A properly paved driveway creates a functional space and can increase your home’s curb appeal and market value. But with so many different options for paving materials, understanding which type of material is best can be confusing.
From budget-friendly gravel to high-end paver bricks made of natural stone or clay, there are a variety of choices for your new driveway. Each material offers unique benefits, maintenance requirements and costs. Contact Driveway Paving Summerville SC for professional help.
Asphalt is an economical and durable material for paving your driveway. It requires little maintenance, but it should be sealed once a year to protect it from the elements. An experienced paving company can help you select the best mix of materials to suit your climate and budget.
In addition to choosing the proper mixture, the installation process is crucial for a long-lasting paved surface. Proper preparation, base construction, ground compaction and the use of a high-quality aggregate are all critical for asphalt pavements. A good contractor will be able to create a strong foundation with these materials and ensure that the asphalt is laid, compacted and smoothed correctly.
A well-constructed asphalt driveway should have an extra one percent mat density over the minimum required by federal standards. This will improve both fatigue resistance and rut resistance. The extra density will also reduce the tendency for the asphalt to crack. This is accomplished by reducing air voids, which are created during the mixing and paving processes. Agencies can promote increased density by using finer gradations, incorporating warm mix asphalt and specifying quality assurance specifications.
It is important to allow the asphalt enough time to cool and settle after it has been rolled. If it is walked on too soon, it can become soft and susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles. It is a good idea to keep a hose handy so that you can water down the asphalt occasionally, especially in hot weather.
In general, asphalt is better suited to colder regions than concrete because it is more flexible and less likely to crack in freezing temperatures. It also holds up well to snowplows and road salt. In addition, asphalt is more affordable than concrete in many parts of the country.
However, if you are looking for a more eco-friendly option, consider using recycled asphalt millings instead of new material. This will save energy and resources as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Using recycled materials is an important part of green building.
Concrete
Concrete is a solid paving solution made from a mixture of cement, water, sand, and aggregate materials (like gravel). It is well-known for its strength, which allows it to handle heavy loads of vehicles, and its longevity, outlasting other paving materials like asphalt. It is also highly customizable, as homeowners can opt for a variety of finishes and textures. This includes being able to choose a colored and/or stamped design, which can enhance their home’s curb appeal.
In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of a property, concrete is an eco-friendly material. It is sustainable, as it can be recycled again and again, and it doesn’t emit Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons or Volatile Organic Compounds into the environment. This is an important consideration when choosing a paving material for your driveway, as these substances can have detrimental impacts on plant growth and the microbial communities in soil.
Another benefit of concrete is its low maintenance requirements. This is in comparison to paver driveways, which demand more frequent upkeep. It is worth noting, however, that a concrete driveway will still require cleaning and sealing from time to time.
If you’re thinking of installing a concrete driveway, it is best to contact a professional paving contractor to ensure quality and durability. Make sure to ask about their experience with this type of work, as well as whether or not they offer warranties and/or other coverage.
While most people think of concrete as being durable, it is important to note that the freeze-thaw cycle can damage it. This is why it’s recommended to seal concrete every couple of years and to avoid using de-icing salts on the surface. If you notice cracks forming, it is imperative that they are repaired as soon as possible to prevent them from getting bigger and worse.
Gravel
Gravel driveways offer a classic, rustic look that’s often more affordable than paved alternatives. They also provide a natural and sustainable option that reduces stress on stormwater systems and localized flooding.
However, a gravel surface requires regular maintenance to address potholes and drainage issues. If these problems aren’t addressed promptly, the driveway may need to be regraded or even removed and replaced entirely.
When choosing a gravel driveway, consider the size and texture of the stones. Some are smoother than others, which makes the surface more comfortable to walk on and drives on. Other types of gravel feature a more rugged, angular texture that adds visual interest to the driveway. Also, consider the sheen of the gravel—dark colors absorb sunlight and can heat up the driveway, while lighter shades reflect it.
Before installing a gravel driveway, lay down a weed barrier fabric to prevent weed growth and keep the surface looking neat and clean. Also, be sure to apply a quality weed killer regularly to eliminate weeds before they have a chance to take hold. In addition, a weed control system with swales or channel drains can help prevent erosion and maintain a healthy soil.
A common problem with gravel driveways is that the stones can wash away during a rainstorm. While this is a minor inconvenience for most homeowners, it can become an issue in close-knit communities where neighbors share driveways. Some people also dislike the noise created when cars drive over gravel, which can disrupt neighborhood harmony.
Gravel driveways are also susceptible to rutting, which causes the gravel to shift and loosen over time. Regular sweeping can help prevent this problem. In some cases, a tar-and-seal application can be used to improve the durability of gravel surfaces. This process is less expensive than a complete paving job and can extend the lifespan of the driveway. This technique is especially popular for homeowners who want the look of a paved driveway but are concerned about the cost and long-term maintenance needs of traditional asphalt or concrete paving. Be sure to consult a professional before deciding on this type of solution.
Stone Pavers
A stone driveway is a sophisticated choice that increases your property value, adds elegance and provides curb appeal. Its durable construction can withstand heavy traffic and creates a comfortable surface for parking vehicles. It also allows for the addition of decorative elements that will enhance its appearance. This type of paving requires expert installation, and it is recommended that you hire professional installers to ensure quality work.
Stone pavers can be more expensive than asphalt or gravel, but they are an excellent long-term investment that will stand the test of time and add a significant amount of character to your home’s exterior. They are available in a wide variety of colors, shapes and textures that will make your driveway unique. They are also easy to repair, as you can replace a single paver without having to redo the entire surface.
If you choose a stone paver, you will need to prepare the driveway site by clearing it and excavating to a depth determined by your soil type and expected load on the driveway. A layer of crushed rock or road base should then be laid and compacted using a plate compactor to create a firm, stable foundation for the pavers. Once the base is in place, edge restraints should be installed to keep the stones from shifting or settling over time.
Once the pavers are in place, they should be swept regularly to remove dirt and debris. They can be cleaned with a pressure washer but it is important that the water flow is kept low to prevent dislodging the sand between the stones. A special stone cleaner may be required to remove stubborn stains like oil or grease.
Another great feature of a stone paver driveway is that it can be built with a heating system beneath the surface to eliminate snow and ice accumulation. This is particularly useful in colder regions, and it can significantly improve the safety and functionality of your driveway.
When choosing a color for your pavers, consider tying it in with the roof color of your home to create a seamless transition from the driveway to the house. Currently, the trend is toward neutral tones and grays that will complement any home style.