Concrete Driveway and Its Importance

Most likely, you haven't given your driveway much thought. If you can pay attention to other aspects of your home's exterior, such as the lawn, landscaping, and gardens, the driveway is often overlooked. Having a pleasant driveway has many advantages, and you can decide that it is worthwhile to enhance its appearance. For good purposes, concrete is a popular choice for driveways. Concrete slabs are excellent and long-lasting, and they require very little upkeep. Concrete is a relatively good value for vast areas of paving because of its strength and durability. Concrete is more expensive than gravel and asphalt as a driveway surface. Still, it is significantly less costly than a driveway made of brick, cobblestone, or concrete pavers—and it outlasts both of them.

Concrete can be colored and stamped to produce a unique and appealing surface, even though plain concrete can be very bland in appearance.

Increased Property Value

Any home improvement project you undertake should provide a decent return on investment. You will improve the value of your home by upgrading your driveway. Driveways that are old and worn out always need to be replaced. For buyers looking for a home that is fully move-in ready, this may be a deal-breaker.

Even if you aren't planning on selling your home anytime soon, enhancing the look and structure of the driveway will increase the value of your home in the future.

Concrete as a Construction Material

Concrete is often incorrectly referred to as cement, but cement refers to just one of the components that make up concrete. Concrete is a construction substance made up of different types of stone aggregate held together by a water-lime-based binder, most commonly Portland cement. Cement is a fine powder made from limestone and clay that has been pulverized. The aggregate size in the concrete mixture will vary depending on the concrete's intended use. Concrete is typically made of gravel-sized aggregates for structural applications, but finer sands may be used for more delicate work and smoother finished surfaces. A mixture of aggregate ranging from gravel to sand-sized particles is commonly used in driveway slabs, sidewalks, and other paving surfaces.

Concrete is a pourable slurry that can be molded into any shape desired when it is first mixed. When the concrete heals, it eventually hardens. While a few days of curing makes it hard enough for most applications, the hardening process can take months or even years. 

First Impressions Matter

Making a good first impression is as critical as curb appeal. We've all driven past a house and been completely blown away by its appearance. Even if you aren't planning on selling your home, it's nice to know that yours may be the most attractive on the block.

Costs and Longevity

Concrete driveways will last anywhere between 25 and 50 years, depending on how well they were constructed and how well they were maintained. A specialist crew can charge $4 to $10 per square foot to build a simple concrete driveway over a gravel foundation. The national average is around $6 per square foot, so a 16 x 38 driveway would set you back around $3900. If you want a colored or stamped finish, however, these costs can nearly double. If a previous slab has to be demolished, expect to pay a little extra.

Your home would stand out with an updated driveway. Although your neighbors' driveways may be made of conventional asphalt or concrete, yours will be made of lovely patio pavers. This results in a one-of-a-kind look that is sure to turn heads. It demonstrates pride in your home and a desire to make a successful first impression by improving your outdoor room.

Upkeep is Important.

Many people believe that concrete driveways are practically maintenance-free, but it is essential to keep the driveway clean and sealed to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. A good scrubbing with a hose and stiff brush usually takes care of the washing, and a coat of concrete sealer adds protection. At least once a year, a sealer should be added. If you live in a snowy area, the best time to seal a driveway is in the fall to ensure that it can withstand road salts and harsh winter conditions.

Improved Functionality and Parking 

Driveways deteriorate over time. Asphalt and concrete will crack and detach over time. You'll not only enhance the appearance of your driveway, but you'll also improve its overall functionality. A renovated driveway would be more usable as well as attractive. Paving stones provide you with the assurance that your driveway is safe for parking, driving, walking, and even playing. The new design must be designed to last to accommodate parked cars and a high volume of foot traffic.