Is a Concrete Driveway the Best Choice for Your Home?
Whether you are building a driveway for a new home or resurfacing an existing driveway, you have many material options to consider. If you are looking for a durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain option, consider a concrete driveway.
Concrete driveways can be simple and elegant or stamped with various patterns to complement the style of your home. In this article, we'll look at why a concrete driveway might be right for you.
Read on to learn more.
Why Choose a Concrete Driveway?
Many homeowners prefer a concrete driveway because of its strength and durability. It is a more expensive option than asphalt, but because of its long life, concrete driveways are an excellent long-term value.
How long does a concrete driveway last? With proper maintenance, a concrete driveway can last 30 years or more.
Concrete is also less expensive than brick or cobblestone. And concrete lasts a lot longer than these options. If you like the look of brick and cobblestone, you can stamp and stain concrete to look like other materials.
What's the Difference Between Cement and Concrete?
Some people mistake cement for concrete. Cement is one of the ingredients used to make concrete. Concrete is much stronger and more durable than cement.
Cement is fine for small projects like steps or small patios. For larger areas, concrete is the much better option.
DIY or Professional Install?
Pouring a concrete driveway is not an easy task. Although it is possible for you to do it yourself, it requires a level of skill and experience best suited for a professional concrete installer.
Concrete hardens very quickly, so you have to be able to work fast. If there is an existing driveway, you have to excavate it and prepare the site with a gravel base that is graded and compacted. Pouring the concrete into individual forms is time consuming and hard work.
The final step of installation involves "floating the concrete." This is how an installer smooths the surface of the driveway or adds decorative touches. There is a real art to this process.
It's better to hire a professional contractor to install concrete for a driveway in almost every instance.
Finding the Right Contractor
When you look for a concrete installer, ask for references from past customers. It would help if you also asked to see photos of previous work. These may come in handy when you are comparing quotes from different installers.
Review your agreement or contract carefully to make sure you understand the work your installer will perform. Know the thickness of the concrete provided, whether the finish will be smooth or decorative, etc. Ensure you and the installer are clear about the timeline so the driveway will be dry and ready to use when you expect it.
It Doesn't Have to Be a Hard Decision
Choosing a concrete driveway for your home is a smart investment. It will last for decades, and it requires very little maintenance. A concrete driveway is an attractive addition to any home.
When compared to other materials, concrete offers real value in terms of the total cost of ownership. If you're interested in exploring some concrete details for your next driveway, contact us. We'll explore all of your options and prepare a quote right away.