Pros And Cons Of Having A Concrete Driveway Poured
There are several materials commonly used for driveways, and concrete is one of them. It's more common in some areas than in others, but the big question to ask is whether a concrete driveway is right for you and your home. It has some huge advantages over other materials like asphalt and stone, but it also has a few downfalls worth considering. Keep reading to discover the key pros and cons of concrete driveways.
Pro: Concrete can be poured in almost any shape or design.
In other words, you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to the shape and look of your concrete driveway. You could have several smaller "pads" poured, or you could have one long segment poured. You can make the driveway curve, or you can go for a straight, wide driveway. The concrete contractors will use molds to create the shape of the driveway and will then pour concrete into the molds, and the molds can be basically any shape that you want.
Con: Concrete is expensive.
This is one of the more expensive driveway materials, if not the most expensive driveway material. It costs significantly more than stone, and it's a bit more expensive than asphalt. If you are on a tight budget, this may not be the driveway material for you.
Pro: Concrete is quite durable against ice and salt damage.
Concrete is not that affected by freeze-thaw cycles. It can get cold, then hot, then cold again without cracking or falling apart. You can also safely apply most salt and de-icing materials to concrete, whereas they cause more damage to asphalt. So, if you live in a cold and snowy area and want a driveway that holds up to that weather, concrete is a wise choice.
Con: Concrete stains easily if not sealed.
You will need to have your driveway sealed if you want to prevent stains from oil and other fluids. This adds to the cost and maintenance requirements. The concrete will need to be resealed every few years, and while this is a viable DIY project, many people do end up hiring professionals to do it.
Weighing the pros and cons above should help you make a more informed decision as to whether a concrete driveway is right for you. Talk to a company that pours concrete to learn more. They can give you more insight into the sealing requirements and costs.