There are so many materials available for putting in a driveway, but concrete is one of the more popular options. Is it just a holdover from back when it was the only option? Or is concrete still a good choice for your driveway? In this post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of having a concrete drive.
A concrete driveway has quite a few benefits, one of the main ones being cost. In general, it costs much less to install a concrete driveway compared to any other material. This makes it a common choice, just due to the cost factor, but it does have other things going for it.
With concrete, you don’t need to plan on a lot of maintenance. It can be sprayed down with water from time to time and unless it cracks, you shouldn’t have to deal with weeds or plants growing up through it.
Concrete looks professional all on its own, but you can also add additional features to it for a better-looking driveway, such as exposed aggregate or colourings. These create a unique look for your driveway that’s sure to make a great first impression. You’ll even be able to add designs to the concrete while it’s still wet, if you like.
In addition to all of this, concrete is very sturdy. It holds up to heat and cold, though the changing temperatures may cause cracking if it’s poured too thinly. You can expect to get at least a decade from your drive, although it usually lasts 20 years once it is laid and cured properly.
Of course, concrete isn’t always the best choice. If it’s not poured correctly, concrete tends to crack. It requires a foundation and must be properly prepped in order to remain stable. This is the main reason you will want a professional to lay your concrete driveway for you.
Another issue is that concrete can stain easily and while it is low maintenance, it certainly picks up stains quickly. These will need special cleansers to remove, particularly when dealing with things like oil stains from your car.
If something goes wrong with the concrete, it’s a big job to replace it and usually involves removing the entire section and re-pouring. This can be frustrating, but in most cases, you won’t face this problem.
Hire a professional to pour your concrete and you shouldn’t have any problems. If you’re looking for someone to handle this for you, contact Hazell & Jefferies to find out how we can help you.
