Driveways are the most ancient of all types of concrete floors. They are also one of the most rugged. A normal driveway can have a life span of about 50 years, but if you live in a cold climate, that may be reduced by 15 to 20 years. A driveway is an outdoor floor that is exposed to water, ice, snow, salt and sunlight for half its life.
A driveway usually consists of two layers of concrete. The top layer is called the wearing surface and it is made of asphalt or concrete. It is several inches thick and has some flex to it, which allows it to crack as the bottom layer expands and contracts with temperature changes. Because this layer moves with changing temperatures, it wears down faster than the bottom layer.
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What type of driveway do you have?
Concrete is the most common type. Concrete is more expensive but also lasts longer than asphalt. It’s generally the kind of driveway that you would want for your home. Other types include cobblestone, brick, gravel, and wood. The material will also depend on whether the driveway is flat or sloped. A flat driveway will be installed with concrete while a sloped driveway can use gravel. They are easy to install, affordable and they last for many years. Concrete driveways are also very easy to maintain just by sweeping or washing them with a hose. There are several different types of concrete driveway patterns that can be created using different methods
Easier to maintain driveways
The maintenance cost of your driveway will depend on its material and how it is laid out. Asphalt or concrete comes in color options like gray, black, white, gray/black mix, etc. Concrete has the advantage of being beautiful but it needs regular maintenance to stay looking nice. It may require repainting every year or two depending on the traffic the driveway receives. The same goes for asphalt but it requires less maintenance since it’s easier to repair cracks after they appear. Sloped driveways are costlier to install but easier to maintain since rainwater drains quickly which prevents ice buildup between layers of gravel. These kinds of type of driveways are popular for homes located in hilly areas where ice is likely to build up during winter months.
There are so many different types of driveways and driveway materials available today that it can be confusing to know which one is the right choice for you. It’s important to think about how your home will look, and what you’ll need to do to maintain it. There are many driveway companies that can guide you better.