Concrete driveway replacement in Pittsburgh
Concrete driveway replacement is your chance to fix what failed the first time. We break out the old slab, find out why it went wrong and correct that before any new concrete goes in, so that the next one doesn't go the same way.
When a driveway needs replacing
Some cracks are normal, so don't let anyone sell you a new driveway because of a few hairlines. These are the signs that the slab or its base has failed, and that repairs won't last.
- Wide cracks with one side higher than the other
- Sections that have sunk, tilted or broken loose
- Water running toward the garage or the house
- Surface scaling over much of the driveway
- Patches that keep coming loose
- A slab that is under 4 inches thick
What we check once the slab is out
Taking up the old concrete tells you a lot. We look for washed-out base, wet clay and old fill, along with leaking downspouts that have been feeding water under the slab for years. Tree roots are another common cause, especially on older streets. Each of these gets dealt with before new stone goes in.
It's also the time to fix the slope, widen a tight spot or add a trench drain. If you want a change in shape or size, tell us at the first visit, as the price is much better when it's all one job.
Replacing part of a driveway
You may not need to replace all of it. Joints divide a driveway into panels, and we can saw out the failed ones and pour new ones between them. The new panels won't match the color of the old slab right away, and the price per foot is a bit higher on small jobs. For a sound driveway with one bad section at the bottom, though, it's a fair trade. Our concrete driveway repair page covers what can be saved.
How the job goes
- Find the cause
We look at drainage, slope and what is failing.
- Written quote
Removal, base work and the new slab are listed.
- Break out
The old slab is broken up and hauled away.
- Fix the base
Soft spots are dug out, and new stone is compacted.
- Pour
New concrete is placed, finished and cut.
- Cure
Stay off it for a week, then park as usual.
Common questions
How much does it cost to tear out a concrete driveway?
Often $2 to $4 per square foot, with hauling. It's usually built into a replacement price rather than billed apart.
How much does it cost to tear out and replace concrete driveway?
Plan on $8 to $14 per square foot for a broom finish here, which comes to about $4,000 to $7,000 for 500 square feet.
How much does it cost to dig up concrete driveway?
The cost depends on slab thickness, steel and access. Thick slabs full of rebar take longer, and so do tight sites.
How much does it cost to tear up a concrete driveway?
On its own, about $2 to $4 per square foot, or more where a truck can't get close.
Can you pour concrete over old concrete?
Sometimes, but only on a level, sound slab with room to raise the surface. On a failed driveway, the cracks soon come back through.
How long does it take to replace a concrete driveway?
About a week of work on most homes, plus 7 days before you can park on it.
How much to replace a concrete slab?
For driveway work, $8 to $14 per square foot is typical. Small patches cost more per foot because the setup is the same.
More driveway services
- concrete driveway installation
- concrete driveway repair
- concrete driveway resurfacing
- stamped concrete driveway
- exposed aggregate concrete driveway
- driveway trench drain
- driveway drainage
- driveway apron
- concrete driveway sealing
- driveway crack repair
- sunken driveway repair
- driveway extension