Concrete work starts with the site below and around the slab. For driveways, patios, walkways, steps, and selected accessory-structure slabs, we review grades, drainage, access, existing concrete, and the intended use before defining removal, base preparation, reinforcement, finishing, and joints. Decorative finishes and resurfacing are options where appropriate, but an overlay will not correct unstable support or an unresolved water problem. Structural foundations require a separate scope based on the project and applicable requirements.
What's included
New concrete driveways, patios, walkways, steps, and pool deck surfaces
Garage, shed, accessory-structure slab, and footing scopes where appropriate
Assessment of existing concrete for repair, replacement, or resurfacing
Removal, excavation, base preparation, grading, and reinforcement specified for the project
Broom, exposed aggregate, stamped, or stained finish options
Joint layout, curing plan, and sealing where included in the estimate
Who this service is for
Charlotte-area homeowners replacing cracked or uneven concrete, adding a patio or path, or planning a slab whose grade, drainage, finish, and access need to be worked through before pouring.
Why homeowners choose Patriot Home Service
We separate surface defects from settlement, drainage, and base problems before recommending a repair.
The written scope can identify demolition, sub-base, reinforcement, finish, and joint details.
Patio layout and finished elevation are considered in relation to doors, siding, and surrounding grade.
Problems we solve
Settled or uneven panels — A trip edge may reflect movement below the slab; rebuilding without addressing the base or drainage can allow the problem to recur.
Water running toward the house — Patio or walk grades should direct water away from the building without creating problems at adjacent property or landscape areas.
Cracked driveway — The size, location, and cause of cracking determine whether a localized repair, surface treatment, or replacement is reasonable.
Worn decorative surface — Staining, resurfacing, or an overlay may refresh sound concrete, but delamination or moving cracks limit the suitability of a surface-only treatment.
New outdoor surface — A patio or walkway needs a layout suited to access, drainage, neighboring surfaces, and the intended finish.
Repair or replace?
Repair or resurface sound concrete — Localized surface wear or cosmetic damage on a stable slab may be suitable for repair or resurfacing after the substrate is checked.
Replace a failing slab — Significant settlement, movement, widespread cracking, or poor slope may call for removal and correction of the base or grade before repouring.
Our process
Assess the site — Review use, dimensions, slope, soil and drainage conditions, existing slabs, and access for removal and concrete delivery.
Define the scope — Specify demolition, sub-base, slab and reinforcement approach, finish, joints, and any review required for the proposed work.
Prepare and form — Remove material in scope, prepare and compact the base as specified, set forms and grades, and place specified reinforcement.
Place and finish — Pour and finish concrete to the agreed application and establish control joints appropriate to the slab layout.
Cure and hand off — Protect the new surface during curing and communicate use and maintenance guidance appropriate to the mix, weather, and finish.
Suppliers and materials
Surface finishes — Broom, exposed aggregate, stamped, and stained surfaces offer different texture, appearance, and upkeep for driveways and patios.
Base and reinforcement — Stone base, rebar, or mesh may be specified based on the slab's use, site conditions, and design; reinforcement does not eliminate all cracking.
Repair and decorative treatments — Resurfacing, overlays, and sealers are options for suitable existing surfaces, subject to substrate condition and product instructions.
Pricing factors
Area, thickness, intended loading, and reinforcement
Removal and disposal of existing concrete
Excavation, base condition, grade, and drainage work
Access for equipment and concrete placement
Finish complexity, joint layout, coloring, and sealing
Additional design or review for slabs, aprons, and right-of-way work
Concrete workmanship
The existing service catalog states a 5-year workmanship warranty for flatwork installations; confirm the written terms and exclusions for the specific project.
Concrete can develop cracks and color variation despite proper placement and joints; any product or sealer coverage should be checked against its written terms.
Concrete in Charlotte
Clay-rich soils found around the Charlotte metro can change moisture content and move; base and drainage conditions matter more than finish selection alone.
Rain runoff and finished elevation should be planned so patios and walks do not channel water toward foundations, door thresholds, or neighboring areas.
Driveway aprons, work in the right-of-way, and structural slabs may involve different jurisdictional review; determine requirements for the exact location and scope.
A deck stair landing and an adjoining patio should be planned together. Discuss elevation, drainage, and the separate footing and framing work needed for the deck. Explore deck construction and replacement.
Concrete can crack as it shrinks or as the ground moves. Base preparation, suitable reinforcement, and control-joint layout help manage risk and where cracks occur; they cannot guarantee a crack-free slab.
Can you pour a patio next to my house?
A patio can be planned beside a house if its elevation, slope, door clearance, and foundation drainage work together. Those conditions should be reviewed before a finish is selected.
When is resurfacing better than replacement?
Resurfacing is most suitable for a sound, stable substrate with surface wear. A slab that is sinking, moving, or directing water the wrong way may need more than an overlay.
How soon can I use new concrete?
Access depends on the mix, weather, slab use, and finish. Follow the project-specific curing and traffic instructions rather than assuming one walk-on or drive-on date applies to every pour.
Can new concrete match the old color?
Coloring and finishes can be selected to complement existing work, but age, weathering, aggregate, and curing can create visible differences between pours.
Are permits needed for a driveway or slab?
Requirements depend on the location and scope, particularly at driveway aprons, rights-of-way, and structural or accessory-building slabs. Confirm local review before work begins.
