When it comes time to add or renew a driveway on your property, concrete and asphalt or two of the most common pavement options. Each of these options has their benefits and drawbacks, for example asphalt is generally cheaper to install than concrete. While you might save in the short term with asphalt, concrete holds up better to rain and heat, it requires less regular maintenance, and is more customizable. Here are some other reasons why we recommend a concrete driveway over an asphalt one.
 
Concrete is Better in Rain
With the rainy weather we get here in Santa Rosa, concrete should be a no-brainer for this reason alone. Asphalt can’t even be completed in rain heavier than a light sprinkle because it contains soils, which separate out and cause craters when exposed to water. Even after the asphalt sets it can be damaged by rain and slow, slowly degrading the paving, causing cracks and potholes. Concrete is much better suited for rain, both during installation and over its lifetime. Water doesn’t cause the same harmful effects to concrete that it does to asphalt, and while laying concrete during a downpour is never recommended, concrete handles the rain much better.
 
Concrete is Extremely Durable
There are many reasons why concrete is the most widely used building material globally, and durability is one of them. When concrete is properly poured, finished, and maintained (like we do here at Santa Rosa Concrete), a concrete construction can remain in good repair for decades. A driveway is one of the most heavily used areas considering that it will be exposed to vehicles, bikes, shoes, and the elements on a regular basis. When properly maintained, a concrete driveway can last around 30-40 years, making your initial investment well worth it. Asphalt driveways, on the other hand, generally have a lifespan of around 12-20 years.  
 
Concrete Affords More Design Options
Concrete can be manipulated in a number of ways, including unique patterns, decorative borders and impressions, and unique colorations. Concrete can be stained, colored, stamped, etched, tinted, and even made to look like other materials such as stone or brick. Asphalt on the other hand, must be rolled and compressed, limiting your options for customization and decoration. If you want a great looking or unique driveway design, concrete is the way to go.
 
Asphalt Requires Regular Maintenance
Homeowners with asphalt driveways know that they need to be cleaned at least twice a year with a strong hose and broom to stay looking good. Asphalt driveways should also be resealed every two to five years, depending on wear and tear, to maintain their water resistance and looks. Even if you take care of your asphalt driveway, they very often develop cracks and holes that must be treated quickly to prevent them from getting worse. Concrete driveways do not share any of these problems, as they are much more durable.
 
Concrete Provides Better Resale Value
While the initial investment in a concrete driveway is more than an asphalt driveway, it will actually raise the value of your property. Homebuyers prefer concrete driveways for all the reasons mentioned above: they are durable, require little maintenance, and are more aesthetically pleasing. 

Convinced yet? If so, give us a call to schedule an estimate for your concrete driveway today.

​Located right at the epicenter of California’s world-famous Sonoma Wine Country, Santa Rosa is a superb blend of urban culture and pastoral beauty. Besides wine tasting, there are tons of other fun activities to partake in, both adventurous and leisurely. 
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1. Go For a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Santa Rosa is known for its beautiful countryside after all, so why not get the best view possible? Get up in the sky in a hot air balloon ride, so you can take in those views from the Pacific Ocean to the mountains in the distance. Most balloon rides embark in the morning when temperatures are cool, so get ready to wake up on the early side. Balloon rides are usually in the $200-$300 mark, some companies you can look up are Wine Country Balloons and Up & Away Ballooning.

1. Visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum

Known for being the cartoonist behind Charlie Brown and Snoopy, Charles M. Schulz has a massive collection of his work on display at this museum in Santa Rosa. Charles was actually born in Santa Rosa, so naturally the town and his experiences here inspired much of the Peanuts cartoons. You’ll notice landmarks dedicated to Peanuts characters all around town, such as at the Redwood Empire Ice Arena (also known as Snoopy’s Home Ice) or the nearby Warm Puppy Café.

1. Explore Your Wild Side at Safari West

Did you know that Santa Rosa is home to a wildlife preserve containing more than 700 different species of animals? At Safari West, you can ride in an open-air vehicle to see giraffes, cheetahs, antelopes, cape buffalo, wildebeests, zebras, and other animals so exotic you’ll feel like your on the African savannah.

1. Relax at the Osmosis Day Spa

Need to relax after a heavy wine tour? Hit the Osmosis Day Spa, known for their cedar Enzyme Bath, rejuvenating massages, organic facials, and their beautiful Zen-inspired meditation gardens that make you feel like you’re in Japan.

1. Spend Time Outdoors at Spring Lake Regional Park

If you just can’t get enough of that Santa Rosa nature (and who would blame you), then head over to Spring Lake Regional park, a 320-acre area with plenty to see. Home to lakes, ponds, woodlands, and meadows, Spring Lake boasts a diversity of habitats, making it a popular place to go hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing. There’s even a water playground where you can bounce, climb, and slide on floating play stations with just a $10 admission fee.

1. Santa Rosa Bike N’ Brew

While Santa Rosa is known for its wine scene, the area also contains some premium breweries that are absolutely worth a visit. On the Bike N’ Brew, you’ll go on a scenic ride through Santa Rosa and Sebastopol from brewery to brewery. Your guide will teach you all about the history of breweries in the area as you sip delicious beers for the afternoon. Sold yet?
 
We hope you have some ideas for fun, new activities to enjoy in Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa Concrete is always here to help!