Homeowners comparing driveway options want straight talk on cost, downtime, and whether a clean lift can fix settlement without a tear-out. This guide breaks down concrete driveway replacement cost in Chicago—and when polyurethane leveling is the smarter, faster alternative.
Key Takeaways (Driveways Q&A)
What is the concrete driveway replacement cost in Chicago?
Typical quotes run about $8–$20 per sq ft. A standard two-car driveway (~640 sq ft) often totals roughly $5,100–$12,800+, depending on thickness, finish, access, and haul-off.
Is concrete driveway replacement or polyurethane leveling better in Chicagoland?
If slabs are intact but uneven, polyurethane leveling usually corrects settlement quickly at a lower cost; broken, severely fractured, or missing sections point to replacement.
Does surface spalling or chipping mean I must replace the driveway?
Not usually. Spalling/chipping is typically cosmetic and can often be addressed with maintenance and sealing; replacement is reserved for structural failure or design changes.
How long before I can use the driveway?
New concrete needs days before vehicles and weeks to fully cure. Polyurethane lifting cures in about 15–30 minutes, so most driveways return to service the same day.
Driveway Replacement Cost in Chicago vs Leveling
Let’s put real numbers to the decision you’re researching—“concrete driveway replacement cost Chicago.” Across the suburbs, full removal and replacement is commonly quoted at $8–$20 per square foot. That range reflects your driveway’s size, thickness (4″ vs 5″+), finish (standard broom vs decorative), site access, and disposal fees for the old slab. For a typical two-car footprint around 640 sq ft, total project cost often lands near $5,100–$12,800 or more.
Inside those totals, removal/demolition is usually about $1–$5 per sq ft (≈$1,000–$3,000 for many two-car driveways), while new concrete placement commonly runs about $7–$15 per sq ft for standard finishes. Decorative or stamped work sits at the higher end. If your plan includes thicker sections, integral color, or upgraded joints/drains, expect pricing to trend up.
Replace or level? A practical way to decide
If the driveway is structurally sound but settled, polyurethane injection can lift targeted panels, restore slope, and fill underlying voids—without tearing anything out. Because the material cures in 15–30 minutes, you avoid a long shutdown and the mess of demolition. Choose replacement when you have widespread structural cracking, major thickness loss, large missing sections, unresolved root conflicts, or you’re changing elevations for drainage or design. And a quick but important nuance: spalling/chipping alone rarely justifies replacement; consider maintenance, sealing, and joint work alongside leveling if needed.
ACME specializes in polyurethane lifting and soil stabilization (not new pours). If replacement is truly the right path, we’ll say so; if a precise lift will solve it, we’ll show you how.
Downtime, permits, and disruption
Replacement typically requires permits and, in some towns, inspections for base prep, thickness, and approach/apron details—adding time and cost. Fresh concrete also means no vehicle traffic for days and a full cure over weeks. Leveling is different: it generally doesn’t require permits (you’re repairing, not constructing), and entries are back in service the same day in most cases.
Details that affect both cost and results
Durable driveways come from sound subgrade, appropriate thickness/reinforcement, well-placed control joints, and correct drainage slope. At transitions (sidewalk, street apron, garage slab), heights need to meet cleanly to avoid lips that catch shovels or create trip edges. One benefit of polyurethane is precision—techs can dial in those transitions so water sheds toward the street and away from the garage.
Why driveways sink—and how to prevent a repeat
Settlement usually traces back to soft or eroded base soils, downspout discharge, or edge wash-out. After lifting, sealing cracks and joints and managing runoff helps keep fines from washing out, protecting your investment and the surrounding panels.
Driveway FAQ's
Can leveling fix puddles that form in the middle of my driveway?
Often, yes. If the slab is intact, targeted lifts can re-establish slope so water moves toward the street. When the entire grade is off across many panels, your estimator may determine the original installation was flawed and a re-pour to the correct grade and pitch may be required.
What about panels lifted by tree roots near the apron or sidewalk?
If an active root is pushing and the panel is fractured through, lifting alone won’t last. You’ll either address the root and then lift, or replace affected panels. Where the concrete is intact but tilted, lifting may be an option to correct alignment and transitions.
Is spalling the same as structural failure?
No. Spalling/chipping is mainly surface wear from salt and freeze-thaw. It looks rough but doesn’t always indicate a structural problem. Leveling (if needed), crack/joint sealing, and proper maintenance are often enough without a full replacement.
How long will I be without parking if I replace the driveway?
Expect several days without vehicle traffic and additional time for full cure. With polyurethane lifting, the repair cures in about 15–30 minutes, so normal use usually resumes the same day.
Do I need a permit?
Driveway replacement commonly requires a permit and may involve inspections, especially at the approach. Leveling generally does not require permits, since no new structure is being built.
ACME Concrete Raising & Repair specializes in precision polyurethane driveway lifts that restore slope, smooth out apron/sidewalk transitions, and get you parking the same day. Our Smart Lift System® uses small, clean injection points and stabilizes the base for long-term support. Every residential lift is backed by a 10-year warranty, and our Estimate Guard ensures you get the best overall value.