how much does it cost to repair cracked driveway

Full Answer

What is the average cost to repair a driveway?

To confirm the integrity of a concrete driveway, hire a professional to address significant surface issues. The average cost to fix a concrete driveway ranges between $500-$1,100, with the average homeowner spending $800 to resurface a 250 square foot area, including labor and materials.

How to repair and resurface a cracked concrete driveway?

• Use kneepads to cushion your knees if you have to kneel to make a lot of repairs.
• To use the driveway as soon as possible, choose a rapid or fast-set crack filler.
• Some concrete patching compounds will harden in a few hours, but it make take days or a week for other kinds to cure and dry. ...

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Should I repair or replace my driveway?

Some of the main signs you need to repair or replace your driveway are:

• Cracks
• Potholes
• Drainage issues
• Weathered appearance

How much does it cost to fix an asphalt driveway?

The price can rise or fall depending on many factors including location, quality of material, depth of material required, and the size of your drive. Asphalt driveway installation pricing across the country can be anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000, but most spend $4,000 to $8,000.

How much does it cost to repair concrete cracks?

Concrete Crack Repair CostsItemUnit CostCostCrack filler: pre-mixed concrete patch, natural look, apply with trowel.$0.38$41Upgrade acrylic finish: additional cost to apply decorative acrylic sealant on 500 sq.ft. slab: wet look, non-yellowing, solvent based.$0.28$144Material Cost$0.37$185+ Labor Cost (basic)$36$2882 more rows

Can you repair a cracked driveway?

As long as the rest of your driveway is sound (no heaving, sinking, or crumbling), you can replace those tiny cracks with a smooth concrete surface by applying a high-quality resurfacing product, such as Quikrete's Concrete Resurfacer.

How much does it cost to repair crack?

The national average cost to repair cracks in a foundation is $386-$1,230. If you catch a crack early, you can expect to pay between $300 and $600 for a hairline crack. Major structural issues can cost more than $10,000 to fix — which is why it's important to catch and repair damage early.

Can you repair a badly cracked concrete driveway?

A Driveway with cracked concrete should be replaced if due to widespread, deep cracks, settlement or sunken concrete. If concrete has cosmetic cracks, frost heaves, scaling or even potholes, it can be successfully repaired with FlexSet, PolyFlexDS or Concrete Welder in cartridges.

How do I fix a large crack in my driveway?

0:201:41How To Repair Driveway Cracks Larger Than 1/2" - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen using pothole filler use your trowel to apply material into the crack enough to form a smallMoreWhen using pothole filler use your trowel to apply material into the crack enough to form a small mound slightly above the level of the surrounding.

Why do driveways crack?

Concrete driveways can crack for many reasons. Repeated freezing and thawing, heavy loads, tree roots and even shifts in the ground can cause damage. When you learn how to repair cracks in a concrete driveway, you may be able to stop them before they lead to bigger problems.

How do you repair a broken concrete driveway?

How to Resurface a Concrete DrivewayRemove debris. If a crack is less than a quarter-inch, it's a prime candidate for simple resurfacing. ... Wash the driveway. Wet down the driveway with a pressure washer. ... Mix concrete and water. ... Fill the cracks. ... Let dry. ... Resurface. ... Prevent slips. ... Watch the video above to learn more!

Can cracked concrete be repaired?

Wide cracks in concrete are best patched and sealed with a concrete patching compound. Smaller cracks, less than 1/4 inch wide, can be repaired with a concrete caulk or liquid filler. Patching compounds typically are mixed with water and applied with a trowel.

Is a cracked slab a big deal?

A crack in a slab of 1/8 inch or less is typically a normal shrinkage crack and not a cause for concern. If the crack is larger or growing larger (an “active” crack), or one side of the crack is higher than the other, then you may need to have the work reviewed by a structural engineer.

Does a cracked driveway mean foundation problems?

Driveway Cracks: Yes, driveway cracks can indicate you have foundation problems. In fact, it is the first on the list. A driveway is typically poured so that the water will flow away from the foundation.

Do all concrete driveways crack?

In theory, concrete that is formulated correctly for its use and placed on a well compacted, well engineered base, and finished perfectly, should never crack. But that rarely happens. So concrete usually cracks. That fact is the reason concrete contractors put "control" joints in large slabs of the material.

Why is concrete driveway cracking?

Concrete is made up of cement and water. As the concrete hardens and the water evaporates, the concrete shrinks. Too much water will lead to too much shrinkage, causing the concrete to crack. That's why concrete cracks are frequently seen within the first 30 days.

How do you resurface a cracked concrete driveway?

0:392:58How to Repair Cracks and Resurface Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEasy job for this application you'll want a fairly thick mixture I'm using a flat edged trial toMoreEasy job for this application you'll want a fairly thick mixture I'm using a flat edged trial to force the material down into the crack. Before I smooth out the surface.

Does a cracked driveway mean foundation problems?

Driveway Cracks: Yes, driveway cracks can indicate you have foundation problems. In fact, it is the first on the list. A driveway is typically poured so that the water will flow away from the foundation.

What can you put on a cracked concrete driveway?

How do I fix a large crack in my driveway?A backer rod. A backer rod is synthetic foam rod that you wedge into the crack before filling it with your repair material. ... Sand. You can fill larger cracks with sand then use your concrete filler to complete the job.

How do you repair a concrete driveway?

1:385:16How To Repair Concrete | Pro Tips For Repairing Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr you can use a vinyl concrete patching agent and a putty knife to fill it in for a wider crack youMoreOr you can use a vinyl concrete patching agent and a putty knife to fill it in for a wider crack you will need to use a small sledgehammer.

Why is concrete better than other materials?

Concrete driveways offer several advantages over other materials because of their durability and uniform surface finish. But concrete in any form has a tendency to crack, leaving you with a choice: repair or replace.

Can you replace a crack in concrete?

Not all cracks warrant replacement, and repairing concrete is often straightforward if you're dealing with a hairline surface break. All that's required to deal with such a crack is a bag of cement, water and putty knife.

How much does it cost to repair a pitted concrete driveway?

If the driveway wasn’t finished correctly or the concrete mix wasn’t properly prepared, pitting may also occur. Patches could be used to fix pitted concrete at a cost of $1.75 to $2.00 per square foot. Repairing a 100 square foot section of a pitted driveway will cost between $175 and $200.

What is concrete driveway repair?

Repairing a concrete driveway is more than just a cosmetic improvement. Concrete driveway repairs may be done to fix underlying issues such as sunken slabs and hairline cracks. To confirm the integrity of a concrete driveway, hire a professional to address significant surface issues.

How to tell if a concrete driveway is pitted?

Pitted concrete occurs as a result of small, deep holes in the driveway. A sign of a pitted driveway is jagged lines in a compressed area. Pitting occurs naturally over time and is seen in driveways that are several decades old. If the driveway wasn’t finished correctly or the concrete mix wasn’t properly prepared, pitting may also occur. Patches could be used to fix pitted concrete at a cost of $1.75 to $2.00 per square foot. Repairing a 100 square foot section of a pitted driveway will cost between $175 and $200.

Why replace a concrete driveway?

Replacing a concrete driveway is a consideration if extensive structural damage has occurred. Large cracks and sunken slabs are two potential reasons that a homeowner chooses to replace instead of repair the driveway. A repaving company is hired for the job of replacing the driveway.

Why does my driveway crack?

Concrete can crack or sink due to severe weather changes, poor installation, and increased exposure to moisture. Professionals evaluate the severity of the problem to recommend the best solutions.

How much does it cost to build a driveway apron?

With an average measurement of 10 to 15 square feet, the project cost is $110 to $140 for 10 to 15 square feet including labor and materials.

How much does it cost to patch a hairline crack?

The contractor may have the option to use a compound patch to address hairline cracks. Expect to pay around $1.75 to $2.00 per square foot for patches on a concrete driveway.

Tips for Concrete Driveway Repair

Even if your driveway is an expanse of puddles and potholes, it pays to explore repairing it first, DIY. It's a simple matter of dollars. For example, an asphalt topcoat costs about $2 per square foot - roughly a third of the tab for a complete driveway redo that includes soil prep, gravel, and two coats of asphalt.

Tips for Asphalt Driveway Repair

As with concrete, clean cracks of plants and debris, hose them clean and spray them with weed killer. Then do your patching when temperatures are at least 60°F so the repair material will cure. Fill 1/2-in. cracks with sand to within 1/4 in.

What to Know About Replacing a Driveway

Large areas of concrete can't be resurfaced reliably, so your contractor will have to break up the old slab and pour a new one.

Driveway Surface Options

What's out there: Choices include plain concrete; concrete colored with pigments or acid-staining; colored and stamped concrete that mimics stone; and exposed aggregate that allows the top layer of textured gravel to show through.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Patch an Asphalt Driveway?

An asphalt driveway can last for 15 to 20 years. However, cracks and holes can appear over time. When they do, you’ll want to find an asphalt mix that works for your repair and the best price. You’ll also want to decide if you want to hire an asphalt pro near you or do it yourself.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Patch an Asphalt Driveway Near You?

Cold or hot temperatures can impact how long an asphalt driveway will last. Plus, it’s possible that UV radiation from the sun can undermine asphalt over time. If you live in an area with seasonal changes, then the price to repair and patch your asphalt driveway can vary quite a bit from the cost in more temperate climates.

What Factors Influence the Cost to Repair or Patch an Asphalt Driveway?

While asphalt is known to be fairly inexpensive, to figure out a more exact price, there are a few factors to take into account. If you are in an area with very hot or freezing temperatures or the type of asphalt solution you choose can raise or lower your total costs.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Patch an Asphalt Driveway Yourself?

Sometimes you can repair and patch your asphalt driveway yourself. It may be a dirty job and will take time, but you can save money when you do it yourself.

Repair or Patch an Asphalt Driveway Cost Breakdown

Asphalt is durable. However, in very cold or very hot conditions, even asphalt can break down, and surface-level damage, like cracks and potholes, can appear. For small potholes and cracks—less than one-fourth inch thick—pros will typically charge anywhere from $5 to $15 per square foot .

What is a crack sealant made of?

Hot-pour sealants have an asphalt cement base that might also include rubber and other materials to allow the seal to flex in hot or cold temperatures. Asphalt emulsion sealants are not heated but are liquid applications that use water and an emulsifying agent to allow the asphalt and water to mix.

How often should an asphalt driveway be seal coated? At what cost?

To maintain your asphalt driveway, pros at the Asphalt Institute agree that a seal coat should be applied every 4 to 5 years. Pricing varies, but you will pay about $.08 to $.16 per square foot from start to finish.

The Cost of Professional Concrete Crack Filling

If you are a bit skeptical about repairing the cracks in your driveway by yourself, that is no problem! That’s where the professionals come in.

The Cost of Fixing Concrete Cracks Yourself

Working with a concrete company is the best option for many projects concerning concrete, as it is not the easiest material to master, but this is not one of them.

The Cost of Professional Driveway Resurfacing

If neither DIY driveway repair and professional sounds like the solution for you but you do not want to pay for a total driveway remodel, there is still one great option: driveway resurfacing.

Comparing Costs

After reading about each of the three main repair options, you may be wondering how they look next to one another. Below is a chart cross-comparing the cost of each type of repair.

How much does it cost to repair a sinking driveway?

Repairing a sinking asphalt driveway costs $2 to $5 per square foot to fill and level small surface areas. Replacing sunken sections costs $4 to $10 per square foot for driveways with foundation issues. Hire an asphalt repair specialist to diagnose the problem.

How much does it cost to patch asphalt?

Asphalt patching cost. Asphalt patching costs $50 to $300 on average, depending on the size and repair method. The cheapest way to repair an asphalt driveway is with cold-mix asphalt, which costs $2 to $4 per square foot. Hot-mix asphalt repairs are more permanent and always require professional installation.

What to do if your asphalt is not level?

If the asphalt surface is no longer level and has extensive cracks or holes, hire a paving professional. Hire a contractor or smaller company for minor asphalt repairs. Larger asphalt companies typically do resurfacing or repaving jobs only.

What is the best way to repair an asphalt driveway?

Depending on the driveway’s age and the level of damages, asphalt driveway repairs include either patching, resurfacing, or repaving. A paving contractor should inspect the asphalt pavement and foundation conditions to provide the best solution.

How much does it cost to fix a pothole?

Pothole patching costs $25 to $40 per pothole plus $100 to $250 for bringing out the machinery and crew.

How much does it cost to replace a garage apron?

Asphalt garage apron repair costs $2 to $5 per square foot to fill and level the sunken pavement. Replacing a 2-car (10’x20’) garage or driveway apron costs $800 to $2,000 on average or $4 to $10 per square foot and is a more permanent solution.

How much does it cost to rip out a cracked concrete driveway?

Ripping out and replacing your cracked concrete driveway could cost several thousand dollars. If several slabs have cracks, the project may run quite a bit higher. And keep in mind, this repair approach is only cosmetic – the soil voids will remain in place, so the cracks may come back. Polyjacking is less expensive than concrete removal ...

What is slabjacking for concrete?

What’s more, slabjacking is an incredibly effective way to repair a cracked concrete driveway.

Can you slabjack a concrete driveway?

But, don’t put off slabjacking repair for very long.

Is polyjacking cheaper than concrete?

Polyjacking is less expensive than concrete removal and replacement, and it effectively restores a solid soil foundation under the driveway. However, as we mentioned, the polyurethane foam is rather pricey, which can put the repair out of reach.

Do you have to rip out concrete to replace it?

You don’t have to rip out the concrete and replace the driveway. A slabjacking company like Lift Right Concrete can raise the surface and restore its structural stability – saving you from the huge expense of removal and replacement.

Is slabjacking as effective as polyjacking?

Slabjacking is just as effective as polyjacking, but the expense is much more affordable. The cement slurry used during the slabjacking process comes at a fraction of the cost of polyurethane foam, so the repair is surprisingly reasonable.

How much does it cost to resurface a driveway?

Basic resurfacing starts at $2 to $3 per square foot. That works out to $1,200 to $1,800 for a 600-square-foot driveway and $1,500 to $2,250 for a 750-square-foot driveway, both of which are pretty common sizes.

What to do when your concrete cracks?

When your concrete is cracked, there are several options for repair. The cheapest option is patching the cracks, but this can only be done if the damage is minor, and it’s only a short-term fix. The most expensive option is tearing out the driveway and pouring new concrete. Resurfacing is a happy medium that provides the look ...

How long does it take to resurface a concrete floor?

The process usually takes a full day, and it requires some serious precision. Once you have mixed the concrete and water, you only have about 30 minutes to apply the concrete.

How much does a 40 lb resurfacer cost?

A 40-pound bag of resurfacer costs about $25 , and you’ll probably need at least six bags for the average driveway.

Does concrete last forever?

Concrete is one of the most common driveway materials because it is durable, long-lasting and relatively inexpensive. However, concrete doesn’t last forever. Over time, all concrete will crack, creating an eyesore. The weeds that start to sprout out through cracked concrete make the driveway even less attractive.

Can water reopen a hole in a driveway?

Eventually, however, water will make its way in between the old and new materials, reopening the holes or cracks. If your driveway is not all that old and there are only a few cracks and holes, this is probably the best way to go. You can reassess again in a few years.