Need a new driveway? Learn why concrete driveways are the best option for Twin Cities homes.
.png)
When it comes to installing a new driveway for your Twin Cities home, you have two primary options: concrete or asphalt. While both materials have their merits, concrete offers significant advantages that make it the superior choice for Minnesota homeowners. At Preferred 1 Concrete, we've been installing high-quality concrete driveways throughout the Twin Cities area since 2004, and we're here to help you understand why concrete is the best investment for your property.
A properly installed concrete driveway can last for decades upon decades, requiring very little maintenance. Asphalt driveways, while popular as a low-cost alternative, require constant re-sealing and great care to ensure that they last. When properly sealed and maintained, concrete driveways can last 50 years or longer, while asphalt driveways typically last up to 30 years with correct maintenance.
In the Twin Cities area, where we experience harsh winters and frequent freeze-thaw cycles, concrete's durability is particularly valuable. The myths about concrete driveways being unsuitable for Minnesota's harsh winter climate are simply not true. A properly built concrete driveway will outlast an asphalt driveway while providing advantages only concrete can offer.
Although a concrete driveway costs from 40-60% more than an equivalent blacktop driveway, it will have a much longer lifespan. When cost is measured over the life of the driveway, the two driveway types are comparable. This makes concrete an excellent long-term investment for your property.
While the initial price tag may be higher, consider the reduced maintenance costs and extended lifespan when making your decision. In many cases, choosing concrete proves to be the more economical choice over the lifetime of your home.
For many people, the light color and availability of attractive exposed aggregate finishes match their expectations better than dark asphalt. In many neighborhoods and developments in the Twin Cities, concrete driveways are the standard. In such neighborhoods, an asphalt driveway may detract from a home's value, and may even be prohibited.
Concrete offers numerous design options that asphalt simply cannot match. Decorative concrete and stamped patterns allow driveways to make a home look much nicer. At Preferred 1 Concrete, we can create custom designs that complement your home's architecture and enhance your property's curb appeal.
For many homeowners, a driveway is more than just a road to the garage. Children use driveways for recreation, playing sports like basketball and riding skateboards, tricycles, and other wheeled toys on them. A concrete driveway is more comfortable and cleaner to walk on with bare feet. Concrete doesn't heat up in the sun or soften like asphalt.
This versatility makes concrete driveways ideal for families and outdoor entertaining, providing a clean, stable surface for various activities beyond just parking your car.
Asphalt is higher-maintenance than concrete. Asphalt driveways require more maintenance than concrete. They need a coat of sealant 6 months to 1 year after installation, plus an additional resurfacing every 3-5 years to lengthen its lifespan.
By contrast, concrete driveways require minimal upkeep. While concrete does benefit from periodic sealing, the maintenance schedule is far less demanding than that of asphalt, saving you time and money over the years.
At Preferred 1 Concrete, we've been installing concrete driveways since 2004, serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding Twin Cities suburbs. We're all about amazing customer service and doing great work. Many concrete contractors aren't known for people skills and communication. We're different. Our team is committed to top-notch communication, customer service, design ideas, and leaving you completely satisfied.
When you choose Preferred 1 Concrete, you're working with a team that has generations of experience. We've been doing this since 2004, and my father has been doing it since the 1980's – we're good at what we do and we're certain you'll like working with us.
For Twin Cities homeowners, concrete driveways offer superior longevity, better aesthetics, increased home value, and lower lifetime maintenance requirements compared to asphalt. While the initial investment is higher, the long-term benefits make concrete the smarter choice for Minnesota's challenging climate.
Ready to upgrade your home with a beautiful, durable concrete driveway? Contact Preferred 1 Concrete today to discuss your project. We install concrete driveways throughout the Twin Cities, with specialization in the South Metro from Northfield, Farmington, Lakeville, Prior Lake, Burnsville, Bloomington, Richfield, Edina, Eden Prairie, and Eagan.
Learn more about our concrete driveways or visit our home page to explore all our concrete services.
