Clay movement, tree roots and thin old slabs cause most concrete damage in Oakland. We find the cause first, then tell you whether sealing, grinding, lifting, resurfacing or replacing a section makes sense. Text us a photo for a first opinion.
Most repair calls we get in Oakland fall into three groups. Slabs on clay that have cracked and shifted as the soil moved. Panels lifted by tree roots. And old, thin concrete on flatland lots that has simply worn out. The first step is always to work out why the damage happened. A repair that ignores the cause will not last.
Cracks that are narrow and level can be cleaned and sealed to keep water out. A sunken panel on stable ground can sometimes be lifted. A worn but solid surface can be resurfaced. Raised edges can be ground down. But a slab that is broken into pieces, rocking, or pushed up by a large root usually needs that section cut out and poured again on a new base.
We tell you honestly which group your concrete is in. Sometimes the right advice is to replace two panels and leave the rest alone. Sometimes a repair would only buy a year or two. Send a photo by text and we can often give you a first opinion before the visit.
Concrete repair in Oakland: common questions
Is my crack serious?
A thin crack with both sides level is usually cosmetic. A crack that is wide, growing, or higher on one side means the ground is moving and deserves a closer look. Cracks in a house foundation should be seen by a structural engineer.
Will a patch match my old concrete?
No. New concrete is a different shade from old and stays that way for years. We cut repair edges straight and along joints so the patch looks deliberate.
Can you fix damage from tree roots?
Yes. We replace the lifted section and can shape the new slab around the root zone. If the tree is a City street tree, root cutting needs the City's say, so we check first.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit and measure.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with finish options.
- Prep & forms: We excavate, grade, compact the base and set forms and reinforcement.
- Pour, finish & cure: We pour, finish, cut control joints and tell you when you can use it.