Concrete Caulking

Choosing the right contractor is essential to getting a repair that lasts and looks professional. Here are key tips for making a smart decision:

• Look for local experience — Choose a contractor familiar with regional soil conditions and climate challenges — especially expansive clay soil in Texas.
• Check reviews and references — Read online reviews and ask for recent customer references. Look for consistent satisfaction and evidence of professionalism.
• Ask about methods and materials — A reputable contractor will explain their repair approach, the products they use and why they’re appropriate for your specific issue.
• Request a written estimate and warranty — Get everything in writing — scope of work, timeline, costs and warranty terms. Avoid contractors who won’t provide documentation.
• Compare (But Don’t Automatically Choose the Cheapest) — Value quality over price. Cheap repairs may save now but cost more later in repeat fixes.

At G.L. Hunt, we specialize in long-lasting, climate-adapted concrete and foundation repair — and we’re happy to answer your questions before, during and after service.

It might seem intuitive to fix a crack in concrete by simply pouring more concrete into it — but this approach is rarely effective in the long run, especially in Texas. Traditional concrete doesn’t bond well with already cured concrete and lacks the flexibility needed to accommodate future expansion or contraction.

For hairline or small cracks, the best solution is to use:

• Flexible concrete sealants or fillers, often made with polyurethane or silicone, which move with the slab and help prevent re-cracking.
• Epoxy injections in cases where structural reinforcement is needed.

For larger or structural cracks, you may need:

• A patching compound
• Professional assessment to evaluate soil movement or underlying damage

Our team uses materials designed for Texas’s shifting clay soils, ensuring any repair is durable and long-lasting.

For minor cosmetic issues, like hairline cracks or small surface blemishes, DIY concrete repair is possible using store-bought patching materials, caulk or sealants. However, DIY repairs have limitations, especially when it comes to structural stability or long-term durability.

Here’s when DIY might work:

• Small cracks under 1/4 inch wide
• Cosmetic blemishes not affecting safety or drainage
• Surfaces that don’t bear heavy loads (like garden paths)

However, for larger cracks, sunken slabs or signs of soil movement, it’s best to consult a professional. Improper repairs may:

• Fail to bond with the original concrete
• Crack again due to poor flexibility or preparation
• Hide underlying problems like foundation shifting

Professional contractors use commercial-grade materials, proper tools and expert assessment — especially important in areas with volatile soils like those in Texas.

That depends on the type of repair and the finish applied, but in many cases, concrete repairs can be blended to minimize visual disruption.

Here’s what to expect:

• Small crack repairs using sealants or fillers may be slightly visible, especially if the color doesn’t match the existing concrete perfectly. Over time, weathering can help the repair blend in.
• Leveling techniques like polyjacking usually don’t affect surface appearance — they lift the slab from beneath, preserving its look.
• Patchwork or resurfacing repairs may leave a visual outline unless the entire surface is resurfaced for uniformity.

For highly visible areas like patios or walkways, we can use tinted compounds, decorative overlays or full resurfacing to create a seamless finish. If aesthetics are a priority, let your contractor know up front so they can tailor the solution accordingly.

Concrete is strong, but it’s not immune to environmental forces — and in Texas, it faces extreme conditions that contribute to concrete cracking:

• Expansive clay soils — These soils swell during rainy periods and shrink during droughts, causing constant movement beneath slabs.
• Temperature fluctuations — Concrete expands in the heat and contracts in cooler weather, leading to stress over time.
• Improper installation or curing — If the concrete wasn’t mixed, poured or cured properly, it’s more likely to crack prematurely.
• Heavy loads and settlement — Driveways and foundations may sink unevenly under weight or due to soil compaction issues.
• Poor drainage — Water pooling near or under concrete increases hydrostatic pressure, destabilizing the slab.

Understanding the cause helps determine whether a crack is merely cosmetic or symptomatic of a deeper issue. That’s why we always begin with a thorough site inspection.

Not all cracks are cause for alarm — but some signal serious problems. You should be concerned if:

• The crack is wider than 1/4 inch
• It is growing or widening over time
• You notice vertical displacement, meaning one side of the crack is higher than the other
• The crack is near load-bearing areas, like columns or corners of a foundation
• It’s accompanied by water intrusion, moisture stains or soil erosion

Cracks that appear after drought or rainstorms are especially concerning in Texas. If you’re unsure whether your cracks are structural or superficial, a professional inspection can provide clarity and peace of mind.

While no concrete is completely crack-proof, you can significantly reduce the risk by taking preventative steps:

• Use the right mix — The concrete mix should be designed for Texas’s climate, balancing strength, flexibility and curing properties.
• Install control joints — These guide where cracks form, preventing random breaks across the slab.
• Proper curing — Concrete must cure slowly and evenly to avoid shrinkage cracks. That means keeping it moist during the early stages.
• Address soil and drainage — Compacted soil and good water management prevent uneven settling and expansion beneath the slab.
• Seal regularly — Concrete sealers add a protective barrier against moisture, temperature extremes and surface wear.

Whether you’re pouring a new slab or maintaining an existing one, proactive care can extend its lifespan and reduce costly repairs later.

The best method of concrete leveling depends on the severity of the settling, the location of the damage and soil conditions. In Texas, where soil movement is a major factor, these methods are commonly used:

• Polyjacking (Foam Injection Leveling) — Uses high-density polyurethane foam, which expands to lift the slab. It’s lightweight, cures quickly and creates less mess.
• Concrete grinding — Suitable for slight unevenness, especially when full lifting isn’t required.
• Full slab replacement — Recommended when slabs are broken, brittle or beyond repair.

At G.L. Hunt, we assess each case individually to recommend a leveling method that will hold up against Texas’s volatile soils and ensure long-term performance.

Yes, you can pour new concrete over existing concrete — but only if the base is stable and properly prepped. Pouring directly onto damaged or unstable slabs can cause the new layer to crack just like the old one.

To do it right:

• Clean and roughen the surface to promote adhesion
• Repair existing cracks or holes
• Apply a concrete bonding agent
• Consider control joints to manage stress in the new layer

This method is often used for patios, walkways or garage floors where a full replacement isn’t necessary. G.L. Hunt ensures every overlay job meets structural standards and resists the expansion/contraction common in Texas climates.

Absolutely — concrete leveling is a cost-effective and minimally invasive solution that delivers major benefits:

• Safety — Eliminate tripping hazards from uneven slabs on driveways, sidewalks or pool decks.
• Curb appeal — Smooth surfaces improve property value and appearance.
• Longevity — Leveling corrects settling without requiring full replacement, saving thousands in future repairs.
• Prevention — Restoring even support helps prevent water intrusion, soil erosion and further cracking.

Especially in Texas, where the ground is constantly shifting, concrete leveling offers long-term peace of mind and protects your investment.

Determining if a crack is structural involves analyzing several factors beyond just width. Structural cracks typically form due to foundation movement, soil pressure or settling and may require immediate attention.

Red flags include:

• Cracks wider than 1/4 inch or those that widen over time
• Diagonal cracks, especially at the corners of doors or windows
• Stair-step cracks in masonry or brick
• Vertical displacement, where one side of the crack is higher than the other
• Recurring moisture or foundation movement near the crack

Cosmetic cracks tend to be shallow and don’t change much. If you’re unsure, our licensed specialists offer foundation and concrete inspections to determine whether repairs are cosmetic or structural — and what next steps are needed.