Are you deciding between an asphalt driveway or a concrete driveway? PALERMO PAVING provides driveway construction services using the most popular materials for Long Island residences. Concrete driveways are a popular alternative to asphalt. They add a clean, finished look to any home and offer many benefits. Here are the top 5 benefits of a concrete driveway.
#1 Strength
Concrete is an incredibly strong building material. It is made by mixing powdered cement (Portland cement), aggregate, and water. As the powdered cement comes in contact with the water and aggregate, it forms a paste that hydrates the aggregate. As the paste hydrates the aggregate, it hardens. The powdered cement contains calcium and hydroxide ions that saturate the aggregate. When this happens, the calcium hydroxide starts to crystallize and form calcium silicate hydrate. As this process continues more and more calcium silicate hydrate forms, and the material thickens until the path for the water molecules is completely blocked.
This chemical reaction results in a material that’s not porous like other building materials and has high strength. When professionals like PALERMO PAVING prepare the surface and pour and finish your concrete driveway, it will easily support the weight of your family vehicles on a daily basis. Concrete is so strong; you can park heavy RVs without worry.
#2 Durability
Concrete lasts. Egyptians used a primitive form of concrete for infill on the pyramids over 5,000 years ago. They mixed gypsum and lime instead of using our modern aggregates and Portland cement, and those pyramids are still standing today.
That doesn’t mean your concrete driveway will last as long as the pyramids, but you can expect a cured concrete driveway can last from 15 to 30 years.
What does the term cured concrete mean? Technically, concrete doesn’t dry, it changes or cures, through the hydration process described above. As concrete goes through the curing process, it becomes denser. Depending on the concrete mixture and the climate, complete curing can take up to 28 days.
Good things come to those who wait. As the concrete cures, it develops strength, volume stability, and resistance to freezing and thawing.
#3 Low Maintenance
Concrete driveways provide a low-maintenance option for Long Island-area homes. Remember, concrete is incredibly stable. That means it won’t soften in the summer like asphalt.
Concrete driveways require very little maintenance. A little all-purpose cleaner like M-1 House Wash, a little scrubbing with a broom, and a rinse with the water hose is all you need to keep your driveway looking good.
For added protection against damage from road salt in the winter, a concrete driveway can be easily sealed. When properly applied, a concrete sealer will last several seasons.
#4 More Decorative Options
When it comes to your decorative options, nothing beats the versatility of concrete driveways. Installing cobblestone edging or adding a brick apron is easy when you pour a new concrete driveway.
#5 Perfect For Long Island Climate
Concrete is the perfect building material for Long Island climates.
Even in the hottest part of summer, concrete stays dry. Other driveways can release oils during the hottest summer days, and these oils are easily tracked inside. You never worry about tracking with a concrete driveway.
Concrete doesn’t soften when hot and maintains its strength and durability all year long.
During the winter, our typical freeze-thaw cycles won’t cause cracking or heaving. You can apply de-icer without fear on your concrete driveway as well.
Benefits of a Concrete Driveway Installed by Palermo Paving
PALERMO PAVING carefully prepares the driveway foundation to minimize drainage problems which allows you to enjoy your concrete driveway in any season.
You enjoy all the benefits listed above with the added assurance that your concrete driveway was installed by concrete professionals.
PALERMO PAVING is a family-owned and operated company with deep roots in the Long Island community. Since 1964, each job has been seen not just as a commercial transaction, but an opportunity to earn the trust and respect of another neighbor.
Integrity, hard work, trust, and care for our customers and community continue as our core values.