Top 8 Reasons to Choose Concrete Driveway

When homeowners consider a home upgrade, the first thing that should come to mind is the driveway. The best way to enhance the curb appeal of your home is to install a new concrete driveway in Melbourne. Aside from the aesthetics, a new concrete driveway will provide the ideal surface for your vehicles, bikes, and skateboards anda place for children to play. Of course, there are some significant factors to consider when installing a new driveway; asphalt and other materials have advantages and disadvantages, but there are several advantages to using concrete as your driveway material.

1. Lifecycle Expense

The primary advantage of an asphalt driveway is the lower initial cost. Budgetary considerations may influence some people's decision to use asphalt.

A concrete driveway, on the other hand, lasts longer. A concrete driveway has a service life of approximately 50-60% longer than an asphalt driveway. Because of UV radiation, oxidation, water, and chemicals, asphalt becomes prone to cracking, disintegration, and distortion, and therefore, needs regular maintenance. As a result, higher maintenance costs offset the lower initial cost of asphalt. So, in this context, the concrete driveway stands as cost-effective.

2. Curb Appeal

Although creative design options exist, many prefer the standard light grey surface. Coloured concrete is the solution for homeowners seeking a darker surface. If you choose a stamped concrete surface, it will add a pleasing texture that often blends well with the architectural design of a home. Exposed aggregates provide a highly textured, three-dimensional appearance.

3. Reaction to Heat and Light

Do you want asphalt's heat absorption or concrete's heat reflectance? Concrete pavements are cooler than asphalt pavements because they absorb less UV radiation. To appreciate the difference, try and compare walking on both surfaces on a hot day. Although the heat absorption of asphalt is advantageous in the winter, this advantage is offset by the results of having a hotter driveway in the summer.

The light reflectance of standard concrete also reduces lighting requirements. Because asphalt absorbs so much light, an asphalt driveway may require one-third more lighting than a concrete driveway—energy savings from a concrete driveway in Melbourne compound over time.

4. Load-Bearing Capacity

Concrete is a stiff, inflexible material that can withstand greater loads than asphalt. Trucks or heavy loads may cause rutting or other damage because, according to asphalt companies in Melbourne, asphalt expands. Consider the possibility of different heavy vehicles driving onto your property in addition to a large truck .

5. Maintenance

Using contraction joints and penetrating sealers can help reduce concrete maintenance costs. Clear sealers provide resistance to deicers and moisture absorption. Contraction joints isolate cracking caused by concrete shrinkage.

The binder begins to dry out the day an asphalt drive is installed. Periodic seal coating is required to slow this process. Even with regular resealing, an asphalt driveway does not typically last as long as a concrete one.

6. Surface Characteristics

When you install an asphalt driveway in Melbourne, evaporative oils are released that might stick on the soles of shoes. If an oily or corrosive compound gets on the asphalt surface, you may track sticky, oily material into your home or vehicle. It is especially true in hot weather. This type of dissolution does not occur on the surface of a concrete driveway.

7. Environmental Concerns

A concrete driveway in Melbourne is a more environmentally friendly paving solution due to its lower embodied energy costs. In other words, it takes less energy to produce and place concrete.

In contrast, mixing asphalt requires significant energy to the required 200-250 degrees F. Every 3-5 years, seal coating an asphalt driveway in Melbourne consumes more petroleum products. Finally, a driveway that lasts longer uses less energy during future replacement cycles.

8. Resale Value

Do you intend to put your house on the market at some point? If this is the case, put yourself in the shoes of potential buyers for a moment. Do you want a house with an asphalt or concrete driveway? A concrete driveway can help you sell your home in the future, and you'll most likely recoup some of your investment.

Contact Professionals for Best Concrete Driveway

As you can see, a concrete driveway provides numerous advantages to homeowners. A concrete driveway is visually appealing, child-friendly, and eco-friendly, saving you money in the long run. If you are looking for a concrete driveway, hire professionals from an asphalt company in Melbourne to get the best solutions.