What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Concrete Driveways
There are several benefits of installing concrete driveways. Aside from being highly durable, concrete driveways can also help you save money on maintenance and repair costs. You can ensure that your cash was well-spent when you installed one. You can enjoy its benefits for years and will never have to worry about its upkeep or repairs. Moreover, owning a high-quality driveway can enjoy peace of mind.
Disadvantages
One of the main advantages of concrete drives is that they are highly durable. Concrete remains cooler than asphalt even in extreme heat. Unlike asphalt, it is also resistant to weeds. Concrete driveways are sturdy and will last for decades. Despite these benefits, you should be aware of a few disadvantages of concrete drives before deciding on this material. However, these disadvantages are minor when compared to their many advantages.
Concrete driveways have an added disadvantage: they collect pollutants from the surrounding area. This pollutant then enters stormwater systems and ends up in local waterways. This is not only a concern for the local ecosystem but also the environment. This is a common issue with paved surfaces, and concrete and asphalt driveways are two of the most polluting materials. Therefore, if you’re considering a concrete driveway, consider what you’d like to look like with a stamped definite pattern.
Benefits
Installing a concrete driveway on your property can save you a great deal of money over the years. These driveways are highly durable and can last for up to 30 years. Concrete driveways are easy to install and can enhance the curb appeal of any property. Aside from being cost-effective, concrete driveways can also last for many years and require little maintenance. If you are interested in installing one on your property, read more about the benefits of concrete driveways.
One of the most significant benefits of concrete is its durability. If you install a concrete driveway, you will never have to worry about resurfacing it. Concrete is very compact, and it prevents dents and holes from occurring. Its smooth finish makes it easy for snow plows to move across it efficiently. If you install a concrete driveway, choose a reliable contractor with experience installing concrete driveways.
Installation
Whether installing a new driveway or redoing an old one, installing a concrete driveway begins by removing vegetation and ensuring that the soil beneath it is stable. Next, wood forms are installed around the perimeter of the driveway. Class-5 gravel is then added to the base. It must be at least four inches thick, graded, and compacted to form a firm foundation. Over the gravel base, the reinforcement material is added to provide support to the concrete. This may include a steel wire grid or metal rebar in a crisscross pattern.
The cost of preparing the worksite will increase as the length of the driveway increases. Using the drawing to estimate the cost, multiply the length by the width and depth, and divide the total by 27. Concrete order amounts are stated in cubic yards, but you should add 10 percent for possible errors and accommodate for mistakes. Additional costs include gravel for the base, fabric underlayment, installation labor, rebar or mesh wire, and permit fees.
