Luckily, we’re proud to be the experts in this area, and we’d love an excuse to talk about how great concrete driveways can be. There are many advantages of concrete driveways, each one more of a potential draw than the last, so read on to unpack why it might just be the perfect pick for you.
Concrete driveways last a really long time.
If you’re after something that’ll go the distance, concrete’s a solid bet. A properly poured and looked-after concrete driveway can last 30 years or more (even longer with a lot of TLC). That’s decades of no fuss and no need for full replacements.
Here in Aotearoa, we get all kinds of weather throughout the seasons. Your driveway is going to endure blazing sun, wild rain, and the odd frost with absolutely no shelter to speak of. Concrete handles it all like a champ. Compared to other surfaces, it’s way more resistant to cracking, fading, or wearing out. So once it’s in, you can relax knowing it’ll be there for the long haul.
Concrete driveways are cost-effective.
Upfront, an asphalt driveway is likely going to be cheaper to install. But one of the advantages of concrete driveways is that they stand up to the passage of time so much better than most other materials, so it usually ends up being the smarter investment.
If you take a big picture view, concrete doesn’t need much upkeep. No regular resealing, no frequent patch jobs, and fewer repair bills down the line. So while you might pay a bit more at the start, you’ll save money (and headaches) over time.
Concrete driveways have great form.
Concrete is a fantastically malleable material, one that holds an excellent form once it has cured down. This is why concrete is often chosen for sleek driveways with unique shapes or sharp curb features, because asphalt can’t quite accomplish the same clean edges.
In fact, the shape of concrete is determined by the mould it is poured into. As long as it has the appropriate amount of time to dry and cure, concrete will hold almost any shape you like, which is what makes it such a fantastic choice for residential driveways.
Concrete driveways give you design options.
Most of the property owners we speak to take it as given that if they get a concrete driveway, it will be an old-school grey slab. And while there is nothing wrong with that look when it is done well, concrete also has so much more to offer.
One of the biggest advantages of concrete driveways is that they take colour quite well. In the final stages of pouring and curing, we can leap in with some colour, use sleek decorative stamps to create a unique look, or leave pieces of aggregate exposed to lean into a more rustic vibe.
Concrete driveways are versatile.
Finally, while cities might be concrete jungles, the truth is that concrete can work just about anywhere. Whether you’re kicking it in Auckland’s suburbs or quietly living out life on a lifestyle block in a rural area, a concrete driveway is going to suit you. The material itself is strong enough for large vehicles, tidy enough for compact sections, and adapts to layouts of all kinds.
Not to mention, there are permeable concrete driveway options that help manage water runoff in rainy zones, which can be a massive help if you noticed drainage issues with your last driveway.
So, what’s the final word on the advantages of concrete driveways? We think that it’s a matter of circumstances and preference. Concrete driveways might win for visual versatility and longevity, but asphalt is faster to lay and more flexible in changing temperatures. In other words, the right answer will depend on your needs.
Getting to know your property and your project is an essential step in making the right call, so take the time to assess what you have right now and get in touch with the experts if you think it’s time for a renewal.
Discover the advantages of concrete driveways for yourself with Asphalt & Civil.
Asphalt & Civil has many years of experience laying both concrete and asphalt driveways, and if there is one thing we know, it’s this: trusting the right team is essential. Improper site preparation, construction, or pouring can leave you with a major headache in just a few years’ time, when a good driveway should ideally outlast the vehicle that parks on it!
If the advantages of concrete driveways have convinced you this is the way to go, or if you’re still firm on asphalt, we can help. Get in touch for a no-pressure quote today.
