When it’s time to get a new driveway, a concrete driveway is the favored choice. Concrete slabs are known to be strong and durable, which is ideal for driveways. Concrete also doesn’t require a lot of maintenance compared to the alternatives in the market. For a driveway surface, concrete is more expensive than asphalt and gravel. Despite the dull appearance of concrete, it can be colored to give a more aesthetically appealing look.
There are occasions where concrete is confused with cement as a building material. Cement is just one of the components that make up concrete. It is a composite combination of different materials. The mixture and size of the aggregate will differ depending on what one is trying to achieve.
Installation
Even though a homeowner can pour concrete on their own, the whole process is laborious and there is a chance that it might not be done well. That is why it is recommended that you look for a concrete patio expert if you’re looking to redo the patio or driveway. Here are some of the benefits of having a concrete driveway.
Quality
Your driveway is the first thing people will see when they approach your home. You can have a clean and professional appearance by using concrete for your driveway. This will ultimately lead to improved curb appeal. You’re likely to gather more should you decide to put your house on the market. Concrete driveways, if done well, such as by a professional company that offers concrete driveways, could outlast your lifetime. Concrete driveways can last up to 60% more than asphalt driveways. Even though the upfront cost is expensive, you will be spending a lot less on maintenance in the long run compared to asphalt driveways.
Reaction to Light and Heat
Asphalt driveways don’t do particularly well when it comes to heat absorption. Concrete driveways will be cool for the most part because they’ll absorb less UV radiation. In order to appreciate the difference between the two, all you have to do is walk barefoot during summer. You’re not likely to take more than two steps on asphalt on a hot summer afternoon. The standard reflectance quality also reduces the light requirements for the driveway.
Load-bearing Capacity
Concrete is a non-flexible material that can handle heavy loads without a problem but the same can’t be said for asphalt. The flexing of asphalt could result in damage if there are trucks or heavy loads on the surface. Asphalt driveways could deteriorate and necessitate the use of a curb ramp to get in safely without damaging or scraping your vehicles. You can never know when there will be a truck on your driveway.
Maintenance Expense
One of the ways that maintenance expenses can be reduced on concrete driveways is through the use of penetrating sealers and contraction joints. Clear sealers will protect against moisture absorption and de-icers. For asphalt driveways, the binders will begin to dry outright from the moment the installation is complete. Periodic sealing will be required regularly to stop the process. Asphalt driveways will not last as long as concrete even if the sealing is being done regularly.
Surface Characteristics
There are evaporative oils to worry about when the asphalt is first installed. These oils can damage the soles of shoes and they will also not be friendly to your tires. The sticky material can also get into your house which is not an ideal situation because of the work involved in the cleaning. Concrete driveways are not subject to such a predicament. Once it dries, there will be no sticky surfaces to worry about.
Resale Value
You might be thinking of putting your home on the market at some point. Prospective buyers prefer concrete driveways compared to asphalt and will be willing to pay more as a result. It will be easier to sell a home with a concrete driveway and you’re likely to recoup a portion of your investment.
Environmental Considerations
Energy costs for a concrete driveway are generally lower compared to asphalt. This means that it is a paving solution that is more environmentally friendly. Concrete requires less energy for production and installation.
To sum it up, you need to select the right concrete contractor to realize the full benefits as a paving solution. A contractor is supposed to be registered according to the law. He or she should provide references for past work so that you can ascertain their level of skills and professionalism. Enter into a written agreement with the contractor so that there are no potential issues down the road.
