Concrete Driveway Repair Guide
Restore your worn concrete driveway with proven DIY and professional repair methods. Learn crack filling, resurfacing, and cost-saving techniques.
Understanding Concrete Driveway Repair
A cracked or spalled concrete driveway doesn't always mean replacement. Many damage types can be repaired affordably, restoring both function and appearance. Knowing when to DIY versus when to call a professional can save you thousands of dollars while extending your driveway's lifespan by 10-15 years.
Concrete repair options range from simple crack filling ($50-150 DIY) to full-depth professional resurfacing ($2,000-5,000). The key is matching the right solution to the severity of damage. Early intervention prevents small issues from becoming expensive problems.
Address cracks within 1-2 months of noticing them. Water intrusion accelerates freeze-thaw damage and can compromise the base. A $20 tube of crack filler today prevents a $2,000 replacement tomorrow.
When Repair Makes Sense
- Hairline to 1/4" cracks: DIY filler or sealant
- 1/4" to 1/2" cracks: Epoxy or polymer-based fillers
- Spalling (surface flaking): Resurfacer or overlay
- Potholes: Patch compounds or professional repair
- Multiple cracks + staining: Professional resurfacing
Types of Concrete Cracks
Not all cracks are created equal. Identifying the crack type helps you choose the right repair method and set realistic expectations. Structural cracks require professional assessment, while surface cracks are often DIY-friendly.
Hairline cracks (less than 1/8") are usually cosmetic and caused by minor shrinkage during curing. They rarely affect structural integrity but should be sealed to prevent water penetration. Larger cracks may indicate settling, heaving, or load issues.
Use a ruler or coin to measure crack width. Cracks under 1/4" typically respond well to flexible sealants. Cracks over 1/2" may need professional evaluation for underlying causes.
Common Crack Types
- Hairline (<1/8"): Seal with acrylic or silicone sealant
- Shrinkage (1/8"-1/4"): Flexible polyurethane or epoxy filler
- Settlement (varies): May need mudjacking or slab replacement
- Spalling: Surface flakes; repair with resurfacer
- D-cracking: Freeze-thaw damage; often requires overlay
DIY Concrete Repairs
Many driveway repairs are well within DIY capabilities. With the right products and techniques, homeowners can achieve professional-looking results at a fraction of the cost. The key is preparation—a clean, dry surface is essential for any repair to bond properly.
Start by cleaning the crack or damaged area thoroughly. Use a wire brush, compressed air, or pressure washer to remove debris. For best results, work when temperatures are between 50-90°F. Cold temperatures prevent proper curing; heat causes sealants to skin over too quickly.
Never repair cracks when rain is expected within 24 hours. Moisture prevents proper bonding. Plan repairs for a dry, mild day with at least 48 hours of favorable weather ahead.
Step-by-Step Crack Filling
- Clean and blow out crack; remove loose material
- Apply backing rod for cracks over 1/4" wide
- Fill with self-leveling sealant or pourable filler
- Smooth surface; allow 24-48 hours to cure
Professional Repair Options
When damage exceeds DIY scope, professional contractors offer solutions that extend your driveway's life significantly. Professional repairs include structural assessment, proper surface preparation, and warranty-backed workmanship.
Resurfacing applies a thin layer of polymer-modified concrete over the existing slab, typically 1/4" to 1" thick. This addresses surface damage, improves appearance, and adds 15-20 years when the base is sound. Full-depth replacement is only needed when the slab has failed structurally.
Get 2-3 quotes before committing. Reputable contractors will inspect the subgrade and base before recommending repair versus replacement. Beware of anyone who suggests replacement without examining the underlying cause.
Professional Services
- Crack Injection: Epoxy or polyurethane for structural cracks
- Resurfacing: Thin overlay for spalling and surface damage
- Mudjacking: Lifts settled slabs by injecting grout
- Patching: Full-depth repair of isolated damage
Repair Cost Guide
Concrete driveway repair costs vary widely based on damage type, extent, and your region. DIY projects typically run $50-300 for materials. Professional repairs range from $300 for minor crack work to $2,500+ for comprehensive resurfacing of a two-car driveway.
A standard 400-600 sq ft driveway resurfacing runs $1,200-$4,200. Crack sealing by a pro costs $1-3 per linear foot. Mudjacking to level settled sections averages $5-8 per square foot of treated area. Always get itemized quotes to compare apples to apples.
Repair costs 40-60% less than full replacement. A $2,000 resurfacing can delay a $8,000 replacement by 15+ years—one of the best ROI investments for your home.
Cost by Repair Type
- Crack filling (DIY): $50-150
- Crack repair (pro): $200-500
- Pothole patch: $100-400
- Resurfacing: $3-7 per sq ft
- Mudjacking: $500-1,500
Preventing Future Damage
Proactive maintenance dramatically extends concrete lifespan. Sealing every 2-3 years creates a protective barrier against water, chemicals, and UV. Proper drainage prevents water from pooling and freezing beneath the slab—a leading cause of heaving and cracking.
Avoid using de-icing salts containing magnesium chloride or ammonium nitrate, which accelerate concrete deterioration. Use sand or calcium chloride instead when traction is needed. Redirect downspouts away from the driveway edge to prevent saturation of the subgrade.
Park heavy vehicles in different spots to distribute load. Consistent weight in one area can cause premature wear. Also avoid dripping oil—clean spills within 24 hours to prevent staining and surface degradation.
Prevention Checklist
- Seal every 2-3 years with quality concrete sealer
- Fix drainage issues promptly
- Avoid harsh de-icing chemicals
- Address small cracks before they expand
- Keep joints filled and sealed
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair costs range from $300 to $2,500 depending on damage type and extent. DIY crack filling costs $50-150. Professional resurfacing runs $3-7 per square foot. A typical two-car driveway repair averages $800-1,500.
Repair when damage is superficial (cracks, spalling, minor settling) and the base is intact. Replace when the slab has shifted significantly, has large heaving sections, or the subgrade has failed. A professional can assess which option makes sense.
Yes. Hairline and narrow cracks (under 1/4") are DIY-friendly with quality crack filler. Clean the crack thoroughly, apply filler per product instructions, and allow 24-48 hours to cure. Wider or structural cracks require professional evaluation.
Quality crack repairs last 5-10 years when properly applied. Resurfacing can extend driveway life by 15-20 years. Longevity depends on addressing underlying causes (drainage, soil movement) and ongoing maintenance.
For DIY, flexible polyurethane or silicone-based sealants work best—they expand and contract with temperature. Avoid rigid epoxy for driveway cracks; concrete moves seasonally. Look for products rated for exterior and freeze-thaw conditions.
Light spalling: Clean, apply bonding agent, then concrete resurfacer. Heavy spalling: Professional overlay (1/4"-1" thick) or replacement. Spalling is often caused by freeze-thaw, improper finishing, or de-icing salt—address the cause to prevent recurrence.
Yes. Resurfacing is ideal for surface damage, spalling, and staining when the base is sound. The new layer bonds to the existing slab and can add 15-20 years. It fails when the underlying slab is cracked through or the subgrade has failed.
Seal every 2-3 years, ensure proper drainage (1-2% slope), avoid harsh de-icers, fix small cracks early, and maintain control joints. Proper installation with adequate base and reinforcement prevents most cracking from the start.