If you’re planning an Orlando concrete driveway installation or trying to decide if it’s the right material for your space, you’ll have questions that we can answer. 

 

Concrete is an attractive and durable material choice for your driveway, and offers a wide range of options if you’re going for a specific look. In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the advantages to an Orlando concrete driveway installation, as well as any challenges you may encounter. 

 

What Is Concrete?

Concrete has some similarities to asphalt. Both are made up of a mixture of small stones and sand, and both are laid over a gravel base layer. However, while asphalt is bound by tar, concrete is held together by cement. 

 

As with any material, there are pros and cons to using concrete for your driveway:

 

Benefits Of Concrete:

 

It’s Visually Appealing

An Orlando concrete driveway installation can turn your driveway into a canvas that can be stained, tinted, or stamped in just about any design you can think of. Unlike asphalt, which comes in a more uniform range of options, concrete is highly versatile. 

 

It’s More Heat Tolerant

While concrete doesn’t hold up as well in colder climates, it will withstand hot Florida summers better than asphalt. Your location is a very important factor when choosing between different driveway materials.

 

An Orlando Concrete Driveway Installation Lasts Longer

With proper care and maintenance, as well as professional installation, you can expect your concrete to last anywhere from 30-40 years. Even though concrete is typically a more expensive material to use, when you consider the total lifespan, it can also be more cost effective. 

 

It Needs Fewer Repairs

While an asphalt driveway is easier to repair, it also requires repair work more frequently. Concrete tends to need less maintenance work, although it’s harder to disguise cracks and other repairs that have been done. 

 

Additionally, concrete withstands the weight of heavy vehicles better than an asphalt driveway might, so if you drive a large truck or plan to have other equipment in your driveway, it might be the better option.

 

Things To Consider:

 

Concrete Can Stain

If you’re a driveway mechanic, you might want to steer clear of a concrete driveway. Asphalt is dark in color and can hide a lot of drips or stains, but concrete can show it all. Anything that leaks out of your car, or general household spills, will leave a mark on your  concrete driveway that might be difficult to remove. 

 

You Definitely Can’t DIY

No matter the material that you decide on for your driveway, it’s going to be a labor-intensive project and a financial investment. Failing to properly excavate, prepare forms, pour the concrete, and finish the surface can result in wasted time and money. 

 

For this reason alone, it’s recommended that you contact a professional contractor to handle your installation project from the start. Contact Asphalt Icons – you can call us or fill out our online contact form. We can start planning your Orlando concrete driveway installation today.