Is Crushed Concrete Good For Driveways?

Crushed Concrete Driveways

One of the most difficult decisions that people have to make when installing a new driveway is which material they should use. For most homeowners, their options will be determined by budget and time. Concrete is a great building material that is easy to find and affordable but not everyone has time or money to hire a contractor. Because of this, crushed concrete is a common consideration for driveways but there is a lot of misinformation when it comes to whether it’s a good choice or not. If you’re considering using crushed concrete, read on to find out why we highly advise against it.

Crushed concrete driveways are unstable

Crushed concrete is a very common material that is both cheap and easy to obtain. However, this is not the best material for driveways because it lacks stability. Driveways get a lot of traffic causing the crushed concrete to behave similarly to loose gravel. After a bit of use, you will have holes and uneven areas that require tons of work to fill and level. You can choose to leave these holes alone but ultimately they can cause damage to your vehicles and even make for hazards when walking.

Do you like dusting every day?

A huge issue with crushed concrete driveways is the dust they bring with them. Dust will cause irritated eyes and greatly increase the need for cleaning in and around your home and vehicles. It’s not an issue most people take into consideration but the dust stirred up from everyday use will have you constantly cleaning your car and even possibly avoiding opening your windows. Driving slowly can help minimize this but ultimately, it will still be an annoyance.

Curb appeal and aesthetic

Another major concern is a little less worrisome and more of a personal preference issue, but it’s not very appealing to the eye. Crushed concrete driveways are about the same as loose gravel driveways when it comes to looks and value. They won’t add to your curb appeal and without serious upkeep, they can even diminish your property value. They can get the job done in a bind but if you’re hoping to install a driveway that will last and look nice, you should consider other options.

So when should you use crushed concrete?

There are a few instances when it’s a good idea to use crushed concrete. Most boil down to the idea that it will eventually be replaced. If you’re planning on having a more permanent concrete driveway put in, crushed concrete can be a good temporary solution. Crushed concrete is also a great choice if you have water and drainage issues on your property that need to be fixed as it allows for water to seep through to the ground more quickly. If either of these apply to you, it can be a good temporary solution but in the long run, you’ll want to install something with more durability.

While crushed concrete driveways are one of the cheapest options available, they bring a long list of downfalls that are sure to cost you time and money in the long run. Remember to keep this information in mind when you’re ready to install a new driveway.

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