Surprising Ways Concrete Driveways Are Superior to Their Asphalt Counterparts

Asphalt and concrete supplies are, undoubtedly, the foremost materials homeowners think of when deliberating on driveway replacement. And while both these options present pros and cons, it is worth noting that concrete driveways are making a definitive comeback in Australian properties, and this is not without reason. Before you make a decision, check out the following surprising ways concrete driveways are proving superior to their asphalt counterparts.

Concrete driveways dissipate heat

Australian summers are incredibly unforgiving. And if you do not have the right driveway materials in place, you will find that your property is perpetually hot during the summer months, and this can be attributed to a couple of reasons. First off, the black hue of asphalt makes it highly heat absorbent. Throughout the day, the asphalt driveway will consume the sun's rays to the point that its surface becomes intolerable to bare feet. Secondly, if you have invested in outdoor lighting solutions, you will find that an asphalt driveway does not do them justice since the black colour of this material will absorb light too.

Therefore, not only is your residential property a heat island during the day but it is poorly illuminated during the night. These are drawbacks you do not have to grapple with when you choose a concrete driveway, as you can make this material as reflective as you want. The naturally pale hue of concrete is not only ideal for dissipating heat during the day but it will reflect light effortlessly once nightfall, making it a practical solution for any residential property.

Concrete driveways incur lower ownership costs

Whether you are on a tight budget or not, you probably do not want to waste money on recurring household maintenance. Yet, this is a cost you will have to bear when you choose an asphalt driveway in various ways. For starters, the surface of asphalt driveways is susceptible to gradual degradation from sun damage, precipitation and more. Hence, homeowners are instructed to invest in sealing services repeatedly to extend the shelf life of their asphalt driveway.

Moreover, asphalt driveways are also vulnerable to warping, sagging and other physical flaws that could harm the integrity of the driveway if not addressed promptly.  This upkeep coupled with habitual repairs will inflate your ownership costs. While concrete is not immune to degradation, this material is robust enough to withstand exposure to numerous external factors. As long as surface cracks are repaired in time, a concrete driveway should retain its structural integrity for the long haul without you having to spend money constantly.

For more information on a concrete driveway, contact a professional near you.