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In terms of durability, concrete driveways can last more than 50 years when properly maintained, compared to the typical 30 years for an asphalt driveway. However, the durability depends on the climate, base material and thickness, and thickness of the concrete or asphalt used. The longevity of concrete or asphalt driveways also depends on how well it’s maintained and the amount of wear and tear it endures.

A concrete pathway is very durable and can last upward of 30 years under normal conditions. Heavy snowfall and excessive heat may decrease this lifespan over time, as can vehicle traffic and salt applications during freezing conditions. Homeowners in extreme climates might notice cracking and deterioration after just 15 years, while those in more temperate climates should see multiple decades of life from their concrete.

A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you’re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.

All foundations have footers, including monolithic slabs. In some cases, the foundation itself acts as the footer, as in the case of a floating slab and a monolithic slab. With a monolithic slab, the footers—which are just the bottom-most portion of the foundation that distributes loads down to stable soil—are a part of the main slab and are constructed with a single pour.