If you search for the best material for driveways on the internet, there’s one that outshines others; that material is concrete. We don’t mean to be biased or to bad mouth other materials, but for us and other driveway expert builders, including Denver Concrete Driveway Pros, it is the best overall material for driveways. Although there are other viable substitutes, concrete by far offers the most beneficial features with minimal drawbacks in driveways. Yes, preferences still matter but if you look closely at specific details, you might change your mind. So, if you are wondering what to choose for your driveway or just looking for answers, this article is for you. Here are more things you need to know about why your driveway must be concrete.
Main Reasons to Choose Concrete
Unbeatable Strength and Durability
Choosing concrete is undoubtedly the best decision to make if you are looking for a durable option that can serve you for ages—its biggest advantage. Its lifespan can range from 30 to 50 years, or even longer if it is well-maintained and built by a seasoned concrete driveway installer. It can also withstand harsh weather conditions such as temperature drops and spikes and bear heavy loads compared to other materials. This makes concrete ideal if you have multiple vehicles or want to future-proof your driveway.
Visual Adaptability
Since aesthetics may depend on the owner’s preference, it’s valid to find other materials more appealing to you. However, this matter is also an advantage of concrete as it is a very flexible material. If you prefer a black-like appearance like asphalt, concrete can be painted to mimic that. If you find pavers more suitable for your landscape, concrete can be stamped. If you want other designs, ask your contractor and concrete could achieve the style or finish you have in mind. You can have the designs that other materials can offer without getting their drawbacks.
Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness
In terms of practicality, you can never go wrong with concrete due to several reasons. Although it may require you to spend more on the initial process, all will be worth it as maintaining it doesn’t require more time, effort, and money, compared to other materials that need different treatment to maintain their good condition. Concrete won’t just impress at first—it’s naturally durable and lasts longer than others with minimal maintenance.
Special Features
Another perk you can get from concrete flexibility is its ability to add different features and customization. One feature you can add is the heated driveway option. For homeowners in colder climates, this feature is beneficial to prevent snow and ice buildup. Concrete paired with a heated driveway system can eliminate the need for constant shoveling or the use of chemicals that can hurt your driveway.
For safety features, concrete provides a stable, non-slip surface that is less likely to develop potholes or become uneven, which makes it a safer option for families with children and elderly people.
Concrete vs Top Alternative Solutions
To give you a better idea, here are the advantages of concrete compared to top substitute materials:
Concrete vs Asphalt
As mentioned, concrete can last 30-50 years or more, if maintained properly. However, asphalt can only last between 15-25 years. Also, asphalt needs sealing every few years. Another thing, if you live where intense heat often strikes, asphalt might not be suitable for your area as it softens in high temperatures. So, with heavy loads, asphalt driveways can be easily deformed.
Concrete vs Gravel
The bad thing about gravel is that it shifts and erodes over time and needs refilling and raking constantly. That is why concrete is easier to drive or walk on, as gravel can be uneven and difficult for pedestrians, making concrete the ideal choice for driveways. Moreover, rain and snow can wash out gravel, but concrete stays intact.
Concrete vs Pavers
Pavers are more expensive compared to concrete and require re-leveling. Shifting and weed growth can also be a problem, which makes pavers more difficult to clean and maintain. Another edge of concrete compared to pavers is that concrete is strong under heavy loads as pavers can shift under pressure from vehicles.
Concrete vs Resin-Bound
Just like asphalt, resin-bound driveways are also weak with intense heat as they can degrade and discolor with UV exposure, and can crack in cold. While resin-bound driveways are expensive, they cannot support large vehicles as well, making concrete far better for driveways.
Although concrete may sound like the perfect material, that doesn’t mean that other substitutes are bad—each serves different purposes depending on the situation and project. This comparison only focused specifically on driveways, which intended to highlight potential challenges with each material and how concrete can be a beneficial choice.
Final Thoughts
With all these strong points stated, may this article help you finalize your decision on what material you should choose for your driveway project. If you are just curious, we hope you learned something and made yourself smarter than you were yesterday. Contact your driveway contractor today and good luck with your concrete driveway!
