When it comes to driveways, asphalt seems to be the more popular choice of material for putting one together. However, it may not necessarily be the best choice given your needs and it might be prudent to seek an alternative. Concrete, on the other hand, is an extremely versatile material used in a lot of major construction projects.
In putting together a house, it helps to have a concrete contractor lay the foundation for a sturdier home build as well as putting together other structures for your property, so why not have your driveway done as well? How much of this versatility is transferable to one of the entrances to your home? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you would want to get a concrete driveway contractor as soon as possible and invest in a new driveway.
Cost Concerns
At the start, getting an asphalt driveway might be more appealing due to its low upfront cost. The initial investment would sound like such a good deal since you’re not putting down as much money. However, asphalt construction can come with frequent and costly maintenance costs so what you do save upfront would still eat up your budget later on.
Concrete is a bit more low maintenance, given how durable it is and less prone to deformities so you would have fewer issues in terms of damages that will bring in repair costs. A good concrete company will also bring in less troublesome equipment compared to what an asphalt installation requires.
Heat and Energy Management
Concrete absorbs significantly less heat than asphalt does, making it cooler to the touch and lessens whatever effect this may have on things that make contact with it. In consistently cooler climates and weather, the heat absorbed by asphalt can be a huge advantage but would overall be potentially harmful and inconvenient in other circumstances.
Asphalt also needs incredibly high temperatures to prepare the material for installation as opposed to the low energy requirements to prepare a batch of concrete, making it the more environmentally-friendly option to go with.
Durability and Load Bearing Capacity
Asphalt is a considerably more flexible material than concrete, which can be a major feature in some circumstances. But these can become a flaw in situations where the surface has to take on a particularly heavy load. The flexibility allows for asphalt to distribute the weight a bit easier at the cost of flexing and deforming over time. This may cause rutting and uneven surfaces that can be potentially hazardous.
On the other hand, concrete makes for a more rigid material that can take on heavier loads. While your personal effects may not be heavy enough to dent asphalt, you never know when your driveway would need to take on a heavier load.
Maintenance
Asphalt can potentially ooze oils during hot weather, making it incredibly sticky, uncomfortable, inconvenient, and potentially hazardous. You will not have this issue with a concrete driveway in place. At most, your cleaning concerns can be settled with an ordinary garden hose or a broom.
Concrete is also easier to treat with sealants during cold weather and is less likely to be significantly damaged by ice and snow. When it comes to repairs, there is less setup and equipment needed for concrete structures compared to asphalt. This will save you a lot of time, effort, and expenses as concrete can even allow you a lot of do-it-yourself options.
Design and Functionality
Concrete is more customizable and aesthetically appealing compared to asphalt. There is not much room to play around with designs when it comes to asphalt, but there are numerous ways to make concrete work for your design advantage.
Concrete can be molded to fit a certain look as well as serve certain functions better, such as having strategically placed gaps for water to flow through during rainy seasons or to have space for planters in order to enhance your driveway’s designs. There’s a lot more possibility for customizing based on your needs and preferences.
Concrete is also highly preferred by property assessors, which means a concrete driveway can potentially add more value to your property.
With all this in mind, a concrete driveway will surely be a significantly smarter and worthwhile investment in your home design planning or renovation.
