Concrete driveways take a beating over time—from vehicle traffic and weather to shifting soil and freeze-thaw cycles. But if yours is starting to crack, settle, or look worn out, you might be asking: Do I need to resurface or replace my concrete driveway?
In this guide, we’ll break down the signs to watch for, the difference between resurfacing and replacement, and how Ogburn Concrete Leveling and Resurfacing helps homeowners across Virginia choose the smartest path for concrete driveway repair.
Cracks, Sinking, and Surface Damage—What Do They Mean?
Not all concrete problems are created equal. Some are cosmetic and easy to fix. Others can signal deeper structural damage that needs professional attention.
Here are common issues we see with concrete driveways:
- Hairline cracks: Usually cosmetic. Caused by shrinkage or temperature changes.
- Large or widening cracks: Can indicate soil movement or water infiltration.
- Sunken slabs: Often caused by poor soil compaction or erosion underneath.
- Pitting, flaking, or staining: Surface wear from weather or salt exposure.
- Pooling water: A sign of improper grading or slab settlement.
If you notice any of these problems, don’t wait—many can lead to bigger structural issues or even safety hazards like trip hazards.
For more information, see How to Prevent Concrete Damage and Extend its Lifespan.
What Is Concrete Resurfacing?
Concrete resurfacing is a way to breathe new life into your driveway without tearing it out. We clean, prep, and apply a new surface layer—often using a decorative and durable product like Vuba Stone.
When to Resurface:
- Surface damage (pitting, flaking, stains)
- Minor cracking
- You want to upgrade curb appeal
- The slab is still structurally sound
Resurfacing is ideal when your concrete is in decent shape underneath but just looks outdated or worn.
What Is Full Concrete Replacement?
Replacement means removing and re-pouring the entire slab. This is necessary when the concrete is too damaged, settled, or unsafe to repair.
When to Replace:
- Multiple broken or crumbling slabs
- Major sinking not fixable with lifting
- Large cracks that run deep and wide
- Structural damage from erosion or root pressure
Replacement is more invasive and expensive—but sometimes it’s the only way to fix serious damage.
There’s a Third Option: Polyurethane Foam Lifting
Before you commit to replacement, there’s a smarter way to deal with sunken concrete—foam jacking, also known as polyurethane lifting.
At Ogburn Concrete Leveling and Resurfacing, we use PolyLevel®, a high-performance foam that expands under the slab to gently lift and level it. It cures in just 15 minutes and supports up to 4,800 lbs per square foot.
Benefits of Foam Lifting:
- Fast and noninvasive
- More affordable than replacement
- Restores level surface for safety and appearance
- Permanent, waterproof solution to structural repair
This is ideal for uneven driveways, sidewalk lifting, and eliminating trip hazard removal issues.
How to Tell Which Service You Need
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide between resurfacing, lifting, or replacing your concrete driveway:
| Condition | Solution | Why |
| Surface wear only | Resurfacing | Adds a new finish, improves looks |
| Minor sinking | Foam lifting | Levels slab, prevents water damage |
| Deep cracks or severe damage | Replacement | Full reset for long-term safety |
| Cracks + sunken areas | Foam + sealant | Structural fix + water protection |
| Worn look + solid slab | Vuba resurfacing | Non-slip, decorative upgrade |
Why Surface Damage Alone Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Even if your driveway just “looks bad,” that damage can invite bigger problems:
- Cracks let water seep underneath
- Freeze-thaw cycles widen cracks fast
- Small dips can create puddles and ice patches
- Tripping hazards put family and guests at risk
Addressing these issues early with the right concrete driveway repair keeps your home safer and saves you money down the road.
Ogburn’s Approach: Fix It Right the First Time
At Ogburn Concrete , we don’t just patch over the problem. We get to the root of what’s causing your driveway issues.
Here’s how we do it:
Step 1: Free Inspection
We examine your concrete, assess the grade, check for voids, and listen to your goals—whether it’s safety, curb appeal, or value.
Step 2: Custom Plan
You get a clear, honest proposal that outlines whether resurfacing, foam jacking, or replacement is right for your situation.
Step 3: Precision Repair
We use top-tier products like:
- PolyLevel® – foam lifting for sunken slabs
- NexusPro® – flexible crack & joint sealant
- Vuba Stone – slip-resistant resurfacing
We wrap up every job with a final walkthrough and a long-term warranty you can trust.
Why Homeowners in Virginia Trust Ogburn
With over 30 years of experience and thousands of completed repairs across Richmond, Henrico, and Central Virginia, we’ve seen it all—and fixed it all.
What sets us apart:
- Licensed, local crews who care about your home
- Fast turnaround—most jobs done in 1–2 days
- Mess-free methods—no heavy demo or long downtimes
- 10-year warranty on concrete lifting with PolyLevel®
Whether you’ve got a cracked driveway or a sunken sidewalk, we make concrete problems disappear—beautifully.
Still Not Sure? Here’s What to Look for
If you’re on the fence, use this checklist:
You Might Just Need Resurfacing If:
- No deep cracks
- The slab is level
- You want a fresh, modern look
You Probably Need Foam Lifting If:
- Sections of the driveway have settled
- Water pools near the garage or home
- Cracks have formed due to uneven support
You Likely Need Replacement If:
- The concrete is crumbling or shattered
- Slabs are severely tilted or broken
- You’ve had repeated problems with the same area
Don’t Guess—Get an Expert Opinion
Replacing concrete isn’t always necessary. With today’s modern solutions like foam jacking and decorative resurfacing, you can restore your driveway for a fraction of the cost—and in a fraction of the time.
Let Ogburn help you choose the right repair.
Book Your Free Concrete Driveway Inspection Today
Call us at 804-635-2784 or click below to schedule your no-pressure evaluation. We’ll help you find the best solution for your budget, your goals, and your home.