Cracked or sunken concrete does not always mean a new pour. Bloomington Elite Concrete Contractor sorts most slabs into one of four paths: fill the cracks, raise the slab, resurface the top, or replace it. This guide helps you see which one fits before anyone shows up with a quote.
Path 1: Fill the cracks
Thin cracks are normal as concrete shrinks and ages. If the two sides are level with each other and the crack is narrow, filling and sealing it keeps water out. That matters, because water in a crack freezes in winter and pushes the crack wider.
Good fit when: the crack is thin, both sides line up, and the slab is not moving.
Typical cost: Angi lists crack repair at $250 to $800 (2026 data).
See our concrete repair page for how we clean, fill, and seal cracks.
Path 2: Raise the slab
When a section of driveway, walk, or patio has dropped but is still in one piece, it can often be lifted back up. Slab-jacking pumps material under the slab to raise it and fill the empty space below. This fixes trip edges and water that runs toward the house.
Good fit when: the slab sank as a whole, it is not broken into many parts, and the soil under it has washed out or settled.
Typical cost: Angi lists mud-jacking or slab-jacking at $500 to $1,300.
Learn more on our slab-jacking and leveling page.
Path 3: Resurface the top
Some concrete is sound underneath but looks rough on top. You may see flaking, small pits, or a worn finish. A new thin layer bonded to the old slab can give it a fresh face.
Good fit when: the slab is level and solid, but the top is scaling or stained.
Typical cost: Angi lists resurfacing at $3 to $9 per square foot, about $6 on average.
A concrete coating is another way to refresh a sound surface, especially in a garage.
Path 4: Replace it
Replacement is the right call when the slab has failed. Signs include many cracks that form a spider web, big pieces that rock when you step on them, deep holes, or a slab that keeps sinking after it was raised. If the base under it is bad, new concrete on top of the same base will not last.
Typical cost: Angi lists new concrete driveways at $4 to $15 per square foot.
See our concrete driveway page for what a full replacement includes.
A quick checklist
- Is the crack wider at one end, or is one side higher than the other? That points to movement, not just shrinkage.
- Does water pool on the slab or run toward the house? Raising or regrading may fix it.
- Is the top flaking while the slab stays level? Resurfacing may be enough.
- Is the slab broken into many pieces? Plan on replacement.
- Did a downspout or sump line drain next to the slab? Fix that first, or the problem will come back.
Why the cause matters
Most concrete problems start with water. It washes soil out from under a slab, freezes in cracks, and wears down the top. If the repair does not deal with the water, you will pay twice. Ask any contractor what caused the damage and how the plan stops it from happening again.
Winter is hard on concrete in Central Illinois. Our freeze-thaw care guide covers salt, sealing, and snow removal.
Comparing quotes
If one contractor says repair and another says replace, ask each one to show you the signs that led to their advice. A good answer points to something you can see: a lifted edge, a hollow sound, a broken base, or water damage. Our 2026 concrete cost guide lists price ranges so you can check that each quote is in a normal range.
Common questions
Will a filled crack show?
Usually, yes. Filler rarely matches old concrete perfectly. The goal is to keep water out, not to hide the line.
Can a slab be raised more than once?
It can, but a slab that keeps dropping is a warning sign. Something under it, often water, needs to be fixed.
Is resurfacing a fix for cracks?
Not for cracks that are still moving. A new top layer will crack again in the same spot if the slab underneath shifts.
