There’s no legal requirement that states that you need rebar in a concrete driveway, but since the slab will be supporting heavy vehicle loads, it’s always a good idea to pay a bit more for rebar reinforcement. Your driveway will be much more likely to crack if you don’t reinforce it with rebar. Driveways that need to support commercial vehicles or provide parking for multiple vehicles at once should always include rebar reinforcement. If you’re pouring concrete over asphalt or pouring concrete over an existing slab, you may not have enough depth for rebar, meaning an increased risk of cracking.

Deciding whether to repair, resurface, or replace your concrete driveway depends on its age, condition, and the cost of the potential work.

If your driveway is over 20 years old and showing significant deterioration, replacement is often the best option. Similarly, if the cost of repairs is 50% or more of the replacement value, it's more cost-effective to replace it. For newer concrete with minor issues, resurfacing can be a good choice, especially if you have maintained it well with regular sealing.

For a definitive recommendation, contact a reputable concrete contractor. They can assess the driveway's condition and advise whether repair, resurfacing, or a full replacement (which costs between $1,400 and $12,100) is the most sensible path.

Mix the resurfacer into a sticky mixture. The consistency should look like mashed potatoes. Use a squeegee to push the resurfacer across the pitted area and smoothen the surface with a cement trowel flush. Make sure you protect any expansion joints with a weather strip. Alternatively, cut out any resurfacer that touched the joint once the mixture begins to harden.

No, hairline cracks in concrete are generally not a problem as they do not impact the strength and longevity of the concrete. Generally, cracks less than 0.3 millimeter wide don’t impact the structure. Hairline cracks can grow over time and weaken the structure, such as in a home foundation. Some hairline cracks can also cause leaks in a foundation. It’s important to watch the cracks to see if they grow. Contact a concrete contractor if you notice cracks exceeding 0.3 millimeter wide.