Top Three Advantages of Concrete Driveways Over Asphalt
Are you looking to install a new driveway in your home? When it comes to residential driveway installation, you have two main paving materials to choose from — concrete and asphalt. Both of these materials have unique properties, advantages and disadvantages that should be reviewed before deciding which one is best for your driveway construction needs.
Below are some fantastic reasons to choose concrete over asphalt.
Concrete Driveways Last Longer
Concrete and asphalt are suitable construction materials for driveways because they provide a hard surface that can withstand vehicular traffic for many years. But if you're looking to lay a driveway that will deliver maximum durability, concrete is the go-to option.
Concrete is stronger and more rigid than asphalt, so it can carry heavier loads. For an asphalt driveway to match the load-carrying capacity of concrete, a thicker pavement would be required. What's more, asphalt absorbs heat faster than concrete owing to its black colour. When exposed to higher-than-normal temperatures, asphalt will become soft and start to crack. This will reduce the lifespan of the pavement.
Concrete is a better choice for areas with an extremely hot climate because it's more resistant to high temperatures.
Concrete Driveways Require Less Maintenance
Both concrete and asphalt driveways require some TLC to remain looking pristine and to last as long as possible, but concrete generally requires less upkeep.
Asphalt loses its original colour and structural soundness faster than concrete, so it needs to be repaired and resealed more frequently. If you opt to maintain your driveway yourself, you may end up spending a considerable amount of time doing the job. If you pay a professional to do it for you, the costs can add up.
A concrete driveway minimises the amount of time or money that you'll spend maintaining your driveway over its entire lifespan.
Concrete Driveways Come in a Wider Variety of Decorative Options
Sure, you can always opt for coloured mix asphalt if you don't like the black colour of traditional asphalt. But if you're looking for more freedom when it comes to designing your driveway, you should consider the decorative options that concrete has to offer.
In addition to offering a selection of colour options, concrete is available in a variety of decorative designs, styles, and finishes that can turn a plain-looking driveway into a sight for sore eyes. For example, stamped concrete is a popular choice for residential driveways because it can be combined with colouring agents to replicate the look of natural stone, such as flagstone and cobblestone.
Concrete driveways generally cost more to install than their asphalt cousins. However, they offer more value for your money because they last longer and require less maintenance. Contact a contractor who offers concreting services today to discuss your driveway installation needs.
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