Kara Rich – Home Builder Capital Solutions

A well-maintained concrete driveway protects the value of your home and reduces the risk of accidents. However, it is common for driveways to suffer damage over time.

The amount you pay to repair your driveway depends on the type of damage and its severity. Contact Driveway Repair Nashville for more information.

Filling Cracks

Whether you opt for DIY or professional driveway repair depends on the extent of damage and what kind of results you’re looking for. It’s important to regularly inspect your concrete for signs of damage, and catching any issues early often saves money in the long run. For example, cleaning dirt or oil from concrete, caulking cracks, lifting sunken slabs and filling voids underneath are all relatively inexpensive fixes if performed quickly.

Filling surface-level hairline cracks with a concrete patch kit typically runs under $100 for 24 linear feet of cracks less than 1/4” wide. However, if you’re dealing with widespread spalling, heaving or other significant structural problems, you’ll need to have professionals assess the problem and find a more permanent solution.

Staining or stamping your driveway adds to its cost, but it can also enhance its durability by ensuring the concrete is of higher quality. If your concrete is pitted and heaving to the point that even resurfacing won’t give you a durable surface, full replacement may be necessary.

When it comes to resurfacing or staining, the size of your driveway and how curved or sloped it is can affect costs. For instance, a curved driveway with lots of nooks and crannies will take more time to work on than a flat, square driveway with few breaks in the surface. You’ll also need to consider any extra services you might require. For example, if you have imprinted concrete, you’ll need to hire a company that can match the original pattern. In addition, you’ll probably want a weed control service to ensure your repaired driveway is protected from growth and additional damage. These extra services can add up to thousands of dollars for a comprehensive project.

Filling Potholes

Concrete driveways experience a variety of damage over time. Some are small and cosmetic, while others cause significant structural problems that require extensive repair or even replacement. Ultimately, the type of damage determines how much you’ll spend on repairs.

Surface cracks are the cheapest to fix, but large structural cracks often indicate a shifting sub-base or roots under the slab. To resolve this, contractors inject specialized materials like epoxy or polyurethane caulk into the cracks to prevent water from seeping in and causing further damage. The price depends on the type of cracks and what caused them, but the cost is typically no more than $25 per square foot.

Potholes are another common problem, and they can be costly to repair. They’re usually caused by poorly installed or poured concrete, as well as heavy vehicles, poor drainage, and soil conditions. A professional can fill a single pothole for as little as $75, but the cost will increase if you have multiple holes to repair or have them repaired by a professional who has a minimum trip charge.

Staining and stamping are popular upgrades that set your driveway apart from basic greige, but they’re also expensive. Staining or stenciling a concrete driveway adds an additional $2 to $7 per square foot to the repair costs, while matching the texture could take up to a day to complete.

In addition to repairing damage, you might need to add drainage solutions to your concrete driveway. These can include French drains, grading, or a full replacement if your concrete is pitted and sinking. While these can be costly, they’re essential for preventing further structural damage to your concrete.

Resealing

Resealing is a recurring cost that keeps the surface of your concrete driveway protected from water damage, cracking, and other structural problems. It usually costs $0.50 to $3 per linear foot for a professional to spray or roll on a protective sealer. You can do this yourself for a fraction of the price if you’re comfortable working with concrete.

If you have a large number of small cracks and potholes that need repair, or if your driveway is older than 20 years, resurfacing may be a better option. It’s usually 50-80% less than replacing your driveway and will provide a fresh new look.

If your concrete driveway has serious structural problems, you’ll likely need to have it replaced. Sinking sections of the driveway, severe surface damage, and drainage issues require more extensive work that can’t be carried out by patching or resurfacing alone.

When comparing repair options, consider the amount of time and money you’ll spend on DIY projects. Working with concrete is challenging and messy, so it’s best to hire a professional contractor for most repairs. Choose a contractor with a good reputation, a portfolio of previous work, and proper licensing and insurance.

The average driveway repair costs between $300 and $5,850, depending on the size, type, and severity of damage. If you want to add special features like heating, drainage, and decorative borders, your costs will increase. Replacing your driveway is a major investment, but it’s often cheaper and longer-lasting than trying to fix the problem yourself with costly DIY methods. Whether you have minor surface damage or major structural problems, there are many repair options that can restore your driveway to its original condition.

Resurfacing

Concrete driveway resurfacing involves covering the entire surface of your existing concrete driveway with a layer of self-leveling concrete or a paving material, which covers and hides any cracks and discoloration. Professionals typically pressure wash the concrete to remove any dirt and stains that may interfere with the new finish. If the existing concrete is brushed, stenciled, or stamped, your contractor will try to match it as closely as possible to save time and money.

The cost of resurfacing your driveway depends on the extent of damage and the type of finish you choose. A brushed finish costs an extra $1 to $3 per square foot, while matching a stenciled or stained pattern can add $10 or more per square foot to the project.

Resurfacing your concrete driveway is not just a cosmetic improvement—it helps to prevent further damage from environmental factors and extend the lifespan of your concrete. In some cases, resurfacing is more affordable than replacement for damaged or heavily worn concrete.

Before resurfacing, your contractor will fill any cracks and small holes with concrete patching material and repair the expansion joints to ensure the new surfacing adheres properly. Contractors will also make sure your driveway has adequate drainage and any underlying issues, like soil erosion or water penetration, are addressed to prevent further damage.

Repairing and resurfacing are not the only options for a deteriorating concrete driveway, but they’re the most economical choices. A full replacement costs more upfront but provides a long-term solution and addresses any underlying structural issues. If you’re not sure which option is right for you, schedule a consultation with a concrete professional to assess the damage, identify the root causes, and receive a transparent quote.

Mudjacking

During its 50-year lifespan, your concrete driveway is likely to develop some cracks and potholes. But major damage is less common, so it’s important to inspect your driveway regularly to catch problems early. This could save you a few hundred dollars in repair costs or a costly replacement bill.

Depending on the extent of your damage, repair options vary from using self-leveling concrete crack filler to resurfacing for a fresh look. For large craters or holes, you’ll likely need to use mudjacking, which involves pumping a mixture of water, soil, and cement under the sunken concrete slab. The slurry fills voids and lifts the slab back into place.

To carry out this process, a professional crew will first drill small holes in the sunken section of the driveway. Then a slurry mixture is pumped through these holes under high pressure. As the slurry fills and lifts the sunken slab, it also relevels the rest of the driveway. Once the concrete is back in its original position, the drilled holes are patched and sealed.

Mudjacking raises sunken sections of the concrete, but it doesn’t address underlying issues like poor soil conditions or tree roots. It’s important to discuss your options with a professional before hiring a contractor for this type of major work.

Unlike wood, laminate is a smooth surface that can make it difficult for paint to stick. That’s why a good sanding is important to make sure the primer and paint adhere properly.

Painting a piece of laminate furniture empowers you to breathe new life into your kitchen, desk, bookcase or dresser for a budget-friendly price. Contact Cabinet Refinishing Modesto for more details.

Preparation

If your kitchen cabinets are lacking a bit of pop, painting them is one of the most cost-effective and DIY-friendly ways to give them a facelift. However, before you break out the brushes and primer, be sure to sand them down to create an even, smooth surface. This will ensure that your paint adheres properly and helps to avoid any chipping or peeling down the line.

Once the sanding process is complete, it’s time to apply a coat of high-quality primer that’s specifically designed for laminate surfaces. This will help to protect your cabinets and ensure that your finish holds up for a long time to come.

When it’s time to start painting, make sure you use a paint brush that’s rated for laminate surfaces and choose a color that suits your overall kitchen design plan. You can also opt for a glossier finish for added protection and shine. Finally, be sure to leave ample time for the paint to dry, as laminate isn’t as absorbent as wood and may take a little longer to fully cure.

If you want to add a touch of personality to your cabinets, try adding some fun, contrasting accent colors. A splash of red, for example, can instantly liven up a neutral color palette. Alternatively, you can add dimension to your cabinetry by pairing white cabinet doors with a natural wood finish on the drawer fronts and frame.

Another option for updating your laminate cabinets is replacing the door and drawer fronts with a new material like 3D Laminate. This offers a more modern look and comes in a variety of styles, textures, and finishes that mimic premium cabinet materials like oak, cherry, and hickory. This is a great choice for homeowners who are happy with their layout but want to breathe new life into dated cabinetry.

Laminate cabinet refacing is a great alternative to full replacement and can be completed in much less time. It’s also significantly more budget-friendly and environmentally friendly than a complete remodel, making it an ideal solution for anyone looking to revitalize their kitchen without breaking the bank.

Primer

A quality primer is a critical foundation to any paint job. It ties the new coat of paint to what it’s covering, and allows the coat to adhere to wood surfaces. With laminate furniture, this is especially important. Laminate is slick, and without the right primer, it’s difficult for paint to stick.

A good primer can make or break a refinishing project. It’s also essential to properly clean the cabinets before priming. Use a liquid deglosser like Krud Kutter to remove grease and oil, then wipe the cabinetry with a damp cloth to ensure it’s clean. Once it’s dry, sand the cabinets lightly using 100- to 120-grit sandpaper and vacuum or tack cloth away any dust.

There are many different types of primer, but for laminate furniture, you’ll want a bonding primer that grips to the surface. One of the best options is INSL-X STIX, which is engineered for glossy surfaces and sticks to laminate with ease. It can even be used over dark topcoat colors and dries quickly. This product is water-based and low-odor, making it suitable for indoor use.

Other bonding primers include KILZ Adhesion, which is designed for difficult-to-paint surfaces. It’s a low-VOC and water-based formula that’s safe to use indoors and dries to a hard finish that’s ready for topcoats in hours. It’s easy to use, too, as it can be applied with a brush or a roller.

Another option is clear porosity sealer that’s formulated to work well on laminate. It blocks tannin bleed and promotes adhesion to the wood, creating a strong base for other coatings. It also dries quickly, and it’s compatible with both latex and oil-based paints.

Once you’ve applied the right kind of primer, it’s time to reattach the cabinets and bring your kitchen back to life! Depending on your budget, this is a great opportunity to upgrade the hardware or install soft-close hinges. It’s important to take your time while reattaching the hardware and using a level to ensure the doors are straight. Once you’re done, sit back and admire your work.

Paint

You can refresh the look of your kitchen without spending a fortune by painting laminate cabinets. However, you need to take the time to prepare the cabinetry, sand and prime it, and choose the right paint for the job. If you do it correctly, the new finish will last for years and brighten up your whole kitchen.

The first step in any painting project is applying a coat of primer. For this project, you will need a primer that can be tinted to match your final cabinet paint color. It is important to use a high-quality primer, as it will ensure the smooth surface of the laminate can grip the paint and help prevent peeling in the future.

After the primer has dried, you can start to sand the laminate. Using fine-grit sandpaper, gently sand the surface of your laminate cabinets to roughen it up and get it ready for the next steps in your refinishing process. Be careful not to sand through the laminate, and use a dust mask to protect your face. After sanding, clean up any dusty areas with a damp cloth or vacuum.

When selecting a paint for your laminate cabinets, it is important to find one that is made specifically for surfaces like wood and laminate. You want a paint that is durable and can withstand moisture and heat. You will also want a paint that will hide any grease smudges and fingerprints easily. A matte sheen is the best option for this type of situation, and Benjamin Moore has a great line of alkyd matte finishes that are durable and easy to wipe down.

It is also important to use a top-quality satin or semi-gloss latex paint, as it will provide the best results and will dry quickly. Lastly, make sure you follow all the application and safety guidelines that come with your chosen paint. Once your paint has cured, you can reattach the cabinet doors and enjoy your newly refreshed kitchen!

Finish

Refacing cabinets is an affordable way to breathe new life into a kitchen, but you can also refresh laminate furniture pieces like desks, coffee tables and bookshelves by painting them. You may think that the glossy surface of a piece of laminate would be too difficult to paint, but it’s actually quite simple. From the supplies needed to the prep work required to the application process, this step-by-step guide from Benjamin Moore outlines everything you need to know to successfully repaint your laminate cabinetry.

The first thing you need to do is set up a workspace to tackle the project. You’ll need a place that isn’t as high-traffic as the inside of your home and will be safe from rain (since cabinets often collect grease and grime, you’ll want to use a degreaser that’s appropriate for laminate). Once you’ve set up your workspace, take all the cabinet doors off of their hinges and label them so that you can put them back in their proper places after the paint job is complete.

Next, you’ll need to give the cabinet surfaces a light sanding using fine-grit sandpaper to rough up the gloss and allow the primer to adhere more effectively. Be careful not to oversand, as you could end up damaging the laminate material underneath. After sanding, wipe away any dust residue and vacuum the crevices to get rid of all the little bits of dust that tend to settle in there.

Once you’ve finished sanding, apply a bonding primer to the surface of your cabinetry and allow it to dry thoroughly. Once it has, lightly sand again with a slightly higher-grit sandpaper to create a smoother finish. Once you’ve sanded again, wipe the surfaces down and vacuum off any dust to get the surface ready for your final coat of paint.

You can also opt to stain instead of paint, if you prefer. Staining requires more time and patience, but it will create a more natural-looking and durable finish.

How Much Does Concrete Driveway Repair Cost?