Should You Repair or Replace a Concrete Driveway?

Short answer: Repair or resurface if the driveway is structurally sound: slabs are level, cracks are narrow (under about 1/4 inch) and damage is mostly on the surface. Lift sunken sections if they’re intact. Replace if sections are broken up, heaving or crumbling, or the driveway is past its expected life of about 30–40 years. Resurfacing a two-car driveway costs about $1,200–$2,900; replacement typically $2,400–$8,600 plus tear-out.

By Concrete Pros Greenville SC Editorial Team · Last reviewed October 2026 · How we research

In this guide

• Check 1: What kind of cracks?
• Check 2: Has it sunk or heaved?
• Check 3: Is the surface flaking?
• Check 4: How old is it?
• Cost comparison
• The decision rule

Use the checks below, then compare costs. For repair methods in detail, see our concrete repair page.

Check 1: What kind of cracks?

Crack	What it usually means	Typical fix
Hairline cracks, especially at joints	Normal shrinkage	Seal to keep water out
Cracks under about 1/4 inch, both sides level	Minor movement	Fill; resurface if widespread
Wide cracks, or one side higher than the other	The base has moved	Lift or replace that section
Spiderweb cracking across a section	Base failure or overload	Replace that section

The 1/4-inch guide comes from Concrete Network’s advice on when resurfacing works: it suits cosmetic damage and cracks narrower than about 1/4 inch, but not widespread structural cracking.

Check 2: Has it sunk or heaved?

Sections that have dropped but are still in one piece can often be lifted. HomeGuide puts mudjacking at $4–$9 per square foot and polyurethane foam lifting at $8–$25; lifting a whole two-car driveway runs roughly $1,800–$4,100 by mudjacking. Sections that have broken into pieces as they sank are better replaced.

Check 3: Is the surface flaking?

Surface flaking (scaling or spalling) on an otherwise sound slab is what resurfacing is for. Resurfacing removes the top layer, repairs minor cracks and flaking, and bonds a new overlay; HomeGuide puts its lifespan at 8–15 years. It won’t fix concrete with major cracks or crumbling.

Check 4: How old is it?

HomeGuide expects a quality concrete driveway to last 30–40 years with maintenance, and suggests considering replacement when concrete is over 40 years old. An old driveway with several of the problems above is usually a replacement, not a repair.

Cost comparison

Option	Typical cost	Lasts
Crack sealing / small repairs	$300–$3,000 for driveway repairs overall	Until the cause returns
Lifting sunken sections (mudjacking)	$4–$9 per sq ft	Depends on fixing drainage
Resurfacing a 2-car driveway	$1,200–$2,900	About 8–15 years
Replacing a 20×20 ft driveway	$2,400–$6,000, plus $2–$6 per sq ft tear-out	30–40 years

Not sure which applies? Request a free quote; a local contractor can tell you whether repair will hold.

The decision rule

1. Level, cracks narrow, surface worn → resurface or seal.
2. Sections sunk but intact → fix the drainage, then lift.
3. A few broken sections, the rest sound → replace just those sections.
4. Widespread breakup, heaving, or past 30–40 years → replace the driveway.

Whatever you choose, deal with water first. A downspout emptying onto the driveway or clay washing out from under it will undo any repair.

Sources

• HomeGuide: concrete resurfacing cost (2026) — resurfacing costs, lifespan, limits.
• HomeGuide: concrete leveling cost (2026) — lifting methods and costs.
• HomeGuide: concrete driveway cost (2026) — replacement cost, tear-out, lifespan.
• HomeGuide: concrete slab cost (2026) — replacement age guidance.
• HomeGuide: asphalt vs. concrete driveway cost (2026) — concrete repair cost.
• Concrete Network: pool deck resurfacing — when resurfacing works (crack width).

Prices are national 2026 ranges unless labelled local. How we research costs.