Concrete driveway resurfacing in Pittsburgh
Concrete driveway resurfacing gives a tired slab a new top layer for a fraction of what a repour costs. It only works on concrete that's level and sound, so the first thing we do is find out if yours is a good fit.
Is your driveway a good fit?
An overlay copies whatever is under it. If the slab moves, the new surface will crack in the same place, so these are the things we look for.
- The slab sits level, with no sunken panels
- Cracks are thin and not growing
- The surface is worn or scaling, not breaking up
- Water runs off instead of ponding
- There is room at the garage and street for a small rise
How resurfacing works
The surface needs to be clean and rough enough for the overlay to bond, so we pressure wash it and grind any loose or sealed areas. Cracks are repaired and existing joints are marked, since they have to carry through to the new surface. Then a polymer-modified cement goes on in a thin layer, with a broom finish for grip.
A well-bonded overlay can last ten years or more on the right slab. Sealing it every few years helps, and so does keeping rock salt off it. If you want color or a pattern, there's more choice now than there used to be.
Resurfacing or replacement?
Resurfacing costs about a third to a half as much as a new driveway, and it can be done in a day or two. But you're still relying on the old slab and its old base. If your driveway is older, thin or moving, the money is often better put toward a new one. See concrete driveway replacement for what that involves, and we'll quote both if it's close.
How the job goes
- Check the slab
We look at level, cracks and drainage.
- Clean and grind
The surface is washed and roughened.
- Repair
Cracks are filled, and joints are marked.
- Overlay
The new layer goes on and is broomed.
- Seal
A sealer goes on once it has cured.
Common questions
Can you pour concrete over asphalt?
A thick slab can go over stable asphalt, but it isn't our first choice. Taking the asphalt up lets you see and fix the base.
Can you pour a concrete driveway over asphalt?
It can work if the asphalt is sound and the height works at the garage and street. Most of the time, removal is better.
More driveway services
- concrete driveway installation
- concrete driveway replacement
- concrete driveway repair
- 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