Renovating your exterior can be a great way to liven and enhance your curb appeal. Like with any renovation, cost is the primary concern. Two materials that are very common with paving are concrete and pavers. Considering the popularity of these materials, many homeowners are faced with deciding on one over the other. It can be helpful to have a good idea of the pros and cons that each respective material represents. Understanding this will help a homeowner to decide on a cost-effective material that fits their needs. Take note – just because a material is a cheaper option does not mean that it’s the right way to go. On the same coin, it may not be necessary for you to invest in a more expensive material if a lower-cost option fits the bill.
Maintenance is a big concern with outdoor updating and renovations. A beautiful finished product can come with a huge maintenance requirement, making the space much less enjoyable from the homeowner’s perspective. You want to enjoy the space you’ve worked so hard to create, after all! As for concrete, the maintenance required is relatively low. Concrete is used often in municipal capacities for this reason. If you opt for concrete you’ll need to keep an eye for weed growth in between the spaces of your stones or slabs. Concrete slabs develop cracks and stains over time. Try as you may with power washing and patching, it just may come to the point where you’ll need to live with the imperfections that have developed on your concrete. Applying sealant regularly can help to resist the development of these eyesores, but as concrete ages, you may just need to face the facts.
Pavers are not as prone to cracking and staining as concrete. The two main causes of cracking are ground movement and temperature fluctuation. Pavers are intended to move sound with the ground as it shifts, and they’re resistant to the effects of temperature change. Pavers can receive damage by way of impact, causing them to crack or chip. However, individual pavers can be rooted out and replaced in this case, making repair easy and affordable. In fact, many homeowners are more than capable of replacing a few stones themselves, making paver maintenance very cost-friendly in the long run. The gaps in between pavers are places where weeds can grow. You can combat this with regular weed pulling or the application of weed killer.
When it comes to durability, concrete takes a loss. Concrete slabs, as mentioned earlier, are quite susceptible to cracking due to ground movement and sudden temperature change. Your concrete slabs could wind up being cracked in a very bad way. Your slabs may also become unlevel, causing potential drainage issues for your property. Pavers can withstand ground movement and sudden temperature change, and water will drain well between the joints of your pavers. Concrete costs less than pavers upfront, sometimes much less. However, with the repairs and replacements that you may need to do over time with concrete, pavers are a more affordable option in the long run.
