Concrete Driveway Construction - Minneapolis, St Paul
Concrete driveways have become a very popular option for many homeowners. One of the biggest attractions for choosing concrete is that driveways can be decorated in ways that an asphalt driveway cannot.
As a homeowner you've probably considered a concrete driveway ... and as a homeowner in the Minneapolis or St. Paul area, one of your main concerns for choosing concrete is the Minnesota weather. This causes a debate that many people have with concrete versus asphalt.
Concrete Driveway vs Asphalt Driveway
Concrete and asphalt are the two most popular types of material for paving driveways. Asphalt driveways and concrete driveways both have their distinctive advantages. If you live in a cold climate as we do here in the Twin Cities and are considering a concrete driveway, you need to make sure the sub-base for the driveway is heavily laid with the right aggregate (gravel), and is thoroughly and correctly compacted. If you don't, you run the risk of the driveway cracking due to frost heaves. Also, concrete is susceptible to salt damage, a material frequently used on Minnesota roads.
Asphalt paved driveways are typically cheaper to install than concrete paved driveways. However, asphalt paved driveways need significantly more care over time to protect them. Asphalt paved driveways need to be sealed at least once every 3-5 years. Asphalt driveways, if maintained can typically last 15-30 years. Concrete driveways can last even longer.
So why choose concrete over asphalt for your driveway? There are several reasons:
Appearance: A driveway is the first thing people see when they visit your home. Many people like the look and feel of a concrete driveway, especially with some of decorative aspects such as staining and stamping.
Long term cost: Although the initial cost of concrete is more than asphalt, concrete will last as much as three times as long as asphalt. This makes concrete cheaper in the long run with less maintenance, resurfacing, and replacement costs.
Safety: Concrete truly has a non-skid service, making it safer to walk on, especially when it's wet and in the Minnesota winter when ice forms. Concrete is also more visible at night.
Comfort: A concrete driveway is more comfortable and cleaner to walk on with bare feet. This is especially true in the summer. Concrete won't heat up in the sun like asphalt.
Richfield Blacktop: The Bottom Line is Quality
When all is said and done, the quality of a completed concrete driveway is dependent upon the workmanship of the paving contractor plus the quality of the concrete used in the project. Our Concrete driveways are constructed using ready mixed concrete manufactured locally in Minnesota, using high quality aggregates, and water.
We specialize in concrete driveway paving and resurfacing, installing new concrete driveways, replacing existing driveways and concrete additions. Contact Richfield Blacktop today for all of your concrete services in the Minneapolis St. Paul area.
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