When it comes to a new driveway installation, your two main choices are asphalt and concrete. Asphalt can be a good choice, but we think concrete is the better option and here’s why!
Concrete is less high maintenance.
Asphalt regularly needs to be resealed every three to five years, just to make it to the expected “20-year lifespan” it’s said to have. As well as, after the installation of the asphalt, you have to seal it just 6 months later. Not only is this expensive enough to outweigh the money you might save choosing asphalt over concrete, but it’s an extreme hassle to set aside time to get a contractor to come back to your home to seal your driveway every so often.
Concrete has a lifespan of about 30 to 40 years, and that’s without factoring in sealing. You can still stain your concrete driveway if you’d like though, since it does help preserve the concrete even better and minimizes the chance for any accidental staining. Periodically pressure washing your concrete driveway is the only real maintenance you might ever need to do, making it a great choice for those that want to save time and money on driveway upkeep.
Concrete is highly durable.
For a regular concrete driveway installation, the slab will be at least 4 inches thick. This is a great base for a highly durable driveway. With each additional inch of thickness, the weight carrying capacity will increase by 50%, allowing for more durability as it’s driven over with multiple vehicles daily over years and years.
Asphalt will vary in thickness, ranging from 4 to 6 inches. It’s quite a flexible material, which can be good, but also it can mean permanent dents if you part your vehicle in the same spot every day over an extended period of time.
Concrete increases resale value.
Many homeowners much prefer the look of concrete, and this means home with concrete driveways will go for a higher price when selling. Since concrete can have different color variations and patterns and edging and asphalt cannot, concrete does more for a home’s curb appeal than the competing option. All in all, concrete just allows for a more unique and tailored look for homeowners.
With the option to do decorative concrete as well, adding stones and bricks to the design or even utilizing stamps to get the look of other materials, the possibilities are endless. For those with very specific tastes, a stamped concrete driveway is sure to meet your expectations with ease!
Pools By Brannon doesn’t just do swimming pool and hot tub construction, we are the best choice for outdoor living and concrete construction in the Brazos Valley. If you’re interested in a free quote on a concrete driveway for your home, or any other outdoor living or pool related project you have in mind, give us a call or fill out the form on our contact page to get in touch with us!
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