Should You Repair or Replace Your Cracked Concrete Driveway?

If you’re standing in your driveway in Grand Rapids, staring down at cracks that seem to get worse every season, you might be wondering: Should I repair this, or is it time to replace the whole thing?

It’s a fair question—and one we hear often. Driveway cracks are incredibly common in Michigan, especially after years of freezing winters and heavy use. But deciding what to do about them can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what’s considered normal wear and tear—or a red flag.

This blog will walk you through how to tell the difference, what repair and replacement involve, and how to make the best decision for your home, your safety, and your budget.

Why Do Driveways Crack in Grand Rapids?

Let’s start with what causes the damage in the first place. Grand Rapids homeowners know that concrete doesn’t always hold up to Michigan’s unpredictable weather. Our winters are cold and wet, and our summers are hot—this mix causes something called the freeze-thaw cycle, where moisture gets into small cracks or pores, freezes, expands, and slowly breaks the surface apart.

But it’s not just the weather. Other factors that cause driveway cracking include:

• Heavy vehicles like trucks or campers
  
• Shifting soil underneath the concrete
  
• Poor drainage around the driveway
  
• Age—most driveways last 20 to 30 years
  
  

So if your driveway is cracked, you’re not alone. It doesn’t necessarily mean it was installed wrong—it just means it’s time to look at your options.

When Is Repair the Right Choice?

Repairing your driveway can be a smart, affordable solution if the cracks are minor and the overall structure is still in good condition.

Here’s when repair makes sense:

1. Hairline or Small Cracks

If the cracks are less than ¼ inch wide and not very deep, they’re usually not serious. These can often be sealed to prevent water from getting in and making them worse.

2. Surface Wear or Minor Pitting

Concrete that looks worn out or has small pits on the surface may just need resurfacing. This adds a new layer on top without tearing out the old concrete.

3. Sunken Slabs but No Major Cracking

If one section of your driveway is lower than the rest, it can often be lifted using a method called concrete leveling (also known as mudjacking or foam lifting). This fixes uneven spots and tripping hazards without replacement.

4. Relatively New Concrete

If your driveway is still under 10–15 years old and the cracks are isolated, repairing them is likely the most cost-effective route.

Bottom line: If the driveway is generally solid and the cracks are cosmetic or limited to small sections, repairs can stretch the life of your concrete by several years.

When Is Replacement the Better Option?

Unfortunately, not all cracks can be repaired long-term. Sometimes, the concrete is too far gone, or fixing one problem just leads to another.

Here’s when a full replacement makes more sense:

1. Multiple or Wide Cracks

If the cracks are larger than ¼ inch, deep, or running across large sections of the driveway, the damage likely goes beyond the surface.

2. Cracks That Keep Coming Back

If you’ve already patched the same spots more than once, chances are the base under the concrete is shifting or deteriorating.

3. Driveway Is Over 25–30 Years Old

At this point, the concrete is likely breaking down. Repairing it might work temporarily, but it’s often not worth the time or cost.

4. Crumbled or Broken Edges

When the edges of your driveway are breaking off or pieces are missing, patching them won’t do much good. A new driveway will give you a clean, stable edge again.

5. You Want a Better Look or Functionality

If you’re planning to sell your home, want better curb appeal, or are tired of the look and function of your current driveway, starting fresh is a chance to upgrade materials or choose a decorative finish.

Bottom line: If your driveway shows serious wear or structural issues, replacement gives you a longer-lasting, safer solution.

So… Should You Repair or Replace?

It’s not always easy to decide on your own. If you’re looking at a cracked or uneven driveway and trying to figure out whether repair is enough—or if it’s time to start over—the best next step is to get a professional opinion.

At Grand Rapids Concrete Pros, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners assess their driveway issues and figure out the most practical and affordable solution. We’ll take a close look at the condition of your driveway, explain your options, and help you make a confident, informed decision.

Call Grand Rapids Concrete Pros Today

If your driveway is cracked, sunken, or just plain worn out, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger issue. A small repair now can save you from a major expense later—and if replacement is the better choice, we’ll make sure it’s done right from the ground up. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll inspect your driveway, answer your questions, and help you choose the best path forward.

Whether it’s a quick fix or a brand-new driveway, we’re here to make sure your concrete looks great, lasts long, and gives you one less thing to worry about.