Here's How Much It'll Cost You To Repair Your Cracked Concrete Driveway

When determining how much you'll be spending to repair cracks in your concrete driveway, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to over $2,000. Of course, pricing is nailed on a few factors, mainly the extent of the damage and the size of the area that needs fixing. Concrete repair companies typically charge per square foot, so it's important to put out bid requests to get the best deal. 

Unfortunately, the emergence of these unsightly crevices is pretty much out of your control and can be traced back to the fact that we reside on a living planet. The ground shifts and settles, and the weather fluctuates, making the earth contract and expand. Don't forget landscaping; large trees with aggressive root systems can wreak havoc on any nearby structure. While it might seem like a never-ending battle, addressing the problem as soon as it arises is your best bet at preventing your driveway from looking like it's from the movie "Tremors."

Depending on the damage, your chosen company can offer one of three concrete corrections: repair, resurface, or replace. Repairing is the most straightforward job and entails patching or filling any cracks with concrete caulking. If it's only minor cracking, this might be something you can tackle on your own, too. Repairing is the key for cracks or holes smaller than ¼ of an inch wide. Anything larger, or if the cement is flaking off (known as scaling), your driveway will most likely need to be resurfaced in that localized area. Resurfacing can cost anywhere from $3 to $25 per square foot, depending on the size of the project.

If your cement driveway is sinking or there are structural issues like massive potholes, your contractor will most likely recommend two final options. Leveling the concrete, which also depends on the severity of the slab, or worst case scenario, complete replacement of your driveway.

While it is possible to repair smaller cracks, it's best to hire a professional. That's because what might seem like a small project can quickly escalate to something more than you had anticipated. Plus, there's always the possibility of making it worse than it was prior. That's why you'll want to get a second opinion as soon as you notice any small cracks in your concrete driveway. While you'll never be able to avoid cracks, there are some things you can do to minimize them. For instance, keeping your concrete driveway clean and free from vehicular spills and stains like leaking oil, filling existing cracks, and sealing your driveway yearly should be part of your home's routine preventative maintenance. 

Sealing protects your driveway from the sun's harsh UV rays, which can begin to wear down the cement, causing hairline fissures. This also helps prevent water from seeping into the porous concrete. Remember that it's important to keep moisture at a minimum, so be sure that there's proper drainage around your driveway.