Concrete driveways have stood the test of time. They’re a cheap and reliable option for any home or business that needs an outside covered walkway or driveway. There are many different options here at https://www.concretecompanyjacksonvillefl.com/ for concrete driveways. Here are some things to consider when choosing driveways for your home or business.
The first thing to consider when buying concrete driveways is how they’ll be installed. Are you looking for a do-it-yourself installation or will you hire a contractor to come in and do the work? Do you want a sealed or unfinished surface? Sealed driveways are a lot easier to maintain and keep clean than unfinished ones, but can also cost more depending on what company you choose. Unfinished concrete driveways are the easiest to maintain, but they tend to get stained quickly because of the elements, which can lead to costly repairs.
The durability of concrete driveways has improved a great deal over the past decade or so. There’s no question that concrete has a lot of advantages over other materials. One of the biggest advantages of concrete is the fact that it’s extremely durable. Homeowners can drive on them without fear of cracking, and they won’t crack if they’ve been properly sealed. If you live in an area where snowfall is common, this is a major advantage. Because concrete is an absorbent material, it holds snow and ice much better than other types of driveway options, and homeowners can even put snowplows on top of concrete driveways to remove the weight.
Of course, you don’t have to worry about maintenance with concrete driveways. Since they’re made out of plastic and sealant, they don’t retain moisture well, making them easy to maintain. Plus, you don’t have to scrape or sand them very often, which makes maintenance a lot easier than with asphalt driveway designs. You will have to scrape away any snow or ice buildup that may be sitting on top, but you can expect your covered entryway to last for decades. In fact, many home improvement stores will sell you a two-year warranty on the tops of concrete driveways. If you take good care of your concrete driveway, it could actually last for a lifetime.
Of course, a concrete driveway can incur some issues as well. Asphalt driveways commonly get stained with oil, grease, and other debris. This is usually unavoidable because you can’t prevent oil, grease, and other pollutants from seeping into your driveway. But concrete driveways can’t be sealed like asphalt ones can, so these stains can be extremely difficult to remove. Some homeowners even try painting them white, but this process leaves stains on the surface of the driveway, and it can actually make the problems worse.
With these pros and cons of concrete driveways, it’s no wonder that they are becoming more popular among homeowners. Compared to these options, they are considerably less expensive, especially if you compare them to asphalt alternatives. Plus, you can expect them to last for at least a decade without major damage. The price is also worth noting because they are made from recycled materials. Homeowners don’t have to worry about harming the environment when they are making their way to and from work or school.
Homeowners who want a more practical driveway option will appreciate cement driveways. They are long-lasting, durable, and slip resistant, making them a great choice for homeowners with limited mobility. On the downside, these driveways are not always the best choice for areas with a lot of traffic because of how easily they can be damaged. You also need to have them painted every few years to prevent dullness and cracking, which can be costly.
Pavers are another alternative that many homeowners turn to when they want to improve the exterior of their home without spending a fortune. They are available in a wide range of colours and are quite easy to maintain. However, they do require a lot of labour, and you may have to replace them every 30 years or so, depending on how much you use them and how well they are maintained. Plus, if you live in an area where there is heavy rainfall or snowfall, you won’t have to worry about your concrete driveway sliding or getting damaged by extreme temperatures.