How much does it cost to repair concrete driveway?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Repairing a concrete driveway is more than just a cosmetic improvement. Repairs may be done to fix underlying issues. Some common repair issues that may occur include sunken slabs, hairline cracks, crumbling, potholes, and imprints. 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 $1,000 to $1,500, with the average homeowner spending $1,250 to patch a 24' x 24' driveway, including labor and materials. The lowest cost for this type of repair runs around $150 for resealing, while the highest cost for resurfacing is $2,300.

Concrete Driveway Repair Price

Concrete Driveway Repair Cost by Problem

The average cost to repair a concrete driveway is $1.10 to $4.5 per sq.ft. or $150 to $200 per hole depending on the problem to be fixed. These issues range from minor inconveniences to severe structural problems. It 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. The following are the most prevalent issues and the average cost to remedy the problem.

Concrete Apron Repair

Aprons refer to the portion of the driveway closest to the road. With an average measurement of 10 to 15 square feet, the project cost is $110 to $140 or $1.10 to $1.40 per square foot, including labor and materials. The apron is constructed from the same material as the rest of the driveway, so it is subject to the same issues. Depending on the issue, the contractor removes your old apron, fills the vacancies, and compacts the new concrete to match the driveway.

Repair Hairline Cracks in Concrete Driveway

Expect to pay around $1.75 to $2 per square foot to patch hairline cracks. For a 24' x 24' driveway, the overall cost would be $1,000 to $1,200. Hairline cracks result from weather and aging over time. For small hairline cracks, less extensive filling and sealing are required by the professional. The contractor may have the option to use a compound patch to address hairline cracks.

Pitted Concrete Driveway Repair

Repairing a 24' x 24' driveway costs between $1,000 and $1,200 or $1.75 to $2 per square foot. Pitted concrete occurs as a result of small, deep holes. A sign of this problem is jagged lines in a compressed area. Pitting occurs naturally over time and is seen in driveways that are several decades old. If it wasn’t finished correctly or the concrete mix wasn’t properly prepared, pitting may also occur.

Crumbling Concrete Driveway Repair

Expect to pay around $1.75 to $2 per square foot to patch and seal a crumbled driveway. Repairing a 24' x 24' driveway starts at $1,000 to $1,200. Crumbling concrete occurs due to poor installation or old age. It leads to more serious issues if not addressed promptly. Fixing the damaged area improves curb appeal.

Filling Expansion Joints in Concrete Driveway

Expect to pay $1.75 to $3.50 per square foot or $1,000 to $2,000 for filling gaps in a 24' x 24' sq.ft. driveway. Gaps may occur due to the expansion joints. The joints serve the purpose of allowing the expanding and contracting of the concrete during temperature changes. To repair the gaps, the contractor removes the old sealant from the joints then applies a new sealant.

Repair Cracks in Concrete Driveway

Most contractors charge an average of $2.00 to $2.50 per square foot to apply a filler and sealant to the cracked area. For a 500 square foot repair, you can expect to pay around $1,200 to $1,400 for the crack filler application and acrylic sealant. Crack repair is not always possible. If structural cracks are located, the contractor may recommend replacement. Cracked concrete is the most common issue for homeowners.

Repair Spalled Concrete Driveway

Concrete resurfacing resolves spalling issues and costs an average of $2.50 to $4 per square foot, with a range of $1,400 to $2,300 for a 24' x 24' driveway. Spalling occurs when some sections start to crumble. It could also cause the driveway to separate into thin layers. Spalling occurs due to cold weather conditions and direct exposure to damaging road salts.

Sunken Concrete Driveway Repair

Although some settling after installation is common, ground issues could cause significant sinking or buckling. Repairs for this probleman cost an average of $4 per square foot, so you can expect to pay $2,300 for a 24' x 24' driveway. The average cost for mudjacking a is $14 per square foot, totaling $8,000 for the previous project. Mudjacking involves pumping a slurry of concrete and other materials under the slab for leveling purposes. Erosion and tree roots are frequent culprits behind this problem. Leveling costs include lifting the slab and putting gravel underneath the driveway.

Repairing Concrete Driveway Potholes

The average cost of repairing a single pothole is between $150 and $200. Before filling in a pothole, the contractor removes the old concrete. The professional dislodges large chunks from the pothole using chisels and sledgehammers. After the old material has been removed, pothole filler is used. The patch is leveled. Once it sets, the area can be smoothed out.

Concrete Driveway Repair Cost by Solution

The price you can expect to pay for concrete driveway repair depends on the solution, ranging anywhere between $0.25 to $25. Contractors will provide an estimate before recommending a solution to fix the damage. Cost is determined by the size, the type of concrete (stamped or basic), and the labor needed for the repair. The chart below highlights the most common repair solutions with the respective costs, followed by an explanation of each.

Sealing Concrete Driveway

Sealing costs around $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot, with an average cost of $150 to $300 for a 24' x 24' square foot driveway. Sealing cracks is different than resurfacing. Instead of tearing up the top layer, a protective sealant is applied to prevent cracking issues and reduce the appearance of cosmetic blemishes.

Patch a Concrete Driveway

The professional cost is $1.75 to $2 per square foot to patch and seal a crumbled driveway. Repairing a 24' x 24' are with patching will be between $1,000 and $1,150. Patching can usually be done for minor repairs such as hairline cracks or small, pitted areas. A concrete compound is mixed together to fill the cracks and form strong bonds with the concrete surface. The compounds contain cement, polymers, and other additives.

Concrete Driveway Leveling

Most companies charge $1.80 to $25 per sq.ft. to level concrete, including all materials and labor. The cost to level a 24' x 24' driveway ranges from $1,050 to $14,400, depending on the method. It typically takes only one to two hours to level it regardless of the method used. Over time, concrete may develop voids beneath its surface, causing it to sag or dip. If this is left unfixed, cracking and splitting of the surface occurs. A professional fixes this issue by leveling it using a few different leveling methods, including self-leveling or mudjacking.

Concrete Driveway Resurfacing

Concrete resurfacing costs $2.50 to $4 per square foot. Expect to pay around $1,440 to $2,300 to resurface a cracked driveway that measures 24' x 24'. Resurfacing is when the concrete is repaired, cleaned, and overlaid with a new surface. It helps protect the surface and renews the look. It also resolves cosmetic issues such as crumbling and spalling.

Labor Cost to Repair Concrete Driveway

The average labor cost to fix a concrete driveway ranges between $65 and $85 per hour. Resurfacing jobs usually take a single day for completion. On the other hand, resealing jobs average two to four hours for standard-size driveways making the labor cost between $130 and $680. Professional repair is always best. In most cases, heavy-duty machinery is needed for the job. You may even need poured concrete for the fix. Contractors will typically not charge for providing an estimate for repairs. They look at the extent of the damage and consider whether it is more cost-effective to replace instead of repair. In most cases, the driveway is not usable for at least two days after the job.

Keep in mind that concrete driveway repair pricing depends on the type and the square footage. Properties with very long driveways require a higher cost to fix than a two-car standard one. Some factors that are the top cost considerations of a contractor before providing an estimate include size, type of repair, age, drainage issues, and leveling. The bigger the damaged area, the more you can expect to pay to fix it. Small patches cost less than resurfacing projects. Older driveways may have extensive damage due to erosion, tree roots, and concrete disintegration, costing more to repair. Drainage issues are another factor that affects the repair cost. The landscape is evaluated around the driveway to confirm that the repairs will not lead to moisture buildup and increase future problems. Finally, leveling challenges could impact the cost of repairs. For instance, if it is sloped, the job may require additional time or materials to repair.

Repair Imprinted Concrete Driveways

Fixing imprinted concrete by resurfacing costs an average of $7 to $9 per square foot, with an overall cost of $4,000 to $5,200 for a 24' x 24' foot driveway. They are one of the most popular choices. Owners can choose the color and material of the bricks and the overall design. Some of the most common repairs include cracks and spalling. Those that need repairing must be fixed using imprinted concrete sealers. The repair compound, when mixed with sealer, creates a very strong paste. These sealers fill in small cracks and blemishes and provide a protective layer on top of the driveway.

Cost to Replace Concrete Driveway

The cost to replace a concrete driveway is between $5 and $24 per square foot, including labor. Replacing a 24' x 24' driveway costs $2,900 to $13,800. Replacement 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. A repaving company is hired for the job. During repaving, it is torn out entirely to start from scratch. Keep in mind that although repairs often don’t require permits, a repaving project may involve obtaining approval.

Maintenance

A huge advantage to concrete driveways is how little maintenance is needed over their lifetime. However, no type is completely maintenance-free. A few maintenance tips can preserve its life and appearance over time. Cleaning and reapplying sealer as needed is a huge task in keeping it looking at its best. How often you need to clean and reseal depends on the weather and vehicle traffic. Generally, resealing should take place every few years. Although a sealant protects it from absorption, this does not impede stains or prevent them. It is important to remove any grease, oil, or gasoline as soon as possible. Pressure washing is the best method of cleaning the driveway. Chemicals should not be used. Finally, although concrete is one of the most durable materials, it may not support heavy vehicles or equipment. It is best to refrain from having any large trucks or moving vans on its surface and avoid using equipment with metal blades that could scrape or scratch its surface.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Concrete Driveway Refinishing

Expect to pay around $120 to $200 to refinish a concrete driveway measuring 24' x 24'. Refinishing is one way to protect the area from environmental damage after it has been repaired by sealing it. Concrete expands and contracts in response to temperature changes. Extended exposure to water also causes issues, especially if water penetrates below the surface. Too much weight or poor installation are also culprits for common problems.

Driveway Weed Control

You can expect to pay between $65 and $150 per treatment to have a professional weed control service company come out to control weeds on your driveway. This can be an important service to get when repairing it because weeds grow in and around the concrete, causing cracks and damage. A professional company will most likely use a chemical-free herbicide to control and kill the weeds. The service might also include weed control for the rest of your front yard or lawn.

Painting Concrete Driveway

You can expect to pay between $1.50 and $4 per square foot to paint a concrete driveway after the repair. Painting enhances the curb appeal of your home and helps prolong its life by reducing cracking or chips due to weather. A professional resurfacing contractor or exterior painting company can be hired to do the job. Acrylic paint with sealers is one of the best to protect it from elements and wear.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits. Most repair jobs won’t require a permit unless extensive repaving work is being done. Working on a driveway apron may require a permit since it’s located at the curb. Homeowners can check with their municipalities for specific regulations.
• Licenses. Contractors should have a valid license to work with concrete. A C8 license permits pouring, filling, and repairing structures.
• DIY. Never repair any concrete damage without professional help. Specialty tools and products are often used for the repairs.
• Home value. Repairing a concrete driveway increases the value of the home and improves curb appeal. Most sellers fix it before putting their homes on the market.
• Estimates. It is important to get at least three estimates from contractors near you. This allows you to compare the costs and services to make sure you make the right decision on who to hire for the job.