When homeowners are considering ways to improve and update the exterior of their homes, a new driveway is one of the first major projects they undertake. In addition to creating a path to your home, a new driveway will also provide a smooth surface for cars. Therefore, it is critical to understand that your driveway is often subject to a lot of pressure and the rate of wear and tear on your driveway will be higher than other parts of your home that receive foot traffic. This can be attributed to the weight and friction that vehicles of different descriptions generally generate.
Concrete driveways are quite common today, mainly due to the strength and durability that concrete offers; which is exactly what most people want in a driveway. These are the benefits of having a concrete driveway.
1. Versatility especially in design
Concrete driveways are not limited to flat slab finishes and slate gray colors. Your concrete driveway can be stained any color to provide a striking and unique addition to your home. In addition, the concrete can be textured and polished to offer greater design flexibility. This makes concrete more versatile than most driveway materials. Concrete can also be stamped with a pattern to look like mosaic, paver, brick, or other patterns. Since concrete can be stained in a variety of colors, a concrete driveway can enhance curb appeal by adding character and warmth to the exterior of your home.
2. Functionality
Whether you have a large SUV or a subcompact car, your car weighs hundreds or thousands of pounds. Concrete is a highly functional material, especially when it comes to long-term structural strength and integrity. This is the main reason why most parking lots, roads and bridges are built with concrete. A concrete driveway can last up to thirty years or even more with minimal maintenance. It needs repair, finishing and replacement less often than gravel and asphalt driveways. On the other hand, concrete does not need to be re-sealed or resurfaced and it is easier to remove dirt and snow from the path.
3. Concrete is a profitable option
The initial cost of installing a concrete driveway is not the cheapest, the maintenance cost is quite low over its lifetime and this means it is cheaper than most materials in the long run.
4. Concrete reflects light
This is an added benefit for homeowners because the ability to reflect light generally means you need less electrical lighting to keep your home lit, especially at night. This could also deter intruders. Furthermore, the concrete stays cool even in summer due to its light colour.
5. Simple maintenance
Maintaining concrete driveways is relatively simple because stains can be removed with mild soap and warm water. For stubborn stains, you can rub the area with a dry granular cleaner. However, if you choose to install a polished concrete driveway, you may need to apply a tropical sealer regularly to protect the finish. Additionally, polishing can restore lost shine and gloss.
Installing a concrete driveway is one of the best ways to add value to your property, especially if you’re looking to sell or rent in the future.
