Not every worn driveway needs to be torn out. If the underlying slab is structurally sound, resurfacing is usually faster and less expensive than a full replacement. Here's how to tell which category your driveway falls into.
1. Hairline cracks, not structural cracks. Thin surface cracks that don't shift or have height differences on either side are usually cosmetic and resurfacing-friendly. Cracks wider than a quarter inch, or where one side is higher than the other, usually point to a bigger problem underneath.
2. No major settling or sinking. If sections of the driveway have visibly sunk or heaved, that suggests a base or soil issue that resurfacing won't fix — you're looking at leveling or replacement instead.
3. Surface staining, fading, or pitting without depth loss. If the damage is cosmetic — sun fading, oil stains, minor pitting — a resurfacing overlay can restore the look without addressing structural issues that don't exist.
4. The driveway is still relatively flat and drains properly. Resurfacing adds a thin layer on top of the existing slab; it won't fix drainage or grading problems.
5. It's been more than 10-15 years since installation but the slab has no active water intrusion. Age alone isn't a reason to replace — condition is what matters. We check all of these during a free on-site evaluation and give you an honest recommendation either way.