Signs it's time to replace a driveway, what replacement involves step by step, how long until you can drive on it, and what changes the price.
Replace a Houston driveway when cracks are wide or uneven, slabs have heaved or sunk, water pools toward the house, or the surface is crumbling. Replacement means permits where required, demolition and haul-off, base repair, forms and reinforcement, the pour, joints and curing. Price depends on size, demo, approach and right-of-way work, thickness, reinforcement and finish. Foot traffic is usually fine after a day or two; vehicles wait longer, and we give you a specific date.
Repair or replace?
Hairline cracks are normal and can be sealed. Replacement makes sense when sections are offset enough to trip on, slabs are sinking or lifting, drainage runs toward the foundation, or the surface is spalling widely.
Step by step
1) Site review and written proposal. 2) Permit and HOA approval where required. 3) Demolition and haul-off. 4) Base correction and compaction. 5) Forms, reinforcement and joint plan. 6) Pour and finish. 7) Curing and cleanup. 8) Final walkthrough.
What changes the price
Driveway size and shape, thickness of the old slab being removed, approach and curb work in the right-of-way, base repairs, rebar vs wire, decorative borders or stamping, and access for trucks.
Living with the work
Plan for the driveway to be unusable for several days plus curing time. Park on the street where allowed and keep the area clear for the crew.
Ready to price your project? Request a free concrete quote, see our concrete service page, or call (281) 889-1068. Novara Construction serves Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Cypress, Pearland and Spring.
Driveway replacement timeline (typical)
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Proposal & permits | Site review, written price, permit/HOA |
| Demo day | Break out and haul old concrete |
| Prep | Base, forms, reinforcement, inspection if required |
| Pour | Place, finish, cut joints |
| Cure | Foot traffic first, vehicles on the date we give you |
In pictures
Frequently asked questions
- Can you pour over my old driveway?
- Overlays rarely last on cracked or moving slabs in Houston clay. Full removal is usually the reliable fix.
- Do you remove the old concrete?
- Yes. Removal and haul-off are included in our written proposals when replacement is needed.
Related services and areas
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