Patching is cheaper, and sometimes it's right. But patching a driveway that's failing underneath is just paying twice. Here's what we look for at a walkthrough.
1. Cracks that run the full width
A hairline crack in one panel is cosmetic. A crack that crosses the whole slab means the base moved. Filling it hides the symptom and does nothing about the cause.
2. Panels at different heights
If you can catch a shoe on the joint between two panels, something below has heaved or settled — usually roots or a failed sub-base. That's a replacement conversation.
3. Spalling and flaking surface
Flaking that exposes aggregate means the surface layer is breaking down. Once it starts, it spreads, and overlays applied on top of it rarely bond for long.
4. Water running the wrong way
If water pools mid-driveway or runs toward your garage, the slope is wrong. That's fixed by repouring with corrected grading, not by patching.
5. Tree roots you can see
Sacramento's mature canopy is beautiful and hard on flatwork. Where roots have already lifted the slab, they'll keep growing. We plan the sub-base and jointing around them on a new pour.
The short version
One or two signs may be repairable. Three or more, and replacement is almost always the cheaper decision over time.
Want this answered for your property?
Book a free walkthrough. Sione will look at your site and follow up with a written proposal — no pressure, no obligation.