What Is Concrete Patching?
Concrete patching is the repair of surface-level damage, spalling, pitting, chips, and shallow breakouts, on driveways, walkways, patios, garage floors, and steps. It restores a sound, even surface where the top layer has worn or broken away, and paired with sealing it keeps water from getting back into the slab. Patching addresses surface deterioration rather than soil movement, so APS uses it for cosmetic and protective repair, and where a slab has also settled, lifts and stabilizes it first, then patches. In Alabama's wet-dry climate, a patched and sealed surface holds up far better than bare, deteriorating concrete.
How Concrete Patching Works
The damaged area is cleaned out to sound concrete, removing loose and flaking material so the patch bonds. A repair material suited to the location and wear is applied, shaped, and finished to match the surrounding surface, then cured. Once the patch has set, a sealer is applied to protect the repair and the surrounding slab from the water absorption that caused the deterioration. Because the surface is restored and sealed, the slab stops taking on water and the damage stops spreading.
“Patching is about stopping water from getting into the slab. Rebuild the surface, seal it, and the deterioration stops spreading.”
How APS Installs Concrete Patching
- 1
Assess the Damage
APS evaluates the extent and cause of the surface damage and confirms the slab is not also settling, which would be addressed first.
- 2
Prepare the Area
Loose, flaking, and unsound concrete is removed and the area is cleaned so the patch material bonds to solid concrete.
- 3
Apply and Shape the Patch
A repair material suited to the surface and its use is applied, shaped, and finished to blend with the surrounding concrete.
- 4
Cure the Repair
The patch is allowed to cure so it reaches strength and bonds fully to the existing slab.
- 5
Seal the Surface
A sealer is applied to protect the patch and slab from water and staining, slowing future deterioration.
What Concrete Patching Costs and What Is Covered
Cost Range
Cost depends on the area and surface condition. APS provides a free written estimate after the assessment.
Warranty
APS in-house workmanship warranty plus manufacturer warranties on materials, both fully transferable to future owners
Frequently Asked Questions
Is patching a permanent fix?
For surface damage, a properly prepared and sealed patch is a durable repair. It restores and protects the surface. If the concrete is also settling, that has to be corrected first, because patching a moving slab will not hold.
Can any concrete surface damage be patched?
Most spalling, pitting, and chipping can be patched and resurfaced. Where the slab is badly broken up throughout, replacement may be more sensible, and APS advises which fits your situation.
Why seal after patching?
Surface deterioration is driven by water getting into the concrete. Sealing after patching keeps water out, which protects both the repair and the surrounding slab and slows further pitting and flaking.
Will the patch match the rest of the concrete?
APS finishes the patch to blend with the surrounding surface as closely as possible. An exact color match on aged concrete is not always achievable, but the repair is sound and far better than the deteriorated area.