When it's time to replace
Some cracking is normal. Replacement makes sense when:
- Sections have dropped or tilted, leaving trip edges
- Water pools near the garage or runs toward the house
- Cracks run all the way through and the pieces move when you drive on them
- The surface has flaked away (spalling) across large areas
If yours has a few hairline cracks and is otherwise level, you probably don't need us yet. We'll tell you that.
What the job includes
- Tear-out and haul-off of the old concrete
- Subgrade work: dig out soft spots and replace with compacted fill
- Gravel base, compacted in lifts and graded to drain
- Steel: rebar on a grid, set on chairs so it ends up in the middle of the slab
- Pour: air-entrained concrete, at least 4 inches thick, thicker where heavy trucks park
- Joints and cure: control joints cut the next day, then curing compound or sealer
Living with the job
Plan on parking on the street for about a week. You can walk on the new driveway after a day or two and drive a car on it after about seven days. Heavy trucks and trailers should wait closer to a month. We'll give you the dates in writing.
Approaches and city right-of-way
Around Manhattan, the section between the sidewalk and the street usually sits in the city's right-of-way and may need a permit to replace. We'll check the requirements for your address and include any permit work in the quote, so it isn't a surprise.
Questions about driveway replacement
How much does it cost to replace a concrete driveway?
It comes down to the size of the driveway, how much old concrete has to be broken out and hauled off, how much base work the ground needs, and the thickness and steel. Replacing the apron at the street can add permit work. Your written quote breaks out demo, base, concrete and any permit costs so you can compare it line by line with other bids.
Concrete or asphalt for a new driveway?
Concrete costs more up front but lasts longer, stays cooler in summer and doesn’t need resealing every couple of years the way asphalt does. Asphalt is cheaper to install and easier to patch. If your old driveway is concrete, staying with concrete keeps the transitions at the garage and street simple.
Can my driveway be resurfaced instead of replaced?
If it’s still level and the cracks are only on the surface, a resurfacing or sealing contractor may be able to help, and we’ll tell you that. We only do full replacement. Sunken sections, trip edges and cracks that go all the way through mean the base has failed, and a new surface on top won’t last.
How long does a driveway replacement take?
Usually a few days on site: one for tear-out and haul-off, one for base and forms, and one to pour. After that, plan on about a week before you drive a car on it, and closer to a month for heavy trucks or trailers.