Concrete is a common, sturdy material to use for driveways. Still, it’s far from the only option. But what would make someone choose one material over the other? This blog explores how concrete rose to popularity as an option for paving driveways and why it might not be the best option for everyone.
Concrete’s Claim to Fame
Many believe concrete is the ideal driveway material because it’s the perfect combination of durability and longevity. It’s a mixture of different stone aggregates and water that stands the test of time better than most other options.
Other popular options include brick, pavers, or gravel. This could be because of aesthetics, affordability, or just personal preference. And while each option has its unique combination of benefits, none have yet to topple concrete’s spot as the top pick for driveways.
Pros
What makes concrete so attractive as an option for driveways? Here are the benefits of going with this material over others.
Curb Appeal
Of all the many choices for a driveway, concrete is one of the most versatile in terms of aesthetics. It’s a known classic, so it will look great with virtually every property.
Additionally, it’s going to be more attractive to a wider variety of potential buyers should you ever decide to sell. And it won’t just look appealing; enhanced curb appeal has been shown to increase home values.
Durability
Concrete is also beloved for its ability to withstand heavy loads without breaking or cracking. It holds up well in inclement weather compared to other driveway-building materials, too.
This makes investing in a concrete driveway an excellent long-term option. It means you’re much less likely to need many repairs and replacements — provided you can keep the concrete maintained.
Flexibility With Appearance
Baseline concrete looks fantastic with most homes, but another benefit of concrete is that it’s easy to customize to your liking. You can incorporate different finishes, colors, and textures to seamlessly complement your home’s exterior.
With truly limitless choices, homeowners don’t feel held back by their vision like they might with other materials. This is particularly important for those who want something that looks wholly original or want to use their driveway to make a statement.
Low-Maintenance
Compared to materials like asphalt, concrete is significantly less of a hassle to maintain. For example, asphalt will deteriorate much faster, requiring you to find a way to consistently fix your driveway.
Cons
Realistically, concrete isn’t for everyone. No building material is perfect, and there are some aspects of concrete that many would view as negative.
Cost
There’s no denying that concrete’s hardiness makes it worth the investment. However, it is often more expensive to install than other options.
In terms of price, it’s still a viable choice to consider once you look at the big picture, as investing in concrete will enable you to save money over the course of a few years. Still, the initial cost is worth mentioning because it might turn people off entirely if they feel that it falls outside of their price range.
Wait Time
It’s usually not a huge issue for most, but concrete takes time to cure. The curing process doesn’t take long in the grand scheme of things, usually only about a week. But that can pose a real inconvenience for some homeowners. If you count yourself among them, chances are concrete isn’t for you. But the wait is worth it if you can manage it.
Problems in Extreme Cold
While concrete is undeniably strong year-round, there is one time of the year when it struggles more than others: winter. Extreme cold can cause concrete to buckle or crack, resulting in some unsightly issues with your driveway that aren’t always cheap to fix.
The good news is that this can often be avoided if you properly winterize your concrete. But even a winterized concrete driveway will have a tougher time withstanding the bitter cold temperatures than other materials.
The Concrete Truth
With the pros and cons out in the open, what’s the general consensus on concrete? While the benefits clearly outweigh the cons, there are enough cons for it to not necessarily be for everyone. Still, the drawbacks are often easily avoidable or aren’t enough of a problem for many homeowners looking for a quality building material.
No matter what, though, the decision will all come down to personal preference. And since no two situations are the same, each one will require a different approach. However, concrete is a universally wise option for most homeowners looking to pave their driveways. It’s safe, long-lasting, looks great, and doesn’t require as much upkeep as other options.
If you’re ready to commit to concrete, then you need quality concrete from industry professionals. Contact Viking Concrete today to learn more about our services.
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