For exemplary purposes, concrete is a popular choice for driveways. Concrete slabs are excellent and long-lasting, and they require very little upkeep. Concrete is a relatively good value for vast areas of paving because of its strength and durability. As a driveway surface, concrete is more expensive than dirt or asphalt. Still, it is substantially less expensive than a driveway made of brick, cobblestone, or concrete pavers—and it outlasts both of them.
Concrete can be colored and stamped to produce a unique and appealing surface, even though plain concrete can be very bland in appearance.
Advantages
A concrete driveway will not only increase the value of your home but will also enhance its appearance. Concrete driveways are also considered to have a long-lasting and more robust surface in terms of potential maintenance. Concrete pavements are famous in areas with heavy snowfall because they can withstand long periods of freezing.
Over the summer, a concrete driveway is much more relaxed than an asphalt driveway. The concrete also does not soften in extreme weather, keeping the owners safe and comfortable.
Concrete driveways are also highly durable, withstand the weight of even the most powerful vehicles.
Concrete as a Construction Material. Cement is also used interchangeably with concrete, but cement is just one of the materials that make up concrete. Concrete is a construction substance made up of different stone aggregate types held together by a water-lime-based binder, most commonly Portland cement. Cement is a fine powder that is made from pulverized limestone and clay. The aggregate size in the concrete mixture will vary depending on the concrete’s intended use. Concrete is reinforced in many applications by embedding steel metal reinforcement wire or rebar inside the slab. Other ingredients, such as agents that increase strength or slow drying time, may be applied during the mixing process.
While concrete driveways are more expensive to build than asphalt driveways, the former has a longer lifespan. In the long run, it becomes a sound financial investment.
While concrete driveways are more expensive to build than asphalt driveways, the former has a longer lifespan. In the long run, it becomes a sound financial investment.
Longevity and Costs. Concrete driveways will last anywhere between 25 and 50 years, depending on how well they were constructed and how well they were maintained. A specialist crew can charge $4 to $10 per square foot to install a simple concrete driveway over a gravel foundation. If you want a colored or stamped finish, however, these costs can nearly double.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of a concrete driveway are minor in comparison to the many benefits it offers.
When it comes to making a beautiful driveway, simple concrete might not be the best option. Though it is possible to stamp on it and color-etch it, these decorative treatments necessitate further surface maintenance and do not last as long as plain concrete.
Concrete slabs require annual maintenance, specifically sealing, to ensure their longevity. Furthermore, leaked oils and fluids from vehicles can leave permanent stains that are difficult to remove. Many people believe that concrete driveways are practically maintenance-free, but it is essential to keep the driveway clean and sealed to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. A good scrubbing with a hose and stiff brush usually takes care of the washing, and a coat of concrete sealer adds protection. At least once a year, a sealer should be added. If you live in a snowy place, the best time to seal a driveway is in the fall to ensure that it can survive road salts and harsh winter conditions.
While color etching and stamping are possible, concrete is not the most appealing building material. On the other hand, these decorative treatments necessitate further upkeep and do not usually last as long as plain concrete.
Concrete cannot be mounted without the assistance of a specialist for large projects. It entails a lot of hard work, so hiring professionals like our concrete driveway contractors is the best choice.
For large projects, concrete is not a very DIY-friendly material. Since pouring a concrete driveway entails a lot of hard work, most people choose to hire a professional to do it.
With all of these factors in mind, our company has been working to provide the best concrete driveway installation possible so that people can receive the most reliable driveways and assist in their skilled installation. We also recruit the best concrete driveway contractors for houses that have a wealth of experience and knowledge.