Repairing Guides

how much to repair cracks in driveway

by Mary Schuppe Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Driveway repair cost

Project Cost per square foot
Concrete driveway repairs and patching $3 – $8
Concrete driveway crack repair (per line ... $0.50 – $3
Concrete driveway resurfacing $3 – $5
Concrete driveway replacement $4 – $8
May 3 2022

The average concrete driveway costs $300 to $3,500 to repair. Small cracks can be filled with a synthetic sealant for $0.10 to $0.15 per linear foot. Deeper cracks may require more extensive repairs to solve the root of the problem. Decorative concrete is more expensive to fix.Jan 11, 2022

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. ...

More items...

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.

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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

Should driveway cracks be repaired?

Cracks up to ¼ inch in width can be filled with sealant. Cracks of this nature may never get any larger, but water can seep into them, freeze, and expand, causing the cracks to widen, so it's a good idea to seal them with the flexible Advanced Polymer Concrete Crack Sealant from Quikrete.

How do you fix a cracked driveway?

0:214:57How to Repair Broken Concrete on a Driveway - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI place the wood and added some stakes to hold it in place. For. This repair we're going to useMoreI place the wood and added some stakes to hold it in place. For. This repair we're going to use rapid set cement saw which sets up in 15 minutes and gain structural strength in 1 hour.

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.

How do you fix large cracks in concrete driveway?

2:475:13How to Fix Deep Cracks in Concrete w Slab - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo a guideline to using filler rope is if the crack is a half-inch or deeper because what this doesMoreSo a guideline to using filler rope is if the crack is a half-inch or deeper because what this does is it allows you to compress and it fits that crack takes up space.

Can you resurface a cracked concrete driveway?

Concrete resurfacing to cover larger cracks or surface problems. Large cracks or holes greater than ¼”, spalling (horizontal peeling or chipping of the surface), and discoloration can be covered with resurfacing or a concrete overlay (a thin layer of cement-based material applied directly over the existing concrete).

Are driveway cracks normal?

Cracking is a normal occurrence when it comes to concrete driveways unless it's excessive and it happens very soon after installation. Cracks will need to be sealed to prevent further damage which is part of the ongoing maintenance of a concrete driveway that will need to be performed on a regular basis.

Is it OK to pave over an existing driveway?

An overlay or resurface can be used on an asphalt driveway, parking lot, or road way. It consists of installing a new layer of asphalt over the existing asphalt and grinding at the transitions (i.e. sidewalks, garages, drains, curbs, or other asphalt points).

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.

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.

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.

Can a cracked concrete slab be repaired?

Oftentimes cracks in slabs are repaired by epoxy injection or filling the surface of the crack, and while that may appear to fix the problem, these repairs usually fail and result in call-backs or further problems.

Are driveway cracks a problem?

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 concrete cracks need to be repaired?

0:002:34How to Repair Concrete Cracks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt is important to seal the crack from water to prevent further deterioration flexible sealants areMoreIt is important to seal the crack from water to prevent further deterioration flexible sealants are the best solution for cracks that are subjected to continual slab movement.

Should you caulk cracks in driveway?

Concrete Driveway Crack Repair Even expansion joints in your concrete driveway should be caulked. They can be the biggest culprit of water under your slabs. Notice how the caulking is slightly lower than the concrete slab around it. This protects the caulk from wear and tear of people walking and driving over it.

Should you fill cracks in concrete?

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can you slabjack in Utah?

Cracks in concrete only get worse over time, and if you end up with extensive damage, slabjacking might not be an option. When you’re ready to repair cracked concrete on your northern Utah property, turn to the slabjacking experts at Lift Right Concrete.

What does it mean when a driveway crack is uneven?

What you want to watch for are cracks that are wider than one inch and are uneven, meaning they’re not located in a control joint but rather in the plane of the driveway. These could indicate an underlying structural problem, especially if the surface of the driveway is higher on one side of the crack than the other.

How often do you cut concrete joints?

When large slabs of concrete are poured, the contractor either forms or cuts joints every eight to 10 feet, with the goal of limiting any shrinkage cracks caused during the curing process or by future slab movement. In this way, cracking is hidden deep within the joints so the smooth surface of the driveway is maintained.

How wide should a crack be before applying sealant?

Before you apply the sealant, you’ll need to do a little prep work, including widening the crack with a hammer and chisel in spots where it’s less than ¼ inch wide and brushing away any crumbling bits of debris.

What happens if a control joint cracks?

Unfortunately, a control joint may widen and separate over time, creating a gap that detracts from the overall look of your driveway—and it could get worse.

What are cracks in concrete called?

Very fine surface cracks, sometimes called “crazing, ” are an indication that the surface of the concrete dried too quickly when it was poured. While unsightly, these cracks in a concrete driveway do not indicate underlying structural problems. 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. This cement-based product contains polymer modifiers and additives that are designed to form a durable and permanent bond with the existing concrete.

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