Driveway is one of the most used places in your property. Whether you are coming or going in your car or simply shoveling snow, your driveway takes some serious wear and tear. With that, it is important to weigh all the pros and cons of all the available types of driveway perfect for your homes. By knowing and taking care of the materials you used, your driveway will most likely look good for as long as it is allowed.
However, first things first. You will need to decide which materials will your driveway be made of. Your choices can range from different materials like from bricks to dirt, as well as everything in between. Aside from materials, it is also good to consider the budget, the climate, and the aesthetics or designs you wish to have. All of these factors are only some of the several things that will play a certain role in the effectiveness of your driveway.
Concrete Driveway
Concrete driveways are one of the common choices as the paving of the driveway. The concrete type shows some quite benefits such as its durability, which is the primary reason why several jump towards this choice. In fact, concrete driveways usually last for about 40 years without repairs, maintenance, or replacements. In addition to this, concrete is also suitable and beneficial for people who have cars sitting on it every day.
As long as it is installed properly, it could last for many years to come. However, the only downside of this material is that it stains easily. De-icing solutions can also bring this type of material into a quicker breakdown. Moreover, the drying process of a concrete material usually takes a few days. With that, driveways that are under the drying process can’t be use during that time.
Asphalt Driveway
Aside from concrete material, asphalt IS a much more affordable option that is widely used. Asphalt driveway are usually made out of materials like asphalt cement, sands, and rocks. This type of material only comes in the color of black and is mostly known as the “blacktop.” Although asphalt does not allow any color customization, its lower price is one of the factors that are considered by many. Its cost usually ranges from about $3 to $5 per square foot. Interestingly, it is much cheaper to install than the cement concrete. Unlike cement, asphalt dries and settles only a few hours. Unfortunately, it will need resealing at least every three or five years with a regular resurfacing. Also, it required more maintenance, especially in places with cold climate.
Brick Driveway
Brick is a material that is also commonly used in driveways. It is a material that offers a broad selection of textures and colors that can make your driveway customizable. Besides form driveways, brick is also used on streets which gives it a classy look that several people desire. Although this material adds a striking and timeless look, it will cost much more money if compared to the asphalt and concrete.
However, the durability of this material is not your best bet in the market. Some of the bricks may shift or crack during installment but it can be easily replaced without altering the whole driveway. If sealed and taken care properly, your brick driveway can last up to 25 years. Hiring people to do the work will also be costly if compared to the installation of other materials.
Gravel Driveway
Gravel driveway is probably the most cost-efficient driveway, but only higher that natural driveways like dirt and grass. Such driveways are most commonly found in rural areas and usually made out of materials like sands, rocks, or clays. Moreover, it is also good for long driveways, especially in the country.
On the downside, gravel is a loose material. With that being said, it can be easily misplaced from where it was put. Raking as maintenance will be the work if too much of the materials get away. Quick driving can also cause some dust to rack up.
Crushed Stone Driveway
Crushed stone driveways are made out of pebbles and stones. Creating such driveway will be a lower cost alternative to materials like asphalt and concrete. Also, your driveway could look simple yet attractive. On the other hand, this type of driveway is hard to maintain since it will most likely to have composition issues. This is also a permeable material that will cause rain water to penetrate it instead of running it off. Snow removal will also be much difficult to do since it will mean that you will throw off some rocks as you dig the snow.
