tree roots lifting concrete driveway
It is unrealistic to expect your contractor will match the color of your concrete driveway exactly with a sample from a nearby showroom, a neighbor's decorative concrete drive, or a photograph taken from a brochure. Even plain concrete can have color variations. This is especially true when more than one load of concrete is required or if concrete placements take place on different days. These variations are usually minor and will fade with time.
A stamped concrete driveway's initial cost can be anywhere from $6 per sq. ft. for basic stamped concrete (using only one color) to $15 for more complex multi-pattern designs and special coloring effects. Stamped concrete is more expensive than asphalt but you will get a higher return on your investment. A concrete driveway will last for longer and requires less maintenance than other paving materials. It can also increase curb appeal, which can help to boost your home's resale price.
Concrete is naturally brighter, more reflective than asphalt. It also saves energy by not having to light up at night. Concrete can reflect up 27% of sunlight, while asphalt pavements only reflect 5%. Light-colored paving materials can also reduce the heat island effect in urban areas.
A concrete driveway that is properly installed will last many decades, and at least twice as long as an asphalt driveway. Concrete driveways are less likely to need to be resurfaced or repaired as frequently, so they use less raw materials.
You can recycle your concrete driveway if it ever becomes unusable. Your recycled driveway material can be used to make granular and base courses for new pavements, or as aggregate in concrete.