If you are a car-driving homeowner who needs to install a new driveway on your property, asphalt is one of the most popular and widely-used driveway materials. However, if you want your new driveway to be both practical and visually distinctive, consider having an exposed aggregate concrete driveway installed by a reputable concreting service. 

Exposed aggregate concrete is a unique type of concrete, and has many advantages over both asphalt driveways and driveways made from conventional concrete. Here are three reasons to invest in an exposed aggregate concrete driveway for your home.

Attractive Looks

Asphalt driveways almost always have a black, uniform appearance. A few contractors offer coloured asphalts, but these are expensive and can be difficult to source. Concrete driveways are considered by most to be much more attractive and are available in a wide variety of colours and designs.

Exposed aggregate concrete driveways are uniquely attractive, and blow asphalt out of the water in terms of distinctive looks. When an exposed aggregate concrete driveway is laid, the top layer of smooth cement is blasted away, exposing the rocks, stones and glass beads suspended within the cement.

This process creates a driveway that is truly one-of-a-kind. Different mixtures of aggregates can be added to the cement to achieve different looks, so your driveway can be customised to match the design and colour scheme of the rest of your home.

Durability

Generally speaking, most types of concrete driveways are more durable and long-lasting than asphalt driveways. During the summer months, asphalt driveways can become very hot, causing them to expand. When the temperature drops at night, the asphalt contracts, which can cause it to crack and crumble. Concrete expands much less in hot temperatures and rarely suffers from cracking caused by heat stress.

This expansion and contraction also shortens the lifespan of an asphalt driveway as a whole. Concrete driveways, when properly maintained, can last longer before major repairs or replacement becomes necessary.

Exposed aggregate concrete is even more durable than conventional concrete, making an exposed aggregate concrete driveway an excellent long-term investment. The cement mix used to create exposed aggregate concrete contains less water than smooth, brushed concrete, leading to a harder and more durable finished product.

The rocks and stones at the surface of an exposed aggregate driveway also distribute the force of heavy impacts over a wider area. Exposed aggregate concrete is less likely to crack if you drop a heavy object, such as an engine block.

Improved Traction

Asphalt and smooth concrete driveways can both become treacherously slippery during wet weather or winter frosts, putting you and your vehicle at risk. Exposed aggregate concrete's rocky, uneven surface provides much more traction underfoot, especially during icy weather. It is particularly useful for elderly or disabled homeowners who may be unsteady on their feet and prevents vehicles from skidding during wet or cold weather.