Concrete is a favorite material for driveways, and for good reason. Concrete slabs are very strong and durable, and require very little maintenance. The combination of strength and longevity make concrete relatively good value for money for large areas of paving. Concrete is an excellent material for the driveway.
It is versatile, preferred for its durability, appearance, low maintenance and indicates quality construction from the first glance. A concrete path does it all. A lower initial cost is the main benefit of an asphalt driveway. For some, budgetary considerations may drive their decision to opt for asphalt.
If you live in an area with hot, sunny summers, concrete is a wise choice, as it reflects heat and light rather than absorbing them. The workers will prepare the site, construct the concrete forms, add reinforcement bars if necessary, place the concrete, and then smooth it out. Sealing the concrete driveway is a finishing option that helps keep the driveway in good condition longer. If your concrete inlet ever needs to be replaced, it can be crushed and recycled at the end of its useful life.
While joints control cracking in most cases, even well-assembled concrete can crack in places other than joints. According to the American Concrete Pavement Association, up to 27% of the light that falls on a concrete surface will be reflected, compared to just 5% of the light from asphalt pavements. Concrete is more difficult to repair and patched stains are usually quite obvious, unless you plan to re-pave the entire driveway. Once you become the proud owner of a concrete driveway, it won't take much effort on your part to maintain its best appearance for many years to come.
In general, there are many factors to consider when choosing between an asphalt driveway or a concrete driveway. The predominant raw material for cement in concrete is limestone, the most abundant mineral on Earth. Contractors are very capable of evaluating how to prepare the concrete base and pour the concrete so that it maintains the proper quality. Since the built-in energy costs of a concrete driveway are lower, it's a more environmentally friendly paving solution.
Even plain concrete can vary in color, especially if the project requires more than one concrete load or if the concrete locations are done on different days. A house with a concrete driveway in good condition will sell more quickly than a house without a finished road. Asphalt inlets need to be sealed every 3 to 5 years, but concrete entrances only need a little bit of sealant to concrete repair the small cracks that may appear over time.
