrete mix for the load and reinforcing or sealing high-use areas helps prevent premature wear.
- Shifting Soil: Erosion, poor drainage, or changing moisture levels can cause the soil under concrete to move. Slabs lose support and tilt, crack, or sink when that happens. Keeping water away from your slab and using foam injection to stabilize loose soil can help stop the movement.
- Age and Wear: Even the best concrete wears down over time. Small cracks, fading, or chipped corners are common in older surfaces. Regular sealing, prompt concrete crack repairs, and light resurfacing can keep aging concrete looking better and lasting longer.
Curious About Resurfacing? Here’s What to Know
Not all concrete problems are about cracks or sinking. Sometimes, the issue is simply that the surface looks worn, faded, or out of place with the rest of your home. If your concrete is still structurally sound, resurfacing can be a smart and stylish upgrade.
Vuba Stone overlays are one of the most popular resurfacing options. Made from resin-bound natural stone, this system creates a smooth, non-slip, decorative, and durable finish. With over 48 color blends inspired by Spanish marble and Irish granite, there’s a look to match any home style—whether you’re updating a front walkway or transforming a pool deck.
Want to see your options?
Take a look at the sample blends below. We offer blends like Lake Tahoe, Pont du Gard, and Rio Grande—each offering its own mix of natural color, texture, and character.
Click here to see more blend options and find the perfect match for your project!
How Much Does Driveway Resurfacing Cost in
Richmond, VA?
Cost is probably one of your first questions if you’re considering resurfacing your driveway, patio, or pool deck. While the exact price of the service depends on your specific project, a few things commonly affect how much you’ll pay.
What Impacts Concrete Resurfacing Cost?
- Size of the area: Larger driveways or patios may offer better value per square foot but take longer to complete.
- Surface condition: Cracks, low spots, or poor drainage may need repair before a new surface can be applied.
- Design and finish choices: Decorative options—like Vuba Stone overlays—come in different blends and thicknesses depending on whether the area is for walking, driving, or both.
- Access and layout: Tight spaces, slopes, or obstacles can increase project complexity and affect scheduling.
Since no two surfaces are exactly alike, a free estimate is the best way to understand what resurfacing will cost. A local concrete driveway repair pro can assess your concrete and walk you through your options—from prep work to finish selection—so you can confidently plan.
Don’t Guess—Get an Expert Quote
Every resurfacing project is unique. We encourage you to schedule a free, no-pressure estimate if you’re looking for driveway resurfacing costs in Richmond, VA. Our team will inspect your concrete, offer design recommendations, and give you clear pricing.
Why Choose Ogburn?
Choosing the right residential concrete repair contractor makes all the difference. Here’s why homeowners across Central Virginia trust Ogburn for concrete repair services:
- 35+ years of experience in residential and commercial concrete solutions
- Certified installers trained to use advanced systems like PolyLevel®, NexusPro®, and Vuba Stone
- Fast turnaround, with many repairs completed in just one day
- 10-year warranty on PolyLevel settlement repair for peace of mind
- Vuba Stone overlays last 20–25 years with minimal maintenance and timeless style
Ogburn Concrete Leveling & Resurfacing delivers expert concrete leveling and resurfacing services across an extensive service area, including the Greater Richmond area, as well as Tuckahoe, Wyndham, Mechanicsville, Short Pump, Fredericksburg, Midlothian, Chester, Petersburg, Innsbrook, Bon Air, Brandermill, New Kent, and Glen Allen. Known for their precision and commitment to excellence, Ogburn helps homeowners and businesses restore safety and appearance to their concrete surfaces. As Richmond’s local concrete leveling expert, they are the trusted choice for dependable, long-lasting concrete solutions throughout Central Virginia.
Your 3-Step Path to Better Concrete
Getting your concrete back in shape doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how we make the process simple and stress-free:
Step 1: Free Estimate
We assess the condition of your concrete, identify the root cause of any concrete damage, and recommend the best solution for your space.
Step 2: Repair and Resurface
Depending on your needs, we lift sunken slabs, seal cracks, and joints, or apply a decorative overlay to restore strength and appearance.
Step 3: Enjoy Long-Term Protection
After the work, we walk you through the results, answer any questions, and leave your space clean and ready to enjoy.
Concrete Repair Guide FAQs
How to repair cracks in concrete?
Start by cleaning out the crack and removing any debris. Use a flexible concrete crack sealant that can expand and contract with the slab. For deeper cracks, apply a backer rod before sealing. This prevents water intrusion and future damage. Regularly check and reseal if needed to maintain durability.
How to repair cracks in a concrete driveway?
Begin by cleaning the crack with a wire brush or pressure washer. Apply a driveway-grade crack filler or sealant. These products remain flexible and help prevent further cracking from temperature changes or vehicle stress. For large or multiple cracks, professional driveway concrete repair may be needed.
How to repair a spalling concrete surface?
First, remove all loose or flaking concrete using a chisel or grinder. Clean the area thoroughly, then apply a concrete resurfacer or patching compound designed for spalled areas. Choose a product with bonding agents for better adhesion. A surface sealer helps prevent future spalling caused by moisture or freeze–thaw cycles.
Ready to Resurface or Repair?
Cracks, sinking slabs, and worn-out concrete don’t fix themselves—and the longer you wait, the more the problem can grow. Whether you’re looking to restore safety, improve curb appeal, or give your space a new look, our team is here to help.
We’ll examine your concrete closely, explain what’s going on beneath the surface, and recommend the best repair or resurfacing option for your home. You’ll get clear answers, honest pricing, and a plan for your goals.
Schedule your inspection today and take the first step toward stronger, better-looking concrete.