The two most popular materials for a driveway in North Carolina are concrete and asphalt. Each material has its pros and cons like anything else in life. For this reason, you have to compare both materials before you decide to choose the best one for your needs. We usually recommend our clients to use concrete for most projects as it has a much better curb appeal.
Concrete is usually made from aggregates, such as sand and crushed rock. These materials are commonly combined with water and cement. The cement will act as a binder in the concrete. It will hold everything together. When the mixture dries, the process will form a stiff and solid piece of concrete. Here are some good reasons why concrete is much better than asphalt.
Benefits of Using Concrete
a. Durable
This is one of the most popular benefits of concrete. This material is believed to be more durable than other materials, such as asphalt. Concrete is less prone to wear defects, such as, cracking, rutting, potholes, and also stripping loss of texture. Because of this durability, you will be able to use a concrete driveway or patio for a much longer time than asphalt. In most cases, you will be able to use a concrete structure for more than 15 years.
b. Less maintenance
Many people are interested in using concrete on their residential or commercial property because of this reason. Concrete requires fewer maintenance procedures than other materials, especially asphalt. You can simply use a pressure washer to easily cleaning the concrete surface with ease. It is recommended for you to wash the surface of the concrete at least once every year, so you can maintain the quality of the concrete effectively.
c. Withstand against extreme heat
This material is recommended for you who live in an area with extreme temperatures. When the Triad Area temperature soars, the asphalt driveway will become sticky or gooey. In the hot summer season, concrete will be more durable than asphalt. If you want to limit the damages that can be caused by the extreme heat from the environment, you should consider having a concrete driveway installed.
d. Doesn’t need to be sealed
Asphalt requires you to do the sealing process for protecting the surface of the driveway. This sealing process is needed to lengthen its lifespan for a few years. It is recommended for you to reseal the asphalt at least once every 3 – 5 years. This task will be challenging for you who are using asphalt in your driveway. When you use concrete, you can eliminate the needs of doing this sealing process. It is not a mandatory process that you need to do. However, you can still do the concrete sealing process for removing any stains on the surface.
e. Recyclable
Concrete is 100% recyclable. If you care about the environment, you may want to take a look at this material. This material can be broken down and re-used in the new pavement project. You can also use this recycled concrete for other construction purposes. According to the Federal Highway Administration Technical, it will take more diesel fuel to make asphalt than it needs to make concrete roads or driveway. Concrete is chosen because it has a limited impact on the environment.
There are many other benefits that you will get from concrete. Concrete is always the best choice for any construction projects and street paving process. Apex is ready to help you select the right product for your property.
Call the North Carolina Driveway Experts Today!