Repair or Replace? How to Tell the Difference
The Texas climate — scorching summers, rare freezes, and expansive clay soil — is particularly hard on concrete. Here's how to evaluate your slab's condition.
Signs You Can Repair
- Hairline cracks less than 1/4" wide
- Surface spalling limited to small areas
- Isolated joint deterioration
- Concrete is less than 20 years old and otherwise in good condition
- No significant settling or heaving
Signs You Need Replacement
- Cracks wider than 1/4" or that go all the way through the slab
- Significant settling, heaving, or uneven surfaces (trip hazard)
- Widespread spalling or surface breakdown
- Slab is 30+ years old
- Previous repairs have failed repeatedly
- Poor original installation (inadequate thickness or sub-base)
The DFW Clay Factor
North Texas expansive clay soil is the #1 cause of concrete failure in the region. Clay expands when wet and contracts in drought — this constant movement cracks slabs from below. If you're seeing settlement or heaving patterns, a simple surface repair won't fix the underlying soil movement problem.
The right solution is proper sub-base preparation and, in some cases, a thicker slab (5–6" vs. standard 4"). Learn about our repair and replacement services.