If you've ever considered selling your home, you've undoubtedly heard of the phrase "curb appeal." For those who haven't, it's basically real-estate shorthand for how aesthetically pleasing your home looks to the passerby (hence the "curb" part of the phrase).
There's a reason the term has become so prevalent in the real estate industry; It's a concept that greatly affects how quickly and for how much your home sells. Aside from making your home appealing to potential buyers, good curb appeal is a great way to increase your home's selling price.
Even if you aren't in the market to sell, curb appeal is still important! In the correct circumstances, investments in renovations or additions to boost curb appeal can increase the equity you hold in your home and foster a sense of pride for your family and envy for the neighbors. Whether you plan to sell or not, it's plain to see that personalized design affects both your home's financial standing and how you and others feel about your property.
Investing in a concrete driveway or decorative concrete driveway is a great way to boost that ever-important curb appeal, and when it comes to concrete that wows, concrete driveways take the cake.
Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveways: Why Concrete Is Best
Both asphalt and concrete driveways are common sights in suburban and rural communities, so it's understandable that you may believe they're both equally viable options. What does it matter what your driveway is made out of, so long as it serves its purpose? All of those other homes seem to be doing fine!
The keyword here is "seem." Problems with driveways might not be immediately visible to the passerby, and if one could stop and inspect the neighborhood's driveways (Something we obviously don't recommend!), you'd discover that concrete driveways look better than the asphalt ones.
Not only that, they serve their purpose better, too. Let us explain why concrete driveways beat out asphalt, hands down.
Understanding the Purpose of a Concrete Driveway
Any driveway is supposed to provide a way for your cars to get to your garage – that's obvious. But it's also supposed to make your home look amazing in the process. Who wants to invest that much in an eyesore?
A driveway is also supposed to be a genuine expression of your style. Because it should last for quite a long time, it should be something that pleases not only the passerby but you, too. Concrete driveway installations perform much better than asphalt in all of these categories.
Longevity
Concrete driveways last longer than asphalt when properly maintained. Provided you've had experienced concrete driveway contractors install your driveway, you generally can expect a concrete driveway to last twice as long as an asphalt one.
That means they can perform their obvious purpose for longer!
Durability
Concrete driveways are more consistently appealing. Asphalt driveways can become gooey in the summer and snap as things cool down. Given that Minnesotan summer temperatures are all over the place, an asphalt driveway might not be the best choice if you want cross-seasonal good looks.
Aesthetics
With stamped concrete, stylistic expressions are endless. Express yourself in a way you never could with an asphalt driveway. By accenting your concrete driveway with decorative concrete, you'll have a front yard that's unique – and totally you.
Decorative Concrete Driveways for Any Taste or Budget
Are you searching for something traditional yet chic? How about avant-garde yet economical? No matter how you want to improve your home exterior's vibe, you can find what you're looking for in the diverse concrete medium.
In particular, concrete driveways are awesome statement-makers due to their large size and potentially interesting decorative designs and color options. Creative Concrete, New Brighton's team of concrete driveway experts, details how a decorative driveway can brighten your home's exterior.
Stamped Concrete Driveways
All-over stamped concrete adds an individualistic touch. There are countless types of stamped concrete available, from a false Yorkstone finish to a wood-like look.
Decorative Concrete Driveway Borders
A decorative concrete driveway border adds an air of polish and put-togetherness to your yard. If you can't afford to create an entirely new driveway or don't want to rip your old one out, such a renovation is a fitting and affordable option. The borders are budget-friendly, creating an elegant feeling at a reasonable cost that outlines your driveway, keeps your grass protected, and increases your property value.
Is It Time to Replace Your Driveway?
Even with the highest level of care, your driveway may need to be completely replaced at some point. A few indicators that it's time to call a professional include:
● The material is exposed to excessive salt
● The driveway has a poor drainage system
● You are finding sunken spots and uneven angles
● Your driveway is difficult to shovel because it’s uneven
Stabilizing the material is key to its longevity, so if you install a new driveway, we always recommend adding rebar. The extra support helps the material stand up longer against intense weather, helps stabilize it to ensure it can withstand heavy traffic, and reduces the risk of the material cracking. Keep your driveway looking great depends on care, so remember to stay on top of cleaning and sealing the surface; avoid deicers, and if you notice any issues like cracks, get them addressed as soon as possible.
Contact Creative Concrete Today for Expert Driveways
Durability, consistency, and the highest-quality finish start with a professional, five-star company, and our team is ready and waiting to make your concrete dreams a reality. With more concrete driveways under our belt than we can count, we're the perfect local concrete contractors for even the trickiest jobs.
Designing the perfect driveway is easy with our expert services, and we are here to answer all your questions, so feel free to message us online or call us at 612-414-7932 to get started!