Concrete Driveway Repair Cost

Concrete driveways can become damaged over time due to heavy use, bad weather, general wear and tear, poor drainage or movement beneath the surface. Common issues include cracks, flaking, uneven areas, sinking sections and damaged patches.

The cost of concrete driveway repair will depend on the size of the driveway, the type of damage and how easy the area is to access. Small surface repairs are usually cheaper to fix, while larger problems may require sections of concrete to be removed and replaced.

In this guide, we’ll cover the average concrete driveway repair costs, common repair options, labour prices and what to consider when hiring a local driveway specialist.

How Much is Concrete Driveway Repair?

The average cost of a concrete driveway repair in the UK will vary depending on a number of different factors. The more severe the problem is, the more you can expect to pay for the work.

Below is an overview of what you may expect to pay for different levels of concrete driveway issues:

• Minor repairs (filling cracks, small patches): £100-£400
• Moderate repairs (filling multiple cracks or fixing localised damage): £400-£1200
• Major repairs (resurfacing or partial replacement): £1200-£2500+

If your driveway has a lot of cracking, exposed reinforcements, crumbling concrete, or sinking sections, this will increase the costs quite significantly. In these cases, the issues might go beyond just surface level and may involve the sub-base, which will require more labour and materials to fix properly.

Older concrete driveways will often need more extensive work than expected, especially if there is poor drainage that has caused movement underneath.

Labour rates can also vary by region. Those based in and around the London area can expect to pay more for the labour costs than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.

Concrete Driveway Repair Prices

Below is a table showing the average prices that you can expect to pay for various concrete driveway repair jobs, as well as the timescales that you can expect with each of these different jobs:

The figures listed above are estimates based on the average costs of these jobs. The actual costs may vary depending on the type of issue, whether there is additional damage that needs addressing, and your location in the UK.

Supply Costs for Concrete Driveway Repair

If you are looking to complete the work as a DIY project or are looking to purchase the materials upfront before hiring someone to do the work for you, then you may be interested in learning the costs for the supplies only. There are several different types of supplies that you might need for this work, depending on the job at hand.

Below is a list of common supplies needed for concrete driveway repairs and the prices that you may expect to pay for these products or materials:

• Crack filler or resin: £10-£30 per tub
• Repair mortar or patch compound: £15-£50 per bag
• Concrete mix: £80-£120 per square metre
• Bonding agents: £10-£25
• Sealants: £20-£60 per container
• Reinforcement mesh: £5-£15 per square metre
• Sub-base materials (aggregate): £40-£80 per tonne

Supply costs will vary depending on whether the job is a simple surface fix or a more involved repair that requires the removal and replacement of damaged concrete. Better quality materials, colour matching, and larger repair areas will increase the overall price.

Additional Costs of Concrete Driveway Repair

Sometimes, the upfront repair cost is not always the full amount you will need to budget for.

There are some possible extra costs, such as waste removal, skip hire, excavation, levelling, site clearance, drainage work, sealing, and preparing the driveway for resurfacing.

• Waste removal: £100-£300
• Skip hire: £150-£400
• Excavation and groundwork: £200-£1000
• Drainage improvements: £300-£1500
• Surface preparation: £100-£500

Some repairs reveal hidden issues underneath the slab, such as sub-base failure, poor compaction, or water damage, which can lead to extra labour and material costs. If damaged concrete needs to be removed before the repair can begin, this can also increase costs.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Concrete Driveway Repair

Labour is a major part of the total cost, especially where repairs involve cutting out damaged sections, lifting broken concrete, re-levelling the base, or laying fresh concrete that needs proper finishing. There are several different types of contractors who may carry out the work, such as driveway specialists, groundworkers, concrete repair specialists, or general builders with surfacing experience.

You can usually expect to pay around £150 - £300 per day per worker. The actual rate will depend on how experienced the worker is, how many workers you hire for the job, the ease of access, and your location in the UK. Those based in and around the London area can expect to pay more for the labour costs than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.

Below is a list of the typical timescales that you can expect for this type of work:

• Minor repairs: A few hours up to 1 day
• Moderate repairs: 1–2 days
• Major repairs/Resurfacing: 2–3 days

Minor fixes may be completed within a day, while larger repair jobs or resurfacing work can take longer. The timescale depends on the extent of the damage, site access, drying and curing time, and whether deeper structural repair is needed before the new surface can be laid.

Cost Factors for Concrete Driveway Repair

When it comes to concrete driveway repairs, there are several things that can affect the overall cost, including the size of the damaged area, the type of defect, the age and condition of the driveway, whether the damage is surface-level or structural, and whether a quick fix or a longer-term repair is needed.

The ease of access, the need for machinery, regional labour rates, drainage problems, matching the repaired section to the existing driveway, and whether sealing is needed afterwards can also affect the cost.

Below is a list of the main things that can affect the overall cost of repairing a driveway:

• Size of the damaged area
• Type of damage (cracks, sinking, spalling)
• Age and condition of the driveway
• Depth of the problem (surface vs structural)
• Access to the site
• Regional labour costs
• Need for machinery
• Drainage issues
• Matching new concrete to the existing surface

A cheap patch may not last if the underlying cause has not been addressed, so you should understand the value of a proper long-term fix.

Building Regulations for Concrete Driveway Repair

In many cases, minor repairs will not require approval, but if the work affects drainage or involves replacing a significant area, surface water run-off rules may need to be considered. If a large section is being replaced rather than simply repaired, permeable drainage requirements could become relevant.

If the repair involves significant replacement or affects drainage, you may need to comply with Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) regulations. This ensures that surface water does not run off into public drains.

Some other considerations include:

• Skip placement permits if using public roads
• Ensuring work does not obstruct pavements
• Maintaining proper drainage to prevent flooding

It is always best to check with your local authority if you are unsure about the rules in your area or for your particular driveway repair job.

Types of Concrete Driveway Repair

Below is a list of the different types of concrete driveway repair jobs:

Crack Filling

Crack filling is one of the most common and cheap ways to fix minor damage in a concrete driveway. Small cracks are filled with a specialist resin or filler to prevent water from getting in and causing further deterioration.

This type of concrete driveway repair is quick to install and helps to extend the life of the surface without needing to replace any large areas. However, this is usually only suitable for surface-level damage and may not be a long-term solution if the underlying issue has not been properly addressed.

Surface Patching

This involves removing a smaller damaged section and laying fresh concrete or repair compound in its place. This method is ideal when there are localised areas of wear or crumbling, but the rest of the driveway is still in good condition.

The cost of repairing a concrete driveway with patching is moderate, and it can be a good balance between a quick fix and a longer-lasting repair. One downside is that the patched area may not perfectly match the original surface in colour or texture.

Pothole Repair

Pothole repairs focus on filling deeper holes that have formed in the concrete surface. The damaged area will need to be cleaned out, filled with a suitable mix, and levelled off to match the surrounding driveway.

This type of repair is important for safety and helps to prevent further structural damage if left untreated. This type of repair is pretty affordable, but repeated potholes could possibly indicate a deeper problem that could increase the overall price if not resolved properly.

Resurfacing

Resurfacing involves applying a new layer of concrete or a specialist coating over the existing driveway to help improve its appearance and durability. This option is often chosen when the surface is worn or cracked across a large area, but the base is still structurally sound.

This will cost more than smaller repairs but is still cheaper than a full replacement, making it a popular mid-range option for homeowners who may be on a budget. Resurfacing can also give the driveway a fresh, uniform look, similar to a newly installed surface.

Levelling (Slab lifting)

Levelling or slab lifting is used when parts of the driveway have sunk or become uneven. The process will usually involve injecting material underneath the slab to help raise it back into the right position without needing to remove it.

This can be a cost-effective alternative to digging up and replacing sections of the driveway. However, the cost can vary depending on how much of the driveway needs to be lifted and the condition of the base underneath.

Edge Repairs

Edge repairs focus on fixing damaged or crumbling edges of the driveway. These areas are usually the first to deteriorate. The job involves removing the weakened sections and replacing them with fresh concrete to restore its strength and appearance.

This is a relatively easy and straightforward job, but it is a good one as it helps to prevent damage from spreading further into the main surface. Keeping the edges in good condition also improves the overall look and longevity of the driveway.

Sealing

This is a protective treatment rather than a structural repair. It is often carried out alongside other bits of work. A sealant will be applied to the surface to protect it against moisture, stains, and general wear.

This can help to reduce the need for future repairs and can extend the lifespan of the driveway. It will add to the overall price of the repair; however, it is a very worthwhile addition for keeping the driveway in good condition in the long term.

Partial Slab Replacement

This type of work is needed when a section of the driveaway is too damaged to repair properly. The affected area will need to be cut out, removed, and new concrete will then be laid to replace it.

This is more expensive than patching but cheaper than replacing the entire driveway, making it a practical solution for more serious damage. The main challenge is ensuring the new section blends well with the existing surface in both colour and finish.

Alternative Garden Bed Options

In this section, compare concrete driveway repair with the repair of other common driveway surfaces. You should cover tarmac driveway repair, block paving repair, resin driveway repair, and gravel driveway repair.

Explain how these alternatives differ in terms of cost, difficulty of repair, appearance, and long-term maintenance. This section should help the reader understand whether concrete is likely to be cheaper or more expensive to fix than other driveway materials.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Concrete Driveway Repair

When you are hiring a contractor to repair your driveway for you, you should make sure you do the following:

• Check the contractor’s experience with driveway repair work
• Ask for examples of previous jobs
• Confirm insurance cover
• Make sure the quote explains exactly what repair method is being used
• Compare quotes carefully
• Check whether waste removal and preparation are included
• Confirm how long the repair should last
• Ask whether the work will blend in with the existing driveway
• Get a detailed written quote

You should avoid choosing a contractor based only on a low price, as a poor-quality fix may fail quickly and cost more in the long run.

Removing Concrete Before Repair

In some cases, damaged concrete must be removed before any new material can be laid. This is most common when any of the following apply:

• The slab is severely cracked or broken
• The surface is sinking
• The base has failed

If you are looking to remove concrete and then repair, you can expect the following costs:

• Concrete removal: £5-£100 per square metre
• Disposal: £100-£300
• Re-laying concrete: £100-£200 per square metre

Matching the new concrete to the existing driveway can also increase the costs further. It’s also important to note that certain things may affect the cost of removing concrete, such as the amount that is being removed, the ease of access to the area, and your location in the UK.

Those based in and around the London area can expect to pay more for the labour costs than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.

FAQs