The short answer
Repair wins when the slab is structurally sound, cracks, surface wear and one or two settled sections ($5–$12/sq ft). Replacement wins when the base has failed, the slab has broken into shifting pieces, or repairs would pass 50% of replacement cost ($12–$20/sq ft new in the GTA). Most driveways we assess are repairable; the assessment tells you which yours is.
When repair is the right call
If the cracks are stable, the damage is surface-level (scaling, pitting, spalled edges), and the base underneath is sound, repair and resurfacing are usually the smart, cost-effective route. A sound slab with a tired surface does not need to be torn out. It needs the damage repaired and a protective finish so it stops deteriorating.
When to replace, fully or partly
Full replacement earns its cost when cracks run full-depth across the slab, the base has failed or washed out, sections have heaved or settled badly, or the original pour was simply too thin to hold a repair. In those cases a repair is money spent on borrowed time.
Between the two sits the option that rarely gets offered because it takes more effort to scope: partial replacement. Remove and re-pour the failed section, repair and seal the rest. When it fits, it is often the best value on the table, and a good quote prices it as its own line.
The question behind the question
Before repair or replace, ask why it failed. If a downspout or grading is sending water under the slab, even a brand-new driveway will crack and settle in time. Fixing the water is part of any honest driveway job, whichever route you take.
Key takeaways
- Repair suits stable cracks, surface damage and a sound base.
- Replace when cracks are full-depth, the base failed, or the pour was too thin.
- Partial replacement is often the best value and is under-offered.
- Fix the water source or any new driveway will fail too.
Frequently asked
How long should a concrete driveway last?
A well-built, sealed and maintained concrete driveway can last decades. Neglect (no sealing, poor drainage) is what shortens it, not the material.
Can you resurface instead of replacing?
Often yes, when the slab is structurally sound. Resurfacing restores the face for far less than replacement; it is not a fix for a failed base.
See it doneWhat honest replacement looks like, finishedView →