Concrete Repair FAQ — Wilmington, NC

The cost depends on what is damaged and why. A hairline crack in a sidewalk costs far less to fix than a sunken driveway with a washed-out base underneath it. The square footage of the damaged area, how bad the erosion is below the slab, and which repair method is needed all affect the final number. Call for a free estimate.

Most small crack repairs take a few hours. Sunken slab lifting can often be done in half a day. Larger jobs or anything that needs new concrete poured will take longer because the concrete needs time to cure before you can use it — usually at least 24 to 48 hours depending on heat and humidity.

The sandy soil under most homes in Wilmington drains unevenly and shifts after heavy rain. We get around 55 inches of rain a year, and that water moves soil out from under slabs over time. Tree roots are another big cause in older neighborhoods like Forest Hills. Once the base is gone, the slab has nothing to rest on and it cracks.

You can, but it usually does not last. Caulk sits on top of the crack and does not bond well to concrete that is still moving. If the slab is sinking or the base underneath is soft, the crack opens back up within a season or two. Caulk is a short-term cover, not a fix.

Most small repairs — patching a driveway crack or resurfacing a patio — do not require a permit. If the job involves replacing a full slab or doing structural work, a permit from the City of Wilmington or New Hanover County may be needed. We can tell you which applies to your job when we do the estimate.

Most homeowner's policies do not cover concrete that cracked from normal settling or soil movement. Insurance sometimes covers sudden damage — like a tree falling on a slab — but not gradual deterioration. It is worth calling your insurance company, but most concrete repair jobs in Wilmington are paid out of pocket.