Out of all the different materials for paving driveways, concrete is the preferred material by far, and it is no wonder why. It is versatile; adding a polished look to your property, no matter what your aesthetic. Not to mention, that polished look only increases the selling power of your home down the line.
The driveway is the first thing that greets you when arriving home. Ensure that it is everything you want it to be and more by working with experienced and professional concrete contractors. They can make sure the job gets done right the first time, leaving you with a functional and attractive space to welcome you home for years to come.
Plus, because concrete is durable, eco-friendly, and easy to maintain post-installation, its value cannot be beat. Whether your home is a new build or you are thinking of repaving an existing driveway, considering concrete is a smart move.
1. There Are Countless Design Options
Concrete is a versatile material that allows for endless decorative options, giving you the creative license to match your home’s look exactly and to design a welcoming space. With all the customizable features, the design possibilities for your life’s landing pad are exponential.
It can be stained or tinted to provide the desired color. It can also be stamped with patterns and stencils to give an ornamental look, or brushed for more of a textured finish. It’s diversity also increases because, as it’s being poured, it can be formed into any shape. This malleability gives it the ability to incorporate nicely into your landscape.
Any way you slice it, there are limitless possibilities with concrete design. As the homeowner, you are only constrained by your imagination. What would you like to see when you get home every day?
2. It Has Serious Staying Power
If you are looking for a driveway that will last for decades, look no further. Concrete is one of the most durable materials in home improvement. If it is well installed, reinforced, and maintained it can last for 30 to 40 years! Now that’s staying power. Hey, for all you know, this could be the driveway that you pass on to your kids.
Not only is concrete a solid long term investment that adds quality and value to your home, but due to its enduring nature, it is also eco-friendly. Not having to use more materials down the road for repairs or replacement means less waste is created and fewer resources used. Who knew getting great curb appeal could also be good for the planet?
3. Reflective Qualities
Concrete has the unique feature of reflecting light and therefore it absorbs very low levels of UV rays from the sun. Meaning that your driveway won’t get uncomfortably hot on warm sunny days. This helps keep it a comfortable outdoor space that can be enjoyed.
While being able to walk barefoot outside is always a plus, this interesting quality is only one reason that concrete is environmentally friendly.
Since it doesn’t absorb but rather reflects light, having a concrete driveway means your home will require less lighting outside in the evening. Which, in the long term, yet again leaves you with fewer resources used and even some cost savings on your power bill.
4. Increases Re-Sale Value of Your Home
Having a beautiful, functional, and long-lasting driveway will certainly up the value of your home. After all, if you made the good choice to have concrete installed, it’s likely the next homeowner will agree it is the right choice as well.
As they say, curb appeal is important. No one is going to want to get past the front door if the driveway is in disarray, it’s just a bad look and poor first impression. Having a driveway that matches the sidewalk nicely and that isn’t all cracked is certainly going to up the value and interest in the property.
5. It Can Bear the Weight
Since concrete is an inflexible and strong surface, it is ideal for every situation. Providing a driveway that can house any type of vehicle required; such as boats, RVs, or large trucks.
A reinforced slab of concrete that is only 2 inches thick is so rigid, it has a compression strength of up to 4,000 pounds per square inch. This means you will never have to worry about the strain of daily use is putting on your driveway.
6. Easy Do-It-Yourself Maintenance
Once you have a beautifully constructed driveway, it is very simple to keep it up yourself. A quick power wash now and again with a standard 2,000 PSI pressure washer keeps it looking just like new.
Address those pesky oil leak stains with a couple of household items like baking soda and WD-40. With a little time and effort, it is an easy clean up with concrete.
Having a Driveway You Can Be Proud of
There are many paving solutions out there for your driveway, but concrete delivers a quality space every time. Its flexibility with shape, color, and pattern gives you endless design options to create an elegant entrance to your home.
Expertly installed concrete can last for years on end, giving your driveway a lifespan that will go on for decades. It is also an extremely environmentally sound option for those who are looking to cut back on unnecessary recourses and lower their carbon footprint.
It provides an asset to your home that can easily increase the resale value of the property. Being extremely durable, concrete is able to stand up to tough daily use, and on top of everything else, it is easy to clean and maintain yourself.
It really is no wonder that concrete is the top choice for driveway material. Whether you’re planning on paving a driveway today or just fantasizing about your dream home somewhere down the line, the choice is clear. Choosing concrete is an investment in the future that also makes for a very beautiful today.