The Major Advantages of Opting for a Concrete Driveway

Upgrading the driveway is one the first things that comes to mind when homeowners think about improving the exterior of their homes. While there are multiple options out there, concrete driveway remains the most popular choice and it has the right reasons.

The driveway is the area that will go through a lot of wear and tear over the years. Hence, it needs to be durable and functional. The combination of longevity and strength makes concrete slabs an excellent choice especially for paving large areas.

Also, concrete at times is mistaken for cement but, in reality cement is just one of the components that concrete is made of. Concrete is made up of a variety of stone aggregate that is held together with a mixture of lime-based binder and water.

When mixed, concrete is in the form of a slurry which can be easily be shaped. It gradually hardens overtime making it a solid structure. Mentioned below are a few advantages of concrete that will help you make an informed decision.

Increased Functionality

If you are looking for long-term structural integrity and strength, concrete would be the ideal choice. Regardless of the footfall or the weight of your vehicle, you can expect excellent results in the future.

Concrete driveway would not only enhance the value of your property but would also guarantee better resale price for the property. Being a non-flexible and rigid material as compared to asphalt, concrete would require nominal maintenance.

Additionally, if there is any damage, it is possible to repair the specific portion only for a small price.

Reaction to Light and Heat

Concrete pavements absorb less UV radiation as compared to asphalt. Walk barefoot on both the surfaces on a hot summer day to appreciate the coolness of concrete.

Additionally, the concrete material reflects light which is an added perk for homeowners as it reduces the need for exterior lighting. Asphalt on the other hand absorbs a lot of light and hence would require you to install more lights. With a concrete driveway, energy savings would double in years to come.

Extremely Durable

People with a budget constraint are often forced to choose asphalt. However, concrete driveway lasts much longer, and its service life is nearly 50-60% longer than the asphalt driveways.

While you would be saving money upfront, you would be paying a lot more maintenance cost in the future with asphalt driveways. This is because asphalt is a subject to disintegration and cracking.

Curb Appeal

To many, the light grey surface of concrete driveway offers significant curb appeal. For people who want something more creative, colored concrete is the answer. Stamped designs on the concrete create pleasing textures that blends beautifully with the aesthetic of the home.

Load-Bearing Capacity

Concrete being the extremely durable material, it can easily handle heavier loads. Asphalt, on the other hand flexes, and heavier vehicles can cause major damage to it. While you may not own a truck, you will have to consider the likelihood of possibility of other heavy vehicles like an RV driving on your property.

Cost-Efficient and Easy to Maintain

The upfront cost of getting a concrete driveway installed is more as compared to asphalt. However, the maintenance cost is a lot less and you would require very little to get the damages, if any, repaired.

Additionally, if you find any stains, all you need is a bucket of soap and water and a scrubber. You could even pressure wash to clean the surface from time to time.

Concrete driveway remains functional for nearly 25-50 years depending on how well they were built and how they have been maintained. While homeowners can choose to install it themselves, it is best to leave the task to the professionals. There’s a lot that goes in to build a stable foundation.