Benefits of a Paved Driveway and Why You Need It
A bare dirt driveway will be disappointing at some point. Whether you are frustrated by the mud during the rainy season or get the stink eye from guests or even potential buyers when it is time to sell, you can opt to have your driveway paved. You have options when creating your showpiece.
Asphalt Driveways
It is hard to top the expedient and durable qualities of asphalt. Despite the layers necessary to properly pave your asphalt driveway, the whole job can be completed in one day and even used within hours of being paved. Of course, it is advised not to use it for a couple of days allowing for sufficient hardening to avoid christening your new surface with dents however slight.
You cannot beat the sound absorption of asphalt when it comes to late-night vehicular arrivals. Asphalt is known for its durability, especially in colder climates. The dark color hastens the melting of snow or ice, and unlike concrete, should you use salt for that purpose, there is no destructive effect.
Maintaining Asphalt Driveways
Driveway paving companies like All Star Paving, LLC provide a variety of solutions for your driveway interests, whether you are seeking a newly paved surface, resurfacing, repairing cracks or a routine sealant application about every 3-4 years. You can easily perform all your ongoing driveway maintenance without the aid of a professional although you can certainly take advantage of their expertise and leave the work up to those who already have all the necessary tools and supplies.
Since an asphalt driveway typically has no finished edges, that is usually where crumbling occurs. You can avoid this by installing concrete bumpers, which also provide a nice aesthetic. Less vulnerable than and half the cost of concrete, with proper maintenance, your asphalt driveway can last upwards of 20 years. The best part is a concrete driveway is 100 percent recyclable.
Concrete Driveways
Concrete is more expensive to pave than asphalt, but you have more options. You can fashion and color concrete to suit the existing architectural style of your home. Concrete, however, is not as flexible as asphalt and tends to have more cracks often producing severe fault line cracks. In a moderate climate, concrete can double the lifespan over asphalt. In hot climates, the lighter color deflects heat.
Other Paving Options
Aside from asphalt or concrete, residential driveways can be paved using brick, pavers or even grass. You must weigh the pros and cons and the respective costs and ongoing maintenance of each. Your paving professional will have answers to all your questions.
In conclusion, a paved driveway is a wise investment that boosts the curb appeal of your home and provides a safer and more pleasant surface for everyone. Be done with the bad impression of a dirty, uneven surface and have your driveway paved. You will be glad of that decision.