Eight major benefits of having a concrete driveway are listed below.
1. LIFECYCLE COST
A driveway made of asphalt has a reduced initial cost as its main advantage. Some people’s choice to use asphalt may be influenced by their budget.
A concrete driveway, however, lasts longer. A concrete driveway typically lasts between 50 and 60 percent longer than an asphalt driveway. Because of this, asphalt usually has higher maintenance expenses than other materials do. The exposure to UV radiation, oxidation, water, and chemicals causes the liquid binder that binds the aggregates together to fracture, disintegrate, and distort.
2. AESTHETICS AND CURB APPEAL
The typical light gray surface has a lot of curb appeal for many people, but there are other inventive design alternatives. The solution for homeowners seeking a darker surface is colored concrete. Surfaces made of stamped concrete give a pleasant texture that frequently harmonizes perfectly with a house’s architectural style. Aggregates that are exposed have a highly rough, three-dimensional appearance.
3. HEAT AND LIGHT REACTION
Do you prefer concrete’s heat reflectivity or asphalt’s heat absorption? Since they absorb fewer UV rays than their asphalt counterparts, concrete pavements are cooler. To understand the distinction, compare the two types of surfaces while walking barefoot on a hot day. Although the ability of asphalt to absorb heat is advantageous in the winter, the drawbacks of a hotter driveway in the summer outweigh this cold-weather benefit. The light reflection of ordinary concrete also lessens the need for illumination. Since asphalt absorbs so much light, a concrete driveway might only need roughly a third as much illumination. Energy savings continue to grow with a concrete driveway for years to come.
4. LIFE-SUPPORTING CAPACITY
Concrete can support larger loads than asphalt since it is a stiff, inflexible material. Trucks or other large vehicles carrying huge loads may rut or otherwise harm asphalt because it flexes. Think about the possibility that additional large trucks will drive into your property in addition to any bigger trucks, boats, or RVs you may possess.
5. MAINTENANCE COST
By utilizing contraction joints and penetrating sealants, maintenance expenses for concrete can be decreased. De-icers and moisture absorption are both prevented by clear sealers. Concrete cracking caused by shrinkage is isolated by contraction joints. The binder starts to dry out as soon as an asphalt drive is put in place. Regular sealcoating is needed to slow this process down. A concrete drive often lasts longer than an asphalt drive, even with occasional resealing.
6. COMPONENTS OF THE SURFACE
Evaporative oils that might get on shoe soles are released when an asphalt driveway is originally built. It is possible to track sticky, caustic substances inside your home or vehicle if an oily or corrosive component gets on the asphalt surface. In hot weather, this worry is stronger. This type of dissolution cannot occur on the surface of a concrete driveway.
7. ECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS
A concrete driveway is a more environmentally friendly paving alternative due to its lower embodied energy costs. In other words, producing concrete and placing it both use less energy overall. Hot mix asphalt must be heated to the required 200–250 degrees F, which consumes a lot of energy. Every three to five years, an asphalt driveway needs to be sealed, which uses additional petroleum. Finally, a driveway with a longer lifespan requires less energy during subsequent replacement cycles.
8. VALUE AT RESALE
Do you anticipate ever putting your house on the market? If so, take a moment to imagine yourself in the position of a potential customer. Which do you prefer, a house with a concrete or asphalt driveway? Future home sales may be facilitated by a concrete driveway, and you’ll probably recoup some of your investment when you do.
Choosing the appropriate contractor
When choosing a concrete contractor, there are several aspects to look into.
Once you’ve chosen a specific concrete contractor, be careful to sign a written contract that specifies the project’s beginning and end dates while accounting for potential weather delays. The contract should expressly disclose any warranties and guarantees. Finally, if any adjustments are necessary, make sure to put them in writing. Call us at: (801) 716-1775
