A standard concrete driveway is four inches thick, giving it the strength to support the weight of average automobiles. With a driveway made of poured concrete, you can expect it to last for the whole life of your house.
However, a weight limit for driveways made of concrete and asphalt must be taken into account. We’ll delve deeper into driveway weight restrictions in this post, including how to determine whether your driveway can support the weight of your vehicles.
Continue reading for more information as we address additional frequently asked issues concerning residential driveways.
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Things To Consider About Driveway Thickness
Because it has a big impact on the structural system and overall project cost, it is crucial to know the concrete thickness of the driveway.
Concrete Driveway Functionality
It’s crucial to understand the purpose of the concrete driveway since it affects the required thickness and stability of the concrete. The concrete driveway will deal with traffic every day. Residential driveways with just light-duty cars passing through are advised to have a 4-inch thickness.
It is advised to use concrete driveways with an 8-inch thickness for business driveways that receive frequent use from garbage trucks and other large vehicles.
A Large Budget Means A Thick Driveway
The thickness of the concrete driveway will be greatly influenced by the installation budget, which may increase based on the driveway’s dimensions and required preparation work. The texture, whether a base and subbase are added, and whether rebar is used will also impact the installation expense.
The strength of the pavement may be improved by adding more concrete to thicken the concrete driveway, but the project’s overall cost will go up. Labor and installation charges will also impact the budget, particularly if you hire a skilled concrete contractor.
How Would You Know About The Right Thickness Level Of Driveway?
Ask the driveway contractor what thickness they advise for your specific circumstances if you have a driveway poured. They can offer you a more accurate estimate if you explain how you want to use the driveway.
If you intend to have commercial trucks drive on it, they might advise installing a 6-inch-thick driveway. However, it is preferable to construct a thicker driveway from the beginning if you can accommodate it into your budget.
You won’t have to be concerned about cracking or breaking in the future with this method.
Factors To Consider Before Choosing Between Asphalt And Concrete Driveways
Asphalt and concrete driveways each have advantages and disadvantages. Thus, it depends on your taste and what you want from a driveway.
Maintenance And Installation Cost
Asphalt driveways cost less, but concrete ones are more expensive. However, a properly maintained concrete driveway can survive for fifty years or longer. Meanwhile, a driveway made of asphalt might only last you thirty years.
That difference is significant if you intend to live in your house for a long time. Concrete driveways require more maintenance than asphalt ones. However, following the original installation, you must seal your driveway within six to a year.
To maintain an asphalt driveway’s quality and stop it from cracking, you should seal it every three to four years.
Styles And Colors
Concrete driveways are available in a wide range of hues and designs. You can add stamps and other design elements to your concrete driveway for a distinctive appearance. Although asphalt driveways are usually black, they can be stained to resemble concrete.
The design aspects you can include in an asphalt driveway are constrained.
Environmental Conditions
Compared to asphalt driveways, concrete driveways are more durable in hot weather. Heat-induced asphalt softening and gumming can cause cracks and potholes. Conversely, cold temperatures are not good for concrete. When the temperature drops too low, it might become brittle and break.
Additionally, it struggles when exposed to the road salts that are used to melt ice throughout the winter. Asphalt, however, holds up well to the cold and de-icing salt. As a result, asphalt can be a better option if you reside somewhere with severe winters.
You may choose the driveway type that is best for you now that you are aware of the benefits and drawbacks of each. It all depends on the local climate, your financial situation, and the style you want to project.
Sealing Is An Ideal Consideration For A Long-Lasting Driveway
A concrete sealer stops water from infiltrating and soaking into the surface by obstructing the concrete’s pores, avoiding harm. Although putting a high-quality concrete sealer on concrete driveways every few years can surely increase their lifespan, sealing concrete driveways is generally unneeded because concrete is so resistant.
Additionally, imparting a glossy sheen enhances the driveway’s surface appearance and helps against stains and cracking. Consult the business regarding the driveway sealer they advise. They’ll be able to tell you roughly how much it will cost as well.
Conclusion
Despite being made to last for many years, driveways can still sustain damage. For a well-maintained and long-lasting driveway, avoid these common mistakes. Your driveway will remain in top condition if you stay away from heavy loads, use a sealer, and use caution when applying road salt.
When using the new surface for driving, it is preferable to wait at least 24 hours. During hot weather, we frequently suggest waiting longer. To maintain the best appearance for your asphalt after installation, adhere to a regular preventative maintenance schedule.
