Concrete driveways cost somewhat more than asphalt driveways. However, there are a number of benefits to having a concrete driveway over an asphalt one. Here are 4 benefits of concrete driveways over asphalt.
Lower Lifetime Cost
Concrete driveways last, on average, nearly twice as long as an asphalt driveway. So, while it is cheaper to put in an asphalt driveway today, you’ll likely be doing it again in 12 to 15 years compared to the 27 to 30 years for putting in a concrete driveway. Depending on how well you maintain it, it could even last fifty years, such as when you have it sealed every year or two. You can visit https://porch.com/project-cost/concrete-driveway to estimate the cost of installing a concrete driveway.
Reduced Maintenance
Maintaining a concrete driveway is simple. It usually needs to be hosed down once in a while. You can choose to have it sealed, and this is a good investment since it protects the concrete from the elements. But you don’t have to do this every year, and if you don’t do it at all, the concrete driveway will still last longer than one made from asphalt.
Another benefit of concrete driveways is that it isn’t going to degrade on exposure to various petroleum products. You don’t have to clean up spills of motor oil and gasoline before it damages the asphalt driveway. There’s no such problem when you change the oil on your concrete driveway. This is aside from the fact that you’ll never have to worry about the asphalt getting so hot that it becomes sticky, potentially damaging your tires or shoes, or just leaving nasty black streaks as you pull into the garage on a hot summer day.
Versatility
If you want the concrete driveway to look like one made from paver stones, it can be stamped with imprints to give it exactly that look. If you like the look of a rock driveway, you could have a layer of pebbles embedded in the concrete while still having a more durable surface than asphalt, all while knowing you’ll never end up with the muddy mess gravel driveways can turn into. You could have colorants mixed into the concrete so that it resembles the soil or reflects your artistic tastes.There is also other driveway finishing ideas that can spruce up your driveway. These will even help in your concrete driveway’s versatility.
It Handles the Heavy Loads
This is one reason why highways are made from concrete and not asphalt. An asphalt driveway is prone to being permanently deformed when you park heavy vehicles on them. Even a bike or motorcycle kickstand could indent the surface. Dolly wheels for trailers have to be put on pads to prevent indentations on the surface if you have an asphalt driveway.
Concrete driveways don’t have this issue. Likewise, a concrete driveway won’t get scuffed if someone with power steering is turning the tires while the vehicle is stationary. Compare this to the warnings that you shouldn’t let the bike kickstand rest on the asphalt early in its life if you don’t want it to show.
Concrete driveways have a lower lifetime cost compared to asphalt driveways. Concrete driveways need less maintenanceand are quite versatile, so you can have them look like almost any type of material.
I liked that you said that one reason to consider having a concrete driveway installed on your property is that it will prevent erosion and degrading from different products. I have been thinking about having a driveway installed in front of my home but I haven’t been sure which material to use. I will be sure to have concrete installed in order to ensure longevity and durability.
Even when concrete gets old and cracked, I feel it is still worth it. You can keep it sealed, stain it or polish it to bring it back to life. And it by far outlasts any gravel, dirt or even blacktop driveway. Just thinking out loud. : )
Great article! here in aus due to the extreme heat, concrete is alot more prominent in driveways than asphalt, so we definitely agree about the longevity factors! black top asphalt in the aussie sun is extremely painful in summer
Thank you for mentioning that one of the many benefits concrete driveway is that it prevents erosion. My wife and I are planning to install a driveway. I will be sure to speak with a professional contractor and have a concrete driveway install for better longevity.
Really great article clearly explaining some of the biggest benefits of concrete. I always find it amazing that high quality concrete jobs can last over twice as long as asphalt and other popular building materials! Not to mention, you can do so much more with concrete (stamping, staining, etc.) Thanks for the interesting article!
Nice post. My wife is tired of dealing with our concrete driveway and would love to have a driveway that looks like pavers! I do know the benefits of its low maintenance and beauty in the long term. It seems that I could make a transformation to our driveway as a gift to her birthday next month! I think it could be completely transformed within 3 days but I wonder could it be less than two days, I’m looking for some paving contractors right now! Share with me if you are interested, thanks
Thanks for the share. You have a good point and I like the tips mentioned here. It gave me some perspective insights, especially for concrete form contractors ma and concrete driveway concerns! We’ll make sure to keep this in mind. Thanks and good job!
Good share. Thanks for sharing this insightful post. It’s great that you point out that concrete driveways and concrete form contractors ma are very aesthetically appealing. I want my home to have a beautiful driveway, so I’m thinking about having a concrete one installed. Keep sharing!
It’s great that you point out that concrete driveways are very aesthetically appealing. I want my home to have a beautiful driveway, so I’m thinking about having a concrete one installed. I’m going to search for a good business in the area that can install a concrete driveway for me. Goodluck!
It is the fact that concrete driveways are more useful than asphalt because they are cost-effective and required no maintenance.