When it comes to driveway materials, concrete is a popular choice. But how long does a concrete driveway last? And what are the benefits of choosing concrete over asphalt? Let’s take a look.
The life expectancy of concrete driveways
The life expectancy of these driveways varies greatly depending on the quality of the installation, environmental conditions, and whether or not proper maintenance is performed. However, most homeowners can expect their concrete driveway to last between 25 and 30 years.
With the proper installation and maintenance, some can even last up to 50 years.
Simple tasks like regularly sweeping the surface to remove debris and plowing snow (if applicable) off of the surface to prevent moisture from seeping in will preserve its longevity.
In cold climates, moisture can get into your concrete, and as it freezes and thaws, it’ll result in cracks.
The benefits of concrete driveways over asphalt
Concrete is a popular choice for driveways because it offers many benefits over other materials like asphalt. Here’s a brief comparison of concrete’s benefits over asphalt:
- Concrete is durable and long-lasting; it can easily last for up to 50 years with proper maintenance. Asphalt, on the other hand, will tap out at 30 years with the proper maintenance.
- Asphalt does not do well when subjected to heat, while concrete is more heat and weather-resistant. It will not fade or become brittle in the sun or rain.
- Concrete can hold a greater load than asphalt.
- Concrete is more customizable and can match any color or design that you desire.
Factors that affect the lifetime of your concrete driveway
There are many factors that can cause your concrete driveway to fail long before its lifespan is up. Such factors include failure to clean regularly, faulty installation, exceeding weight capacity, and an improperly prepared foundation.
These issues can cause your concrete driveway to crack, and in worst case scenarios, require the driveway to be replaced entirely. This is why it’s so important to hire a professional to install your concrete driveway.
At Port Aggregates, our professional concrete contractors have over 40 years’ worth of experience in creating beautiful concrete products. Our special ready mix concrete helps driveways last for decades with the proper maintenance. Contact us today to request a quote!
