Foster Hayward Concrete

The most common concrete driveway question after cost is: “Can this be repaired, or does it need to be replaced?” The answer depends on what’s actually wrong with it. Here’s how we assess driveways and what the options typically are in Tennessee.

When Repair Makes Sense

Surface cracks that are narrow (under ¼ inch wide), isolated, and not accompanied by heaving or settling are usually repair candidates. The slab itself is still solid; it’s just cracked on the surface or has minor joint issues. Options include:

• Crack filling/sealing: $3–$5 per linear foot. Works for narrow cracks that aren’t moving. Stops water infiltration but won’t look invisible.
• Concrete resurfacing: $3–$7 per square foot. A thin overlay applied over the entire slab gives it a fresh surface. Works well when the slab is structurally sound but looks worn or stained.
• Section replacement: $8–$12 per square foot. Cut out a specific panel that’s failed and pour a new section. The new section won’t match perfectly in color, but structurally it’s as good as new.

When You Should Replace Instead

These are signs that repair is just delaying the inevitable:

• Heaving or sinking sections — the slab has moved, which means the sub-base has failed or eroded. No surface repair fixes this.
• Wide cracks (½ inch or more) — indicates the concrete has broken under load or ground movement, not just shrinkage cracking
• Multiple large cracks forming a map pattern — widespread structural deterioration throughout the slab
• Edge deterioration throughout — when the edges are crumbling and spalling extensively, the whole slab is usually near end of life
• Drainage problems — if the driveway now slopes toward your house or garage instead of away from it, ground settling has compromised the grade. This needs full replacement with proper re-grading.

Concrete Driveway Repair Costs in Tennessee

Repair Type	Cost Range	When It’s Appropriate
Crack sealing	$200–$600	Isolated narrow cracks, no heaving
Resurfacing (full driveway)	$1,500–$4,000	Worn surface, good structural condition
Section replacement	$500–$2,000/section	One or two failed panels
Full replacement	$4,000–$10,000+	Widespread failure, heaving, drainage issues

The Honest Assessment

When we look at a driveway, we tell people what we see — not what will generate the most revenue. If a resurfacing job will buy you 10–15 more years, that’s what we’ll tell you. If the slab is shot and anything short of replacement is throwing money away, we’ll tell you that too. It doesn’t help anyone to apply a $2,000 overlay to a driveway that needs to be replaced.

What About Mudjacking or Foam Lifting?

If a section has sunk but isn’t cracked badly, mudjacking (pumping slurry beneath the slab) or polyurethane foam lifting can raise it back to level. This costs $500–$1,500 per section and is a legitimate repair option when the slab itself is still in good shape. It’s not a fix for cracked or deteriorated concrete — just for sunken sections that are structurally intact.

How to Extend the Life of a Repaired or New Driveway

• Seal every 5–7 years (sooner for stamped or colored concrete)
• Keep tree roots away from the slab edges — roots cause heaving
• Fill cracks promptly before water gets in and freezes
• Avoid heavy deicing salt, especially on newer concrete
• Keep water draining away from the driveway, not pooling against the house

Get a Free Driveway Assessment in Middle Tennessee

We’ll come out and look at your driveway and tell you honestly what we’d recommend. No charge, no obligation. Call (615) 359-4128 or visit our Concrete Driveways page to learn more about what we do.

Also see: Concrete Driveway Cost in Tennessee | Concrete vs. Asphalt

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