Whether you should install a driveway with a new home, or you should replace your current driveway, you're probably wondering which material is the most suitable. I am sure you have inked a little homework and know the three common materials used in construction, however are you aware of the benefits and conditions that are related to each? Depending on your allowance, tolerance for maintenance, and climate you should consider each driveway material carefully.
Concrete driveways, asphalt driveways, and brick or pavers will be the three most common varieties of residential driveways. If your first concern may be the cost then you can definitely always go for gravel. But if your house is in a suburban community, you will likely have to install among the other three types.
Asphalt driveways are less costly than concrete and pavers. When finances are a primary concern, many homeowners go for asphalt. Asphalt driveways typically last around 2 decades and might be resurfaced. Repairs can also be easy to make. Asphalt driveways do present some problems though. They are not as durable as being a concrete driveway, they could get softer in high heat climates, plus they must be resealed every less than six years.
Driveways constructed of pavers or bricks can be extremely beautiful. However, their beauty carries with it an exorbitant cost. Paver driveways tend to be durable than asphalt driveways nonetheless they too have a few downfalls. Price is the reason homeowners choose not to use bricks or pavers in their driveway construction. Also, in extreme cold and freezing, water could possibly get in the seams involving the masonry and cause cracking or breaking. If the driveway was poorly installed, it might start to warp and weeds can start to grow between your bricks.
Concrete driveways tend to be more expensive than asphalt, but less costly than brick driveways. Concrete is really a popular choice among homeowners for many reasons. First of all they are extremely durable and require very little maintenance. When installed properly and sealed occasionally, they are able to last over 50 years. Concrete can also guarantee homeowners with more versatile design choices.
For example, concrete might be either stained, painted, or have color put into them when these are installed. This allows homeowners to essentially get creative making use of their concrete retaining walls. Another benefit is that it can be stamped. This means that design patterns including bricks or stone may be stamped into the wet concrete before it dries. Once it's got dried, a stamped concrete driveway can provide the look of a paver or stone driveway better value. Concrete does have a very couple of issues though. They will also be susceptible to cracking in cold temperatures, can stain easy, and can be expensive to fix. That being said, concrete offer the most durable and versatile solution.