Should I Repair, Resurface, or Replace My Concrete Driveway?

Learn when your concrete driveway is too far gone for repair or resurfacing, and when it’s better to replace it altogether.

You were once proud of your pristine concrete driveway, but over time, it’s started to show signs of wear. Issues like cracks, sinking slabs, and surface damage can make you wonder what to do next.

A common question someone in your shoes would ask is: Should I repair, resurface, or replace my concrete driveway?

At A-1 Concrete Leveling, we’ve been helping homeowners decide the best course of action for their concrete surfaces for 30+ years.

In this article, we’ll break down when we recommend repairing, resurfacing, or replacing a concrete driveway to help you make the best decision for your home. 

Option 1: Concrete Driveway Repair

Small cracks and uneven areas can often be fixed without a full resurfacing. Over time, concrete slabs can settle or crack, but this doesn’t always mean you need to replace or resurface the entire driveway.

Some repair options for your driveway include:

• Lifting sunken slabs
• Caulking or sealing cracks
• Cleaning stained or discolored sections
• Patching missing sections or surface spalling

Concrete Leveling for Driveways (Lifting Sunken Slabs)

Concrete leveling is a cost-effective solution to settling driveway slabs. It’s done by drilling small holes into the sunken or cracked areas and pumping a leveling beneath the surface.

This raises the concrete until it’s level again, and then the holes are filled with a non-shrinking grout, leaving you with an even, safe driveway.

Option 2: Resurfacing Your Concrete Driveway

Resurfacing is a middle-ground option between simple repairs and full replacement. If your driveway has extensive surface damage but the underlying structure is still sound, resurfacing might be the way to go.

How Resurfacing Works

To resurface a driveway, the top layer of damaged concrete is prepared (typically by grinding or chemically opening the pores of the existing surface) and a new layer is poured over the existing driveway.

This creates a fresh, smooth surface without the cost of a full replacement. You can even achieve decorative finishes when resurfacing, making it popular for other areas like patios and pool decks.

DIY Concrete Driveway Resurfacing

It’s essential to ensure that the new concrete overlay bonds properly to the old surface to prevent the new overlay from cracking and chipping off as the concrete expands and contracts with fluctuating temperatures.

DIY resurfacing can be tempting, but it often leads to more problems if not done correctly.

Pro Tip: If necessary, concrete leveling should be done before resurfacing to ensure a stable foundation for the new layer.

Replacing Your Concrete Driveway

Sometimes, replacement is the best option, especially if your driveway is over 20 years old or has severe damage.

Benefits of Replacement

Replacement allows you to start fresh and can be an opportunity to change the design or material of your driveway, like trading steps for a ramp, or switching out standard brushed concrete for a stamped design.

Why Choose Driveway Replacement?

Concrete driveway replacement is more expensive but offers a long-lasting solution if properly installed and maintained correctly from the get-go.

Whether you want to add more space, change to a different material, or simply have a new, smooth surface, replacement might be the right choice.

When to Choose Repair vs. Resurfacing vs. Replacement

Concrete Driveway Repair

Repair is best if your biggest concerns are filling cracks and sinking slabs. Repairing your driveway is usually quick, cost-effective, and can extend the life of your driveway.

Concrete Driveway Resurfacing

Resurfacing your driveway is ideal for extensive surface damage if the slabs are not sinking. If the slabs are settling, concrete leveling can bring them back up to the proper level to prepare for resurfacing.

Concrete driveway resurfacing refreshes the appearance and function without the cost of full replacement. However, be sure to get a proper evaluation of the underlying concrete to ensure it is a good candidate for resurfacing.

Concrete Driveway Replacement

Replacing your concrete driveway may be necessary if it’s very old, badly crumbling, or has severe structural issues.

Replacing is the most expensive, but it offers a brand-new surface that can last for decades if properly installed and maintained.

Concrete Driveway Care Tips

• Regularly Inspect Your Concrete Driveway

Regularly inspecting your driveway for signs of damage, like cracks or sinking, is crucial. If you notice any issues, acting quickly rather than waiting for them to get worse will usually save you money and headaches in the long run.

• Perform Regular Concrete Driveway Maintenance

Cleaning dirty concrete, caulking cracks, lifting sunken slabs, filling voids underneath, and sealing the concrete’s surface are crucial maintenance practices to help make sure your concrete driveway lasts as long as possible.

Related Resource: How To Maintain Your Concrete

• Keep Heavy Equipment and Vehicles Off Your Driveway

Heavy equipment, like dumpsters and moving trucks, can crush your concrete, causing the slabs to crumble and crack.

It’s best to keep heavy vehicles and equipment off of your driveway whenever possible.

Should You Repair, Resurface, or Replace Your Concrete Driveway?

At the end of the day, the current state of your concrete and the goals you have for your driveway will determine which option is best for you.

For example, if your concrete is in relatively good shape, but a few slabs have sunken and caused trip hazards, a concrete leveling repair is likely the quickest and most cost-effective way to fix it.

However, if your concrete is crumbling, cracked all over, and overall in bad shape, replacing it may be your best bet.

Deciding may not be that clear-cut, so if you’re still not sure which is right for you, request a free estimate with an A-1 team member to walk you through your options!