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5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Concrete Driveway

Your concrete driveway takes a beating — especially here in Illinois where freeze-thaw cycles are brutal. But how do you know when it's time to stop patching and start replacing? Here are the 5 signs:

The 5 Warning Signs

1. Widespread cracking. A few hairline cracks are normal. But when you see spider-web patterns, cracks wider than a quarter inch, or cracks that go all the way through the slab, patching won't fix it. The base has likely failed.

2. Sunken or uneven sections. If parts of your driveway have sunk, creating lips or uneven surfaces, the gravel base underneath has shifted or washed out. This is a structural issue that requires full replacement.

3. Drainage problems. Water pooling on your driveway instead of running off means settling and improper slope. Standing water accelerates deterioration and creates ice hazards in winter.

4. Surface spalling or flaking. When the surface starts peeling, flaking, or crumbling, that's called spalling. Usually caused by salt damage, poor finishing, or age. Once it starts, it spreads quickly.

5. It's over 25-30 years old. Even well-maintained driveways have a lifespan. If yours is approaching 30, it's worth getting a professional assessment.

What Replacement Costs

A new concrete driveway in the Lockport area typically runs $12 to $15 per square foot, depending on size. We handle the full process: tear-out, hauling, grading, forming, pouring, and finishing. Most driveways are done in 2-3 days.

Think your driveway is ready for replacement? Call ZBL Concrete & Design at (312) 721-0835 for a free on-site estimate. We'll give you an honest assessment — if it can be saved with repairs, we'll tell you that too.