# Concrete Driveway Repair Ontario - Resurface or Full Replacement? **URL:** \ **Category:** DIY & Tutorials\ **Created:** [April 26, 2026, 3:31pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/concrete-driveway-repair-ontario-resurface-or-full-replacement/46691 "2026-04-26T15:31:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![system](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/system/32/77_2.png) [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2026, 3:31pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/concrete-driveway-repair-ontario-resurface-or-full-replacement/46691/1 "2026-04-26T15:31:14Z")
Getting conflicting advice from contractors about my cracked concrete driveway so I dug into this myself. Sharing what I found for Ontario homeowners facing the same decision. **Types of Damage and What They Mean** Surface scaling (flaking/pitting from salt) = resurfaceable if base is solid Hairline cracks under 1/4" = cosmetic, seal and resurface Cracks wider than 1/4" = potential base failure, get it assessed Heaving or sinking sections = base/frost issue, resurface won’t fix it **Ontario Context - Salt and Freeze-Thaw** Ontario driveways deal with extreme thermal cycling. Road salt (sodium chloride) is especially destructive to concrete - it lowers the freezing point of water that gets into cracks and accelerates spalling. If you haven’t already, switch to calcium magnesium acetate or just sand for traction. **Cost Comparison GTA 2026** Resurfacing (overlay): $3-6/sq ft = $1,500-$3,000 for 500 sq ft driveway Full replacement: $8-15/sq ft = $4,000-$7,500 for 500 sq ft Resurfacing lifespan: 8-15 years with proper maintenance New concrete: 25-40 years with proper sealing and no salt **The Math** If your driveway has 15+ years of life in the base, resurfacing pencils out. If the base is compromised, you’ll resurface twice in 10 years and still end up replacing. Get 3 opinions. **Sealing** Penetrating sealer every 2-3 years is the single best maintenance investment for Ontario concrete. Do it in fall before freeze season.