Concrete is known for its strength, but even the toughest surfaces can crack, chip, or show signs of wear over time. When that happens, should you fix it yourself or hire a professional?
Well, that depends on the type and severity of the damage. In this article, let’s discuss the differences between DIY and professional concrete repair so you can make the right choice for your property.
What is Concrete Damage?
Concrete can last for decades, but multiple types of damage can occur throughout its lifetime because of weather, moisture, and heavy loads. There are different types of concrete damage, such as:
- Cracks: These are the most common type of concrete damage. They can range in size from small hairline cracks caused by shrinkage to larger structural cracks that require immediate repair. Check out our articles on How to Fix Cracks in Concrete and Wall Crack Types for more information.
- Spalling: It’s the flaking, chipping, or peeling of concrete surfaces. Spalling is caused by freeze-thaw cycles or corrosion of reinforcement bars.
- Scaling: It looks similar to spalling, but it involves only the top layer of concrete breaking away in thin flakes, usually because of using low-quality concrete.
- Discoloration: Oil, grease, rust, and chemical spills can stain concrete, which can make it look unattractive, though it doesn’t affect structural integrity.
- Settling cracks: These occur when the ground below the concrete shifts or settles unevenly. They are usually severe and require immediate repair.
Causes of Concrete Cracks
Cracks are the most common type of concrete damage, and they usually occur due to these reasons:
- Shrinkage: As concrete dries and cures, it naturally shrinks. If there’s no room for that movement, small cracks appear.
- Temperature changes: Expansion and contraction from heat and cold can create stress on the surface and cause cracks.
- Freeze-thaw cycles: Water can seep into the pores of the concrete and freeze, expanding and breaking the concrete from within.
- Heavy loads: Driveways and garages that frequently support cars and other heavy equipment can crack over time because of the weight.
- Poor installation: Incorrect mixing or poor subgrade preparation are some causes of premature cracking.
DIY Concrete Repair
If you’re dealing with small, non-structural issues, you can fix them yourself. Minor cracks, surface spalling or scaling, small chips or holes on steps, and cosmetic flaws like stains or discoloration can all be fixed with a few tools and materials from your local home improvement store.
Supplies Needed
- Pressure washer (to clean the concrete surface before repair)
- Trowel or putty knife
- Wire brush
- Chisel
- Concrete resurfacer
- Epoxy crack filler
Pros of DIY Concrete Repair
- Cost-effective for small repairs
- You can fix the damage immediately without having to wait for pros
- A good learning experience for handy homeowners
Cons of DIY Concrete Repair
- Ideal only for minor, non-structural damage
- Repairs usually don’t last as long as professional work
- Matching color and texture can be tricky
- Mistakes can lead to costly repairs down the road
Professional Concrete Repair
When the damage is beyond surface-level or cosmetic, it’s best to hire a professional for the job. They have the right equipment, materials, and experience to assess the source of the problem and fix it permanently. Here’s when to hire a professional:
- Cracks wider than ¼-inch or deep into the slab
- Structural issues like foundation cracks, sinking, or uneven slabs
- Severe spalling or scaling
- Concrete affected by rebar corrosion or poor installation
Pros of Professional Concrete Repair
- Proper diagnosis
- Long-lasting results
- High-quality materials
- Repairs backed by warranties
- Finish blends with existing surfaces
Cons of Professional Concrete Repair
- More expensive than DIY
- Scheduling can take time, depending on the number of jobs they have
DIY vs. Professional Concrete Repair
Key Differences | DIY Concrete Repair | Professional Concrete Repair |
Best for | Non-structural issues like small cracks, chips, or surface stains | Major or structural damage like wide cracks or deep spalling |
Skill level | Handy homeowners with basic tools can handle this | Requires skilled professionals |
Durability | Repairs usually don’t last long and require frequent touch-ups | Long-term results, and the repairs also come with warranties |
Tools and materials | Basic tools like a trowel, chisel, and crack filler | Industrial-grade materials and equipment |
Cost | $70 to $150 (for tools and materials) | $250 to $1,500+ (depending on the severity of the damage) |
Tips for Maintaining Your Concrete After Repair
Here are some tips to maintain your concrete after repair:
- Seal the surface regularly: Seal your concrete surface at least every two years to protect it from moisture and spills. If you’re using an acrylic sealer, reseal every 2 to 3 years; for epoxy and polyurethane, every 3 to 5 years; and for penetrating sealers, every 5 to 7 years.
- Clean spills immediately: Whenever oil, grease, or chemicals spill on your concrete, clean them immediately, as they can discolor the surface and damage it over time.
- Avoid hard de-icers: Use sand or kitty litter instead of chemical de-icers during winter to prevent concrete from cracking.
- Manage water drainage: Set up downspouts to direct water away from concrete surfaces, and adjust sprinklers so they don’t overwater the same spot.
- Inspect annually: Look for new cracks or uneven spots in the concrete every year and fix them as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading.
Read More: How to Fix Cracks in Concrete?
When to Call the Experts
DIY concrete repair is ideal for surface-level damage, but if there are deep cracks, uneven sections, or signs of structural issues, you need to call a professional. They will identify the root cause, use durable materials to fix the damage, and carry out the repair in a way that blends well with the rest of the surface.
If you’re in Adelaide and looking for concrete repair services for your home or business, Swart Plastering has you covered. With over 100 years of award-winning experience in Adelaide, we can help you with everything from driveway patching and structural damage repair to decorative concrete restoration and concrete resurfacing. We prioritize quality and use durable repair compounds, sealants, and coatings.
