Concrete Driveway Repair in Portland: Fix, Resurface or Replace?

Should you repair, resurface or replace your driveway?

Typical Portland-area ranges for 2026. We inspect first and tell you honestly whether a repair will last.

What causes driveway cracks in Portland?

• Water under the slab. Portland’s long rainy season washes out and softens the base when water seeps through cracks or runs off the roof onto the driveway.
• Clay soil movement. Much of the metro area has clay soil that swells when wet and shrinks in dry summers, which lifts and drops slabs.
• Tree roots. Roots from street trees and big firs and maples can heave sections upward.
• Freeze-thaw cycles. A few hard freezes each winter widen open cracks.
• Thin slabs or no base. Many older driveways were poured without enough gravel or reinforcement.

How is a cracked driveway repaired?

1. Inspection. We check crack width, whether the slab has moved, and how water drains.
2. Clean-out. Cracks are routed and cleaned so the filler bonds.
3. Fill and seal. We use a flexible, weather-resistant crack filler made for concrete.
4. Resurface or replace if needed. Worn surfaces get a bonded overlay; sunken slabs are cut out, the base is rebuilt and new concrete is poured.
5. Seal. A penetrating sealer helps keep water out of the slab.

How long does a driveway repair last?

Sealed cracks typically last 3–5 years before they need touch-ups. A properly bonded resurface can last 8–15 years if the slab underneath is sound. Replaced sections with a new compacted base should last as long as a new driveway, 25 years or more.

When is replacement the better choice?

Replace the driveway if large areas are sinking, heaving or crumbling, if water pools across the surface, or if repairs keep failing. In that case, see our guide to concrete driveway cost and installation in Portland. If your driveway is made of pavers, read driveway paver repair instead. You can also visit our driveway installation and repair service.

How to keep your driveway from cracking again

• Seal cracks as soon as you see them, before winter rain.
• Point downspouts away from the driveway edge.
• Reseal the surface every 2–3 years.
• Avoid de-icing salts on concrete less than a year old.
• Keep heavy trucks and equipment off the edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to repair a cracked driveway in Portland?

Filling and sealing cracks usually costs $300 to $1,000. Resurfacing a whole driveway runs about $3 to $7 per sq ft, and replacing broken sections costs about $9 to $16 per sq ft.

Can a sunken concrete driveway be fixed without replacing it?

Sometimes. If only a section has dropped, it can be cut out and repoured on a rebuilt base. If the whole driveway is sinking, replacement is usually more reliable.

Is resurfacing a driveway worth it?

Yes, if the slab is level and structurally sound but the surface is worn or flaking. Resurfacing costs much less than replacement and can last 8 to 15 years.

When should I replace instead of repair my driveway?

Replace it when cracks are wider than about ¼ inch across large areas, sections are heaving or sinking, or water pools on the surface. Those signs usually mean the base has failed.

What is the best time of year to repair a driveway in Portland?

Late spring through early fall, when it’s dry and above 50°F. Sealing cracks before the rainy season starts in October prevents water from damaging the base over winter.