Concrete Removal & Replacement: A Professional Guide for Your Home in Cary

When you need to update your property, professional Concrete Removal & Replacement services are essential. Whether you live in Cary, North Carolina, or the surrounding Wake County area, old, cracked, or damaged concrete can be a safety hazard and an eyesore. Our team offers reliable and efficient solutions to remove existing concrete and install new, durable surfaces that enhance your property’s safety and appearance. We understand the unique needs of homeowners and businesses in our community, providing clear, straightforward service from start to finish.

Why You Might Need Concrete Removal

Many reasons lead homeowners and businesses to consider concrete removal. Over time, concrete surfaces can suffer wear and tear, making them less safe and attractive. Understanding these common issues helps you decide when it’s time for an upgrade.

One major reason is cracking. Concrete develops cracks due to many factors. These include ground movement, freezing and thawing cycles, heavy loads, or improper installation. Small cracks can grow into large ones, creating tripping hazards. Water can also seep into these cracks, leading to more damage, especially in colder months when water expands as it freezes.

Sinking or uneven concrete is another common problem. This often happens when the ground underneath the concrete shifts or settles. If the soil was not properly prepared before the concrete was poured, it can cause parts of the slab to sink lower than others. This creates uneven surfaces that can cause falls or make it hard to use the area, such as a garage floor or patio.

Damage from tree roots is a frequent issue, especially in older neighborhoods with mature trees. Tree roots grow and expand, pushing up against concrete slabs. This can cause the concrete to crack, lift, and become very uneven. Removing the tree root and the damaged concrete is often the best solution to prevent future problems.

Age and general wear also play a big role. While concrete is very strong, it doesn’t last forever. Over many years, constant use, weather exposure, and chemical spills can cause the surface to degrade. It might start to crumble, flake, or simply look old and worn out. When the surface becomes too rough or damaged, it’s time to consider removal and replacement to bring back a fresh, new look and improve safety.

Finally, renovations or new construction often require concrete removal. If you are adding an extension to your home, building a new patio, or changing the layout of your driveway, existing concrete might be in the way. Removing it allows for a clean slate and proper foundation for your new project. This ensures that your new additions are built on a stable and suitable base, fitting seamlessly with your overall property design.

The Concrete Removal Process: Step-by-Step

Removing concrete is a complex task that requires careful planning, the right tools, and a focus on safety. A professional approach ensures the job gets done efficiently and correctly, preparing your site for new, strong concrete. Here’s how the process typically unfolds.

Step 1: Planning and Safety First

Before any work begins, careful planning is key. We start by assessing the site to understand the scope of the project. This includes looking at the size and thickness of the concrete, checking for any nearby structures or landscaping that need protection, and identifying potential obstacles.

Safety is our top priority. We always ensure all necessary permits are in place, especially for larger projects, to comply with local regulations in Cary. A critical step is calling “811” or “Call Before You Dig” to locate any underground utilities like water pipes, gas lines, or electrical cables. Hitting these lines can be extremely dangerous and costly. Our team also uses proper safety gear, including eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear. We take steps to control dust and noise, ensuring a safe work environment for our crew and minimizing disruption for you and your neighbors.

Step 2: Breaking and Demolition

Once the planning is complete and the site is safe, we begin the demolition. The tools we use depend on the size and thickness of the concrete. For smaller areas or thinner slabs, we might use electric jackhammers, which are powerful tools designed to break concrete into manageable pieces. For larger, thicker slabs like driveways or foundations, we may use heavy-duty hydraulic jackhammers or even concrete saws to cut the concrete into sections before breaking it up.

Our skilled operators use these tools with precision and control. We aim to break the concrete into pieces that are easy to handle and load, while also minimizing damage to surrounding areas. This controlled demolition prevents unnecessary mess and ensures that only the intended concrete is removed. We work systematically, section by section, to ensure a smooth and efficient removal process.

Step 3: Debris Removal and Hauling

After the concrete is broken into pieces, the next step is to remove all the debris from your property. This can be a very heavy and messy part of the job. Our team gathers all the broken concrete pieces, often using wheelbarrows or small machinery like skid steers for larger volumes. We load the debris into specialized dump trucks or containers.

Proper disposal is a critical part of our service. We do not simply take the concrete to a landfill. Instead, we transport the broken concrete to recycling facilities. Concrete recycling helps reduce waste and conserves natural resources. The old concrete can be crushed and reused as aggregate for new construction projects, road bases, or even as a base for new concrete pours. This commitment to responsible disposal aligns with our values of social responsibility and environmental care, ensuring that your old concrete is handled in an eco-friendly way.

Step 4: Site Preparation for New Concrete

With the old concrete gone, the site needs careful preparation before new concrete can be poured. This step is vital for the longevity and stability of your new surface. We start by clearing the entire area of any remaining debris, roots, or loose soil. Then, we focus on grading the land. Grading means shaping the ground to ensure proper drainage and a level base for the new concrete. Incorrect grading can lead to water pooling or uneven settling of the new slab.

After grading, we compact the soil thoroughly. Compaction removes air pockets and makes the ground firm, preventing future settling. We often use a vibratory plate compactor for this task. Following compaction, we add a base layer, typically several inches of crushed gravel or aggregate. This base layer provides an even, stable foundation and helps with drainage. We compact this gravel layer as well to ensure it is solid. For projects requiring extra strength, such as driveways, we install rebar (reinforcing steel bars) or wire mesh. This reinforcement adds strength and helps prevent cracking, making your new concrete surface much more durable.

The Concrete Replacement Process: Laying the Foundation for Durability

Once the old concrete is removed and the site is perfectly prepared, we move on to the replacement phase. This is where your new, strong, and beautiful concrete surface takes shape. Our goal is to install concrete that not only looks great but also stands the test of time, providing lasting value to your property.

Step 1: Formwork Installation

The first step in pouring new concrete is setting up the formwork. Forms are like molds that hold the wet concrete in place until it hardens. We use sturdy materials, often wood or metal, to create the exact shape and size of your new concrete slab. Our team carefully measures and levels the forms to ensure the new surface will have the correct dimensions and a perfectly level or properly sloped finish for drainage.

Proper formwork is critical. If the forms are not strong or not set correctly, the concrete can bulge, or the edges can become uneven. We secure the forms firmly to prevent any movement during the pouring process. This attention to detail ensures that the finished concrete product has clean, straight edges and the precise dimensions you desire, whether it’s a new patio, driveway, or sidewalk.

Step 2: Reinforcement Placement

To make the new concrete stronger and more resistant to cracking, we add reinforcement. The most common types of reinforcement are rebar (short for reinforcing bar) and wire mesh. Rebar is a steel bar that we place in a grid pattern within the concrete forms. It adds tensile strength, meaning it helps the concrete resist pulling apart, which is especially important for heavy-traffic areas like driveways or structural slabs.

Wire mesh is a grid of steel wires that provides similar benefits, often used for patios or sidewalks where lighter loads are expected. Sometimes, we also add synthetic fibers directly into the concrete mix. These tiny fibers spread throughout the concrete, helping to reduce small cracks that can form as the concrete dries. The type and amount of reinforcement depend on the specific project and its expected use, but in all cases, it significantly improves the concrete’s durability and lifespan.

Step 3: Concrete Pouring and Spreading

With the forms and reinforcement in place, it’s time to pour the concrete. The concrete arrives in a ready-mix truck, carefully formulated for the specific project’s needs. Our team works quickly and efficiently to pour the concrete into the forms. We use specialized tools to spread the wet concrete evenly throughout the entire area, ensuring it fills all corners and surrounds the reinforcement completely.

Proper spreading is important to avoid air pockets, which can weaken the concrete. We make sure the concrete is distributed uniformly, reaching the correct depth across the entire slab. This careful pouring and spreading technique sets the stage for a strong, consistent, and long-lasting concrete surface.

Step 4: Leveling and Finishing

Once the concrete is poured and spread, we begin the leveling and finishing process. First, we use a tool called a screed to level the concrete surface, removing any excess and ensuring it is perfectly flat or has the desired slope for drainage. After screeding, we use floats—large, flat tools—to smooth the surface and bring a layer of cement paste to the top. This paste is important for creating a durable and attractive finish.

The final step in finishing depends on the desired look and function. A “broom finish” involves dragging a broom across the surface to create a textured, slip-resistant surface, common for driveways and sidewalks. For a very smooth, polished look, we use a steel trowel. We can also create “stamped concrete,” which involves pressing molds into the wet concrete to mimic the look of stone, brick, or other materials, adding a decorative touch to patios and walkways. Each finishing technique requires skill and experience to achieve the best results.

Step 5: Curing the Concrete

Curing is perhaps the most critical step for concrete strength and durability, yet it is often overlooked by amateurs. Curing is the process of maintaining proper moisture and temperature in the concrete after it’s poured and finished. Concrete does not just “dry”; it chemically reacts with water in a process called hydration. This reaction makes the concrete strong. If concrete dries out too quickly, it won’t reach its full strength and can develop surface cracks.

We use various curing methods to ensure optimal strength. One common method is “wet curing,” where we keep the concrete surface wet by misting it with water, covering it with wet burlap, or ponding water on top. Another method is using “curing compounds,” which are liquids sprayed onto the surface to create a protective membrane that traps moisture inside. We may also cover the concrete with plastic sheets or blankets. The curing process typically lasts for several days to a week, or even longer for very strong concrete. Proper curing makes the concrete much harder, more resistant to wear, and less likely to crack, ensuring your new surface lasts for many years.

Types of Concrete Projects We Handle

Our expertise extends to a wide range of concrete projects, ensuring we can meet diverse needs across the community. Each type of project has specific requirements and considerations, and our team is equipped to handle them all with precision and care.

1. Driveways: Driveways are essential for any home or business, handling daily vehicle traffic. We design and install driveways that are not only durable enough to withstand heavy loads but also enhance your property’s curb appeal. We consider factors like vehicle weight, drainage, and the aesthetic you desire, offering various finishes from standard broom to decorative stamped concrete.
2. Patios: A patio creates an outdoor living space for relaxation and entertainment. We build beautiful and functional patios that integrate seamlessly with your home’s design. Whether you envision a simple, elegant slab or a complex, multi-level patio with decorative elements, we ensure it’s a comfortable and inviting area for your family and friends.
3. Sidewalks and Walkways: Safe and accessible sidewalks and walkways are crucial for navigating your property. We install smooth, level, and slip-resistant paths that guide visitors and connect different areas of your yard. We pay close attention to grading for proper drainage and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards.
4. Foundations and Slabs: Strong foundations are the backbone of any structure, from sheds to home additions. We pour solid, level concrete slabs and foundations that provide a stable base for buildings. This work requires precise measurements and careful preparation to ensure structural integrity and long-term stability.
5. Steps: Concrete steps are durable and can be custom-designed to match your home’s exterior. We build sturdy steps that are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, whether for your front entrance, back door, or garden access. We focus on consistent rise and run for comfortable use and incorporate non-slip finishes for safety.
6. Garage Floors: Garage floors endure heavy use, from vehicle parking to spills and impacts. We install robust concrete garage floors that are resistant to oil, chemicals, and cracking. We can also apply sealants to further protect the surface and make it easier to clean.
7. Retaining Walls: Concrete retaining walls are used to hold back soil, prevent erosion, and create level areas on sloped landscapes. We construct durable and structurally sound retaining walls that serve both a practical purpose and enhance the landscape design of your property.

Environmental Considerations in Concrete Removal and Replacement

As professionals, we are committed to responsible practices that benefit our environment and community. Concrete work, especially removal, can generate a lot of waste. That’s why we focus on sustainable methods to minimize our environmental footprint. We believe that caring for our planet is just as important as delivering high-quality concrete services.

Our primary environmental consideration is responsible disposal. We ensure that all removed concrete debris is not simply sent to a landfill. Instead, we work with local recycling facilities that specialize in processing concrete. These facilities crush the old concrete into various sizes of aggregate, which can then be reused in many different ways. This process significantly reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, conserving valuable space and reducing the need for new raw materials.

Recycling concrete is a key part of our sustainable approach. The crushed concrete can be used as a base material for new roads, building foundations, or even as aggregate in new concrete mixes. This “closed-loop” system means that materials are reused rather than discarded, which saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing new materials. By choosing to recycle, we help lessen the demand for virgin aggregates like gravel and sand, protecting natural resources.

Beyond recycling, we also look for ways to reduce waste during the entire project. This includes careful planning to minimize over-ordering of materials and efficient cutting techniques to reduce scrap. We also manage water usage responsibly during the mixing and curing processes, preventing unnecessary runoff and conserving this vital resource.

Furthermore, we consider the sustainability of the new concrete mixes we use. Modern concrete technology offers options that are more environmentally friendly. For example, some mixes incorporate recycled materials, or they use supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash or slag. These SCMs are byproducts of other industries, and using them in concrete reduces the amount of new cement needed, which helps lower carbon emissions. We stay informed about these advancements and choose materials that offer both superior performance and environmental benefits.

By adopting these practices, we not only deliver excellent results for your concrete project but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for Cary and beyond. Our commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious work is a core part of our professional identity.

Choosing the Right Professional for Your Project in Cary

Selecting the right contractor for your concrete removal and replacement project is a crucial decision. It impacts the quality, durability, and safety of your new concrete surface. Here’s what to look for when choosing a professional team, ensuring you get the best value and peace of mind.

First and foremost, look for experience. A contractor with a proven track record in concrete work understands the complexities of different projects, from small patios to large driveways. Experience means they have encountered and successfully resolved a variety of challenges, ensuring a smooth process for your project. Ask about their past projects and how long they have been serving the Cary area.

Licensing and insurance are non-negotiable. A licensed contractor meets the professional standards set by the state and local authorities. Insurance, including liability and workers’ compensation, protects you from financial responsibility in case of accidents or damage during the project. Always ask to see current proof of both before any work begins.

The equipment a contractor uses speaks volumes about their professionalism. Reputable companies invest in modern, well-maintained equipment for efficient and precise work. This includes everything from heavy machinery for demolition to specialized tools for finishing and curing. Proper equipment ensures the job is done right and safely.

A strong safety record is another key indicator of a reliable professional. Ask about their safety protocols and how they protect their crew and your property. A company that prioritizes safety demonstrates a commitment to responsible work practices and minimizes risks for everyone involved.

Clear communication is vital throughout the project. A good contractor will listen to your needs, explain the process in simple terms, provide detailed estimates, and keep you informed about progress and any unexpected issues. They should be easy to reach and responsive to your questions, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.

Finally, consider their reputation and reliability. Look for contractors with positive reviews and references from satisfied customers. A reliable professional shows up on time, completes the work as promised, and stands behind their craftsmanship. Choosing a trusted expert ensures your concrete project is handled with the utmost care and professionalism, resulting in a high-quality, long-lasting solution for your property.

Benefits of Professional Concrete Services

Investing in professional concrete services offers numerous benefits that go beyond just getting the job done. When you choose experienced experts for your concrete removal and replacement needs, you gain peace of mind and ensure a high-quality, lasting result. These advantages make professional service a smart investment for any property owner.

1. Safety: Concrete removal involves heavy materials and powerful tools, posing significant safety risks if not handled correctly. Professionals have the training, experience, and proper safety equipment to manage these risks. They know how to safely operate machinery, handle heavy debris, and protect themselves and your property from harm. This greatly reduces the chance of accidents or injuries on your site.
2. Efficiency: Experienced concrete contractors work efficiently. They have streamlined processes, the right tools, and skilled teams that can complete the job much faster than a DIY approach. This means less disruption to your daily life and your property returns to normal use much sooner. Their efficiency also translates to cost savings by minimizing labor hours and avoiding costly mistakes.
3. Proper Disposal: As mentioned earlier, professionals handle concrete debris responsibly. They don’t just dump it; they ensure it’s transported to recycling facilities, contributing to environmental sustainability. This takes the burden of heavy, messy disposal off your shoulders and ensures it’s done in an eco-friendly way.
4. Quality Results: The quality of the finished concrete surface is paramount. Professionals have the expertise to prepare the base properly, mix and pour the concrete correctly, and apply the right finishing techniques. This ensures your new concrete is level, smooth, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. They understand the science behind concrete and how to prevent common issues like cracking, unevenness, or poor drainage.
5. Longevity: A professionally installed concrete surface lasts much longer than one installed by amateurs. This is due to proper site preparation, correct concrete mix selection, adequate reinforcement, and meticulous curing. A long-lasting concrete surface means you won’t have to worry about costly repairs or replacements for many years, providing excellent long-term value.
6. Increased Property Value: High-quality concrete work enhances your property’s curb appeal and functionality, which can significantly increase its market value. A new, well-installed driveway, patio, or walkway makes a strong positive impression and adds to the overall appeal of your home or business. This is especially true in a desirable area like Cary, where property values are important.
7. Expertise and Problem-Solving: Professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and problem-solving skills to the table. They can anticipate potential issues, such as drainage problems or soil instability, and implement solutions before they become major headaches. Their expertise ensures that even complex projects are handled smoothly and effectively.

Understanding Concrete Durability and Longevity

Concrete is celebrated for its strength and long life, but how durable it is and how long it lasts depends on several key factors. Understanding these elements helps appreciate the importance of professional installation and proper care. When concrete is installed correctly, it can last for many decades, providing a reliable and stable surface.

The concrete mix itself plays a huge role in durability. Concrete is made from cement, water, and aggregates (like sand and gravel). The ratio of these ingredients, especially the water-to-cement ratio, greatly affects the concrete’s strength. A lower water-to-cement ratio generally results in stronger, more durable concrete. Professionals select the right mix design for your specific project, considering factors like expected loads, exposure to weather, and desired finish. Different strengths are available, measured in pounds per square inch (psi), and choosing the correct psi for a driveway versus a walkway is crucial for longevity. Additives, known as admixtures, can also be included in the mix to improve workability, speed up or slow down setting times, or increase resistance to freezing and thawing cycles.

Concrete Mixes and Their Impact

The quality of the concrete mix is foundational to the final product’s performance. For a driveway, a higher strength mix (e.g., 4000 psi) is often recommended because it needs to withstand the weight of vehicles. For a patio, a slightly lower strength (e.g., 3000 psi) might be sufficient. Beyond strength, the type of aggregate used can affect durability and appearance. Some mixes include air-entraining admixtures, which create tiny air bubbles in the concrete. These bubbles provide space for water to expand when it freezes, preventing damage in cold climates. This is a vital consideration for outdoor concrete in areas like Cary, where winter temperatures can drop below freezing.

Understanding these details about concrete mixes allows us to select the optimal material for your specific application, ensuring maximum durability and performance. It’s not just about pouring concrete; it’s about pouring the right concrete for the job.

Proper Installation Techniques

Even the best concrete mix will fail if not installed correctly. This is where professional installation techniques become critical. As discussed earlier, thorough base preparation is essential. A properly compacted subgrade and a stable gravel base prevent settling and cracking. The inclusion of reinforcement like rebar or wire mesh significantly enhances the concrete’s ability to resist tensile stresses and control cracking, making the slab much more resilient.

Correct pouring and finishing are also vital. Ensuring the concrete is poured evenly, vibrated to remove air pockets, and properly screeded and floated creates a dense, uniform slab. The finishing technique chosen, whether broom or trowel, also impacts the surface’s durability and slip resistance. Most importantly, proper curing is the single most important factor for achieving concrete’s full potential strength. By maintaining moisture during the critical hydration period, professionals ensure the concrete reaches its maximum hardness and resistance to wear and tear.

The Role of Maintenance

Even with professional installation, concrete benefits from regular maintenance to extend its life. Sealing the concrete surface is a key maintenance step. Sealers protect the concrete from water penetration, stains, and damage from de-icing salts or chemicals. They create a protective barrier that helps the concrete resist the elements and wear. Depending on the type of sealer and traffic, re-sealing might be needed every few years.

Regular cleaning helps remove dirt, grime, and mildew that can accumulate on the surface. Simple sweeping and occasional washing with a mild detergent can keep your concrete looking good. Promptly addressing crack repair is also important. Even minor cracks can allow water to seep in, leading to bigger problems down the line. Filling cracks with appropriate sealants prevents water damage and slows down further deterioration. Finally, ensuring proper drainage around concrete surfaces prevents water from pooling, which can weaken the subgrade and lead to settling or erosion. Good drainage diverts water away, protecting your concrete investment.

Common Challenges and Solutions in Concrete Projects

Even with careful planning, concrete projects can present unexpected challenges. A professional team is prepared to identify and solve these issues efficiently, ensuring your project stays on track and delivers the desired results. Understanding common hurdles helps you appreciate the value of experienced contractors.

Unexpected underground obstacles are a frequent challenge during the removal phase. While we always call “811” to locate major utilities, sometimes smaller, unmarked pipes, old foundations, or large tree roots are discovered once demolition begins. When these are found, our team stops work immediately to assess the situation. We communicate with you about the discovery and propose the safest and most effective solution, which might involve carefully hand-digging around the obstacle or adjusting the project scope if necessary. Our priority is always safety and avoiding damage to existing infrastructure.

Weather conditions can also pose challenges, especially during the pouring and curing phases. Extreme heat can cause concrete to dry too quickly, leading to shrinkage cracks and reduced strength. In such cases, we might adjust the concrete mix to slow down setting, use curing compounds more aggressively, or schedule pours during cooler parts of the day. Cold weather, on the other hand, can slow down the curing process significantly and even freeze the concrete before it gains enough strength, leading to damage. For cold-weather pours, we use special admixtures, insulate the concrete, or even use heaters to maintain optimal curing temperatures. Our experience in Cary’s climate allows us to plan for and adapt to various weather scenarios.

Access limitations can complicate both concrete removal and delivery. If your project area is difficult to reach with heavy machinery, such as a backyard patio with narrow gates, we devise alternative strategies. This might involve using smaller equipment, wheelbarrows for manual transport, or even concrete pumps to deliver the wet concrete over obstacles. We assess access during the initial site visit and plan accordingly to ensure efficiency without compromising quality.

Soil conditions can vary greatly, even within a small area. Unstable or highly expansive soils can lead to future settling or cracking of the concrete if not properly addressed. Our site preparation includes assessing soil stability and, if needed, implementing solutions like adding more robust base layers, improving drainage, or using specialized compaction techniques to create a stable foundation. We understand that a strong foundation is key to a long-lasting concrete surface.

Finally, unexpected project changes can occur. You might decide to slightly alter the size or shape of your patio after the initial plan. While we aim for clear plans upfront, we are adaptable and communicate openly about any changes and their potential impact on cost or timeline. Our goal is to work collaboratively with you to achieve your vision, even if it evolves during the project. By anticipating and expertly managing these common challenges, we ensure a smooth and successful concrete removal and replacement experience for our clients.

The Value of Investing in Quality Concrete Work

Choosing to invest in high-quality concrete removal and replacement services is a decision that pays off in multiple ways. It’s not just about getting rid of old concrete and pouring new; it’s about enhancing your property’s safety, aesthetics, and long-term value. This investment brings lasting benefits that you will appreciate for years to come.

One of the most significant values is long-term savings. While a cheaper, less experienced contractor might offer a lower initial price, poor quality concrete work often leads to premature cracking, settling, and damage. This means you’ll face costly repairs or even another full replacement much sooner. Investing in professional, quality work upfront ensures your concrete lasts for decades, avoiding these recurring expenses and saving you money in the long run.

Aesthetic appeal is another major benefit. New, well-installed concrete instantly improves the look of your property. A smooth, clean driveway, a beautifully finished patio, or a pristine sidewalk enhances your home’s curb appeal and creates a welcoming environment. This visual improvement can significantly boost your property’s attractiveness, whether you’re planning to sell or simply want to enjoy a more beautiful living space.

Safety is paramount, and quality concrete work directly contributes to it. Old, cracked, or uneven concrete creates tripping hazards, especially for children, the elderly, or anyone with mobility challenges. Professional removal and replacement eliminate these dangers, providing a smooth, level, and safe surface for walking, driving, and playing. This peace of mind, knowing your property is safe for everyone, is invaluable.

Structural integrity is crucial for elements like foundations and garage slabs. Quality concrete work ensures these structures are strong, level, and capable of supporting their intended loads without shifting or cracking. This foundational strength protects your home or other buildings from potential structural issues down the line, safeguarding your entire property investment.

Finally, investing in quality concrete work ultimately contributes to increased property value. A well-maintained property with durable, attractive concrete surfaces is more appealing to potential buyers. It signals that the home has been cared for and that major components are in excellent condition. This can translate to a higher selling price and a quicker sale if you decide to put your property on the market. In a competitive real estate market like Cary’s, every upgrade that adds tangible value is a smart move.