Why We Love Brushed Concrete Driveways (and You Should Too!)

You can refer to them as concrete driveways or cement driveways; they are the same thing. It wasn’t long ago that you had two options for a driveway: concrete or asphalt. Stamped concrete driveways, colored concrete driveways, and decorative concrete driveways are just a few of the modern concrete driveway options. Indeed, a decorative concrete driveway is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your property, and it far outperforms the drab and industrial appearance of an asphalt driveway.

Do I Need a New Driveway?

Concrete driveways are designed to last several decades, but they are not meant to last forever. Your driveway will be subjected to a great deal of wear and tear over time. The weather will play a significant role in the demise of your driveway. The weight of your vehicle on concrete will eventually erode the structural integrity. Here are some indicators that you need a new driveway.

Puddles of Water

When you see pooling water, this is an indication that you need a new driveway. If there are puddles of water on your driveway, it indicates that there is a structural issue. Pools of water are another issue because they cause further deterioration of your driveway.

Cracks

If you notice cracks forming on your driveway, it is a sign that you need to replace it. Small cracks can be repaired, but deep and long cracks indicate serious damage.

Potholes

Cracks are unwelcome, but potholes are unsightly and can cause damage to your vehicle. Consider this: driving over the same potholes in your driveway on a daily basis will wear out your tires and suspension. Smaller potholes can be repaired, but larger potholes will continue to crack and grow wider and deeper.

Fading

The hot sun beating down on your driveway will cause it to fade over time. While you may believe that the problem is purely cosmetic, a fading driveway may be compromised. You should think about getting a new driveway.

It’s Old

If you know that your driveway is 40 years old, it might be time to have it replaced. Even though your driveway might not show signs of wear, there is a point in which its life has come to an end.

The Benefits of Brushed Concrete Driveways

• Lifecycle Expense

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

A concrete driveway, on the other hand, lasts longer. A concrete driveway has a service life that is approximately 50-60% longer than an asphalt driveway. As a result, the lower initial cost of asphalt is usually offset by higher maintenance costs. Because of UV radiation, oxidation, water, and chemicals, the liquid binder that holds the aggregates together are prone to cracking, disintegration, and distortion.

• BEAUTY AND CURB APPEAL

For many, the standard light gray surface offers considerable curb appeal. However, for those who want a darker or more organic look to their home design options exist with colored concrete as an answer that blends beautifully alongside homes architectural designs and textures – Stamped surfaces offer highly textured looks whereas exposed aggregates provide three-dimensional shapes which can create appealing effects on its own depending what you’re looking for!

• REACTION TO HEAT AND LIGHT

Concrete pavements are cooler than asphalt pavements because they absorb less UV radiation. To appreciate the difference, compare walking barefoot on the two types of surfaces on a hot day. Although the heat absorption of asphalt is advantageous in the winter, this advantage is offset by the consequences of having a hotter driveway in the summer.

• LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY

Concrete is a great option for people who need to deal with heavy loads like trucks on their property. Asphalt will flex, but concrete never moves – it’s the best material if you have large vehicles or other types of equipment that could cause damage when driving over ruts in your driveway!