Like many people, you may consider installing a new driveway this summer. Maybe your old driveway is on its last legs, or maybe you want to improve the look of your home.

Regardless, choosing the right material for your new driveway is going to be one of your most important decisions. You have options like asphalt, tiles, gravel, brick pavers, shell and more. But concrete remains the most popular material for driveways for several reasons:

#1 Concrete Has a Lower Long-Term Cost

Some consumers pick concrete’s biggest competitor, asphalt, for their driveways because the initial cost is sometimes lower. But, as these consumers soon discover, asphalt is more expensive to maintain and has a shorter lifespan.

In fact, it’s estimated that a concrete driveway lasts 50% longer than its asphalt counterpart, resulting in significant savings down the road.

The lifespan can be further improved through regular cleaning with water and a stiff brush. Also, the use of contraction joints to isolate cracking, and a concrete sealer to protect against staining, damage, and corrosion from water, salts, will further increase the longevity of your driveway.

The sealer will also protect against oil and fluids leaking from old vehicles.

With the right care, a concrete driveway can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years.

#2 Concrete Driveways Look Good

Concrete driveways can greatly improve the curb appeal of your home. The grey color is pleasing to many people who prefer a traditional look.

If you’re interested in more contemporary styles, concrete has several options like colored concrete, stamped concrete and more.

#3 Concrete Driveways Are Strong

If you plan to regularly park a few SUVs and pickups on your driveway, then you’ll benefit from using concrete. Not only are concrete driveways cost-effective to install and maintain, but they can have a high load-bearing capacity.

When installed with a proper base and the right reinforcements, a concrete driveway can easily endure the weight of heavier vehicles.

#4 Concrete is Sustainable

Because concrete is the most consumed material in the world, it has a large ecological footprint. Thankfully, this is countered by its longer lifespan. The energy cost of a concrete-related project is once every few decades. Plus, many concrete cutting contractors offer good recycling options to make your project more sustainable.

To install a new concrete driveway, you’ll need to remove your old one. For best results, hire a professional concrete cutting contractor. Keep in mind that concrete cutting results in a harmful by-product called slurry. The right contractor can help you minimize these risks.

CanWest Concrete & Cutting is a family run company that’s an industry leader in slurry recycling with over 30 years of experience in the business. They remove the slurry, dehydrate it down to concrete dust, and then compress it into bricks that can be recycled.

The benefits of working them go further than their environmentally sound methods. Being the biggest and oldest concrete cutting company in Western Canada, they have a wealth of experience that can help you start your project with ease.

These are only a few advantages of using concrete for your driveway project. And by working with professionals, you’ll have a stress-free experience and a beautiful looking driveway that lasts a long time.

Just be sure to read reviews of concrete driveways in Salt Lake City or your local area to find the best concrete contractor possible. You want someone that has completed several highly successful projects and that clients boast about.