Even the strongest concrete driveway will develop cracks over time. If they're not repaired immediately, these damages will widen and cause the pavement to become uneven. To make your driveway smooth, sturdy, and attractive again, you'll need to either repair the damage or replace the entire structure. Which option is right for your situation depends on several factors.

How to Determine if Your Driveways Needs Repairs or Replacement

1. Cracks

The wider a crack is in your driveway, the harder it’ll be to fill neatly. Additionally, the more cracks there are, the longer it'll take to repair the driveway. When there are gaps wider than two inches wide, or when there are enough cracks to divide the driveway into multiple pieces, it makes more sense to replace the pavement.

There's also a middle ground between patching the driveway and replacing it, called resurfacing. This involves pouring fresh concrete over the old driveway, restoring the surface without replacing the foundation. This is a possible solution for cases that are somewhat advanced but not severe.

2. Foundation

To repair or resurface a driveway, there needs to be a sturdy foundation underneath. Erosion can wash away the soil and gravel that support your pavement, leaving it to sag and crack under its weight. If there's no support underneath the existing driveway, you'll need to replace it completely. A contractor can help identify any eroded areas.

3. Age

Most concrete driveways last up to 30 years with regular care. If your surface is reaching that age, the material will likely keep deteriorating, no matter how often you repair it. At this point, it may be worth investing in new pavement, as the old driveway will keep costing you money for repairs.

If you need a concrete supplier to deliver quality materials for your driveway repair or repaving, choose Builder’s Concrete East. Based in Windham, CT, and serving the surrounding area for 50 years, they offer precast interlocking concrete blocks, special concrete mixes, and mixes used by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Call (860) 456-4111 to plan your delivery, or learn more about their products online.