If you are looking into buying or building a new home, one of the first things you will need to decide on is the driveway. There are several concrete driveway benefits that you can enjoy. Concrete driveways have been one of the best driveways on the market for some time. They may cost more money upfront, but in the long run, you will save money because they are more durable and will outlast other materials that are being used for driveways. Many people are unsure which type is the best because there are so many different options available. In fact, there are so many options that it can be easy to become confused when choosing. There are advantages to both types of driveways, and it all depends on personal preference. Here are some of the main benefits of asphalt and concrete driveway installation options.
One of the biggest concrete driveway benefits is its longevity. One of the biggest drawbacks of driveways made from concrete is that they can quickly crack or become damaged from ice, rain, and other weather elements. This longevity enables homeowners to receive the greatest return for their investment and lets the attractive and sleek appearance of asphalt remain for years without being damaged.
Concrete driveways are also much less expensive than asphalt ones. They can also be used in more temperate climates without fear of concrete being turned to gravel during the winter. The cost of concrete driveways can vary widely depending on the size and style. Larger concrete driveways are generally more expensive than smaller asphalt ones.
Along with the longevity, another one of the concrete driveway benefits is that it is one of the lowest-cost options available. If you want a driveway that lasts a long time, is highly durable and still looks nice, then you should consider concrete. While asphalt may seem like a lesser alternative somehow, many advantages go along with asphalt, and one of those advantages is cost.
Asphalt driveways can come in a variety of colors, styles, designs, and sizes. Different concrete driveways are made by different manufacturers such as Behr, Quikrete, EPDM, and others. The price of an asphalt driveway will range from affordable to extremely costly, but it all comes down to your individual needs and the amount you are willing to spend. It is not uncommon to see asphalt prices cheaper in some local areas than others.
One of the biggest concrete driveway benefits is its durability. Since concrete is a natural material, it is more resistant to stains and damage than asphalt. However, you need to apply a sealant to a concrete driveway at least once a year to keep it looking great. This process does not take long and is usually done by Concrete Driveways to ensure your concrete driveway lasts a very long time without damage. Some concrete driveways have sealants applied as a single coating, while others need to be painted or stained.
A concrete driveway’s lifetime cost is considerably lower than asphalt driveways. This is because of how durable concrete driveways really are. They can often last over thirty years with little or no maintenance. Asphalt driveways typically only have a life span of ten years before they start to crack and fall apart. This all depends on the type of asphalt used, of course, and there are many different types of asphalt that have different life spans, so it pays to talk to a contractor about your needs.
If you live in an area that receives heavy snowfall, concrete driveways will prove themselves to be very useful. They can better bear the weight of snow that is blown through them, keeping your home relatively warm compared to asphalt driveways. If you prefer to use concrete for your driveway, you can always build up a pile first to allow for expansion later on. When it is time to lay the concrete, you will not need to scrape or chip the existing surface as you will with asphalt. Concrete is very durable when laid properly.
Although concrete driveway benefits are great, many homeowners and commercial businesses use concrete because it is much easier to maintain and is less prone to damages than asphalt. Asphalt is very susceptible to damage from hail, cracking, and denting. These damages will make the driveway look terrible and will even require expensive repairs. If you are worried about the appearance of your concrete driveway, you can seal it with a sealant before painting or staining it. This will protect your driveway and keep it looking brand new.