7 Reasons to Have a Concrete Driveway: The Pros of this Essential Home Feature

When it comes to driveways, there are a few different materials that you can choose from. You can go with asphalt, gravel, or concrete. Many people opt for asphalt or gravel because they think that concrete is too expensive. But what not a lot of people consider are the many benefits of having a concrete driveway. In this blog post, we will discuss seven of them. If you are on the fence about whether or not to install a concrete driveway, read on. You may be surprised at all the great reasons to go with this option!

1. Life Cycle Cost

While asphalt and gravel driveways may have a lower upfront cost, concrete driveways actually save you money in the long run. Asphalt needs to be resealed every few years and gravel can get scattered and lost over time. This is because of the disintegration and distortion being caused by vehicles driving over them and due to the exposure to UV radiation, oxidation, water, and other chemicals.

Concrete, on the other hand, is extremely durable and low maintenance. Once properly installed, concrete driveway will last for decades with very little upkeep required. On average, concrete lasts 50-60 percent longer as compared to asphalt. This means that you will save money in the long run by not having to repair or replace your driveway as often.

2. Heat and Light Resistance

In line with the less UV radiation as compared to asphalt, concrete is also more heat resistant. This means that it will not soften and melt in high temperatures the way that asphalt does.

This quality is also beneficial in terms of light reflectivity. Asphalt gets darker as time goes on and absorbs more heat, which can result in a much hotter driveway (and increase the risk of melting). Concrete, on the other hand, is very good at reflecting light and heat. This can help to keep your driveway cooler in the summer months, making it more comfortable to walk on.

3. Curb Appeal

Concrete driveways also have a lot of curb appeal. They are smooth and sleek, and can come in a variety of colors and finishes. From having a traditional light gray surface to adding in a decorative design, concrete offers a lot of options in terms of appearance. And since it is so easy to clean, you can be sure that your driveway will always look its best.

Asphalt and gravel driveways tend to have a more dull and boring appearance. They are also more likely to crack and crumble over time, which can make your whole house look unkempt. This is not the case with concrete, which will always give your home a polished and put-together look.

Three Types of Decorative Concrete Surfaces

There are many types of decorative concrete, but three of the most popular are stamped concrete, exposed aggregate, and stenciled concrete.

Stamped Concrete: This type of decorative concrete involves imprinting a design onto wet concrete before it dries. You can find stamps in a variety of shapes and sizes, which allows you to create all sorts of interesting patterns.

Aggregate Concrete: This type of concrete is created by mixing small stones or pebbles into the wet concrete mix. Once it dries, the stones are then exposed to the surface for a unique and natural look.

Concrete Pavers: Concrete pavers are small, individual tiles that are made from concrete. They are often used to create patterns and designs on driveways and walkways.

4. Environmental Friendliness

Another great reason to choose concrete for your driveway is that it is environmentally friendly. When concrete is produced, there are very few emissions released into the atmosphere. And since it lasts so long, you won’t have to replace it as often, which further reduces your carbon footprint.

Asphalt production, on the other hand, is very harmful to the environment. The process of making asphalt emits a lot of toxic chemicals into the air, which can be detrimental to both human health and the environment.

5. Capacity for Vehicle Weight

If you have a big family or often have guests over, you know that your driveway needs to be able to accommodate a lot of weight. Concrete is very strong and can support the weight of multiple vehicles without cracking or crumbling.

An asphalt driveway is also fairly strong, but they are not as durable as concrete. This means that they are more likely to crack under the weight of heavy vehicles. Gravel driveways are even less durable and are not recommended for homes with multiple vehicles. Which makes concrete the clear winner when it comes to strength and durability.

6. No Messy Surface Issues

One of the things that homeowners deal with asphalt driveways is the evaporative oils that seep up to the surface after installation. This can make your driveway look and feel oily, which is both unsightly and dangerous. This can then get in your house as you walk through it wearing your shoes or tracking it in with your car. And during summer, this can make your driveway situation worse.

But by having a concrete surface on your driveway, you won’t have to worry about this at all. After the concrete dries out, the oils will no longer be able to seep up. So you can rest assured knowing that your driveway is safe and clean.

7. Increases Your Property's Resale Value

Probably one of the best reasons to have a concrete driveway is that it increases your property's resale value. A concrete driveway gives your home a luxurious look and feels that will definitely impress potential buyers. It also shows that you have made a wise investment in your home, which will further increase its resale value.

Asphalt and gravel driveways do not have the same luxurious look and feel like concrete. And since they are not as durable, they will need to be replaced more often. This can actually decrease your property's resale value, so it is something to keep in mind when making your decision.

Consult With a Professional For Your Concrete Driveways needs

Now that you know all the reasons to have a concrete driveway, it's time to consult with a professional. They will be able to help you choose the right type of concrete for your needs and budget. And they will also be able to install it correctly so that you can enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.

If you're in the Denver, Co, or a nearby area, Denver Concrete Inc. is a great option for all your concrete services and needs. Their one of the leading concrete contractors in the area and have a lot of experience with concrete driveways. So if you're looking to install a new driveway or replace your old one, feel free to get in touch with them by visiting their website: https://www.coloradoconcreteco.com/.