Should I Repair or Replace My Concrete Driveway?

When it comes to repairing or replacing your concrete driveway, there are a few things you need to consider. The first is the condition of your driveway. If it’s in relatively good condition, with only a few small cracks, then repairing it may be the best option. However, if the driveway is severely cracked or damaged, then it may be better to replace it entirely. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of both repairing and replacing concrete driveways, so that you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your home!

How Long Does A Driveway Last?

Concrete driveways usually last between 20 and 30 years. If your driveway is starting to show signs of wear and tear, you may be wondering whether you should repair or replace it. There are a few factors to consider when making this decision, such as the severity of the damage, the age of your driveway, and your budget.

Assess Your Concrete Driveway’s Condition

The first step is to take a close look at your driveway and determine the severity of the damage. If you see large cracks or chunks missing, then it’s probably time for a replacement. However, if the damage is more cosmetic in nature, then a repair might be all that’s needed.

Another thing to consider is how old your driveway is. Driveways typically last around 30 years, so if yours is approaching that age, it might be time for a replacement. Of course, this will also depend on the overall condition of the driveway. If it’s still in good shape after 30 years, then you might be able to get away with just repairing it every now and then.

How Does Concrete Driveway Damage Occur?

There are many ways that concrete driveway damage can occur. The most common way is weathering. This includes the freeze-thaw cycle, which is when water seeps into the concrete and then freezes, causing the concrete to crack. Other causes of weathering include salt damage, which occurs when deicing salts are used on the driveway and cause it to corrode; and chemical staining, which happens when oil or other chemicals spill onto the concrete and leave a permanent stain. Concrete driveways can also be damaged by physical means, such as being hit by a car or having something heavy dropped on them.

Completing Concrete Driveway Repair

If you have cracks, divots, or other surface damage, concrete driveway repair is a straightforward process. First, clean out the damaged area and then fill it in with a patching compound designed for concrete. Once the patching compound has dried, use a sealer to protect it from weather damage and traffic wear.

For more serious issues, such as large cracks or sunken sections, you’ll need to remove the damaged portion of your driveway and replace it with fresh concrete. This is a more involved project, but one that any experienced homeowner should be able to handle. Just be sure to take your time and follow the instructions carefully.

About Resurface Concrete Driveway

If your concrete driveway is starting to show its age, you may be wondering if you should repair or replace it. There are a few factors to consider when making this decision. The first is the cost. If the damage is extensive, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire driveway. However, if the damage is minor, resurfacing the driveway can be a much more affordable option.

Take Preventative Measures To Protect Your Concrete Driveway

The best way to avoid the need for concrete driveway repair or replacement is to take preventative measures. This includes sealing your driveway every few years and being careful not to spill oil or other chemicals on it. You should also avoid using deicing salts, as they can cause salt damage. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your concrete driveway looking its best for years to come.

Discovery Bay Side Driveway

Concrete Repair Vs. Replacement

The choice of whether to repair or replace your concrete driveway is a personal one.  Some factors you may want to consider are the age and condition of your driveway, any damage that has occurred, and your budget.  If your driveway is relatively new and in good condition, repairs may be all that are needed.  Cracks and small potholes can be easily fixed with some concrete patching compound and elbow grease. 

If your driveway is older or in poor condition, you may want to consider replacing it entirely.  This will obviously be more expensive than repairing it, but it will also add value to your home and give you a brand new surface to work with.  Replacing your driveway is a big job, so be sure to do your research and hire a reputable contractor to do the work.

So, what should you do? Should you repair or replace your concrete driveway? The answer to this question largely depends on the condition of your driveway. If it’s in relatively good shape and only has a few minor cracks, then repairing it may be the best option. However, if your driveway is severely damaged and full of large cracks, holes, and other problems, then replacement may be necessary. No matter which route you choose to take, Spaulding Concrete can help. Their team of experts can assess the damage and provide you with an accurate estimate for repair or replacement. Give them a call today to get started!

Are You Looking For A Company To Replace Your Concrete Driveway?

Spaulding Concrete has been the SF Bay Area’s top concrete contractor for Driveway Replacements, Additions & Extensions for over 30 years.  The qualified concrete experts at Spaulding Concrete will be on schedule, on budget, and meet or exceed standards by careful planning, professional execution, and strict quality control. We have the specialized equipment, services, and professional experience that you need to make permanent improvements to your driveway. To get you started on the right foot, we would be happy to give you a free quote! When you reach out by phone or email we will have one of our driveway repair and installation experts answer any questions you have. Successful concrete projects require careful planning and thorough preparation. The qualified concrete experts at Spaulding Concrete will be on schedule, on budget, and meet or exceed standards by careful planning, professional execution, and strict quality control.

To schedule your free quote, contact us today! We are proud to serve Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, and the surrounding areas.