While concrete is usually the number one choice for driveways here in Livonia, Michigan, they’re not the only choice. You can go with pebble driveways or asphalt. However, since concrete is the popular choice, we’ll go over the pros and cons of concrete driveways.
Pros
Long-Lasting
Concrete usually doesn’t crack for a long time after it’s poured. In addition, potholes very rarely occur in concrete driveways. So, you can expect your concrete driveway to outlast all the other materials like asphalt and gravel. 30 years or more is a good estimate for concrete’s life span.
Temperature
If you’ve ever touched black asphalt on a hot summer’s day, then you’ve probably gotten burned. Concrete has a light color and therefore stays cool in the summer.
Aesthetic Options
If you don’t want to stick with the light gray color of concrete, you can always choose to have it stained. You can even get the concrete stamped and poured in a variety of shapes and styles. This can create a welcoming effect and increase curb appeal.
Fairly Cheap
At usually, $6-$10 per square foot, concrete is affordable, especially when you consider that it should last you at least 30 years or more.
Cons
Not Able to Resurface
With concrete, the only way to fix major cracks and damage is to remove that old driveway and pour a new one. You can’t just resurface it every couple of years. However, since concrete lasts so long, you shouldn’t need to do this for a long time.
Surface Stains
Since concrete is so light, stains are noticeable. If you get oil stains or tire marks, you’ll have to spend some time cleaning them off. This process usually involves special stain removers or power washers. You have more options for your driveway, but concrete is the most preferred. When you think of how long your driveway will last, the pros of concrete usually outweigh the cons. But we’ll let you mull over the advantages and disadvantages for yourself.
If you decide to go with a concrete company, we at Martino Home Improvements would be happy to give you a free estimate. We serve Livonia, Wayne county and the entire Southeastern Michigan Area.
