Driveways are an essential piece to the puzzle when it comes to curb appeal. Although may people think of asphalt or cement first, there are a variety of driveway options. These choices should be carefully considered. There are many driveway options and they all provide a different look. Consider them closely and discuss your options with a Farimarket contractor.
Installing any type of driveway options should always be left up to the professionals. You do, however, have a say in how your new driveway will turn out. So be sure to be specific when talking to your contractor about driveway options. Be certain they understand your wants and needs before you sign a contract. While this guide can help, you may need to do your own homework to determine which of the driveway options will work best for you. Keep reading to learn more about the different materials to consider.
Driveway Options: Asphalt
As you consider driveway options and do your research, you may start noticing various driveways. What is best for you might not be what is best for your neighbor. However, you may start wondering why so many homeowners in your neighborhood choose asphalt as their preferred driveway surface.
There are pros and cons to all driveway options. Asphalt, though popular, is no different. Yet, there are more good points about asphalt than negative ones. There really is only one disadvantage. The biggest issue with asphalt driveways is that they are much harder to maintain. Unless sealed sufficiently, asphalt will crack.
Sealing is one of the major expenses of asphalt. But while sealing an asphalt driveway can be expensive upfront, not sealing it will cost you even more. The repairs that come from an unsealed driveway cracking, can be costly.
Asphalt Highlights
To discuss the highlights of asphalt, comparing it to other driveway options is key. Here are a few of the most positive aspects of asphalt paving:
1. Asphalt is less likely to be damaged by frost or extreme heat.
2. Like concrete there are decorative options available. Although, concrete has more.
3. Asphalt can be re-layered (unlike concrete).
4. Paving asphalt is far cheaper than to install concrete.
5. Asphalt is high maintenance; however it is easier for a skilled DIY’er to perform the repairs than it is for concrete.
You may be aware that concrete driveways have the ability to be colored and stamped for added design. These processes enhance the appearance of the driveway. While considering driveway options, keep an open mind. Surprising to some, asphalt can also be patterned and stamped. Patterns in asphalt cost more and there are less choices, but it is possible. It is important to acknowledge that similar to concrete, asphalt driveway options need to be frequently resealed to help them last longer.
Cobblestones & Driveway Options Including Pavers
By far less common, cobblestone is one of the many driveway options. There are pros and cons to cobblestones, the following are pros:
Pros of Cobblestone
- A cobblestone driveway is extremely durable. The longevity of cobblestone and pavers is phenomenal. Even if they become dislodged or break, they repair is simple. One unit can be replaced at a time. Because they are placed in the driveway as individual units as opposed to concrete and asphalt being one large surface, they are easily replaced. The good news is that you aren’t faced with replacing an entire driveway.
- There is a nice variety of design and sizes of cobblestones available to give you many options from which to choose.
- Cobblestone gives off a look of luxury and quality.
Cons of Cobblestone
Besides cost, the uneven surface of cobblestones might make them unappealing. Some people prefer a smooth surface for their driveway.
1. Cobblestone is extremely costly. It is among the most expensive of driveway options.
2. The unevenness of cobblestone makes it difficult for children to ride bikes, play, etc. For instance, if you also want to set up a driveway basketball hoop, cobblestone might not be the best choice. If and when it snows, it’s also difficult to remove snow.
Driveway Pavers
When considering driveway options, driveway pavers might be worth a look. Driveway pavers are unique in that they vary in design and size. They have an extensive range from grand hexagonal driveway pavers to smaller bricks in rectangular shapes. Asphalt and concrete can be shaped and stamped to look like pavers, but nothing compares to the real thing. It is extremely obvious when they are mimicked. For many homeowners, authenticity is extremely important.
Do not sacrifice actual driveway pavers. You will only be disappointed. For example, you may choose an “old world” feel for all of your landscaping. In that case, there really is no way to go with anything but cobblestones or pavers. If you have a gorgeous brick house, than you might want to emphasize the look with brick pavers. A Fairmarket contract can help you stick to your landscaping goals. A good contractor will help you go through driveway options to find the best solution for you.
Driveway Options: Consider Cement
Another one among popular driveway options, people often misunderstand cement. Essentially it is a mixture of cement, aggregate, and sand. The binding agent is cement. Concrete and cement driveways are synonymous.
Cement Driveway Maintenance
There is not a lot of maintenance for cement driveways, but it can be hefty if the following are not done on a regular basis:
1. Sealing – as with asphalt, it is crucial that you seal your cement driveway. This helps preserve it longer.
2. Repairs – occasionally you may need to make repairs in your cement driveway. This means taking care of cracks, various breaks, and depressions.
3. In terms of keeping with the surrounding landscape, you will need to furnish your cement driveway with the proper landscaping details.
For those in warmer clients, ice and snow removal is not usually a big deal. Freezing temperatures can do a lot of damage to concrete driveways. Some cement driveways, however, have snow-melting systems, which can help heat the driveway to melt the snow. Only asphalt or concrete driveway options have the ability to have such systems.
Cleaning a Cement Driveway
There is no doubt that cement driveways look the best when they are new. But driveways are meant to be used. Tire marks, grease, oil, tire marks, mildew and more can cause unsightly stains. It warrants the question; can these stains be removed? There are many tips out there to clean cement and some are easier than others. For example, a little kitty litter is one of the best ways to remove stains. Yet, it only works are fresh oil spills. Anything that has been sitting for a while requires professional treatment. A Fairmarket contractor can power wash your cement driveway as part of your regular maintenance schedule.
Driveway Options: Paved Driveway
A paved driveway means on that is made from an impervious material. Concrete and asphalt full under this category. With this type of driveway, water does not readily permeate through the surface. That can pose a potential problem, particularly after a heavy rainstorm.
Unless there is an outlet allowing the water to run off, it will puddle. It could puddle on your property or your neighbors. Even with an outlet it could stream down into your neighbor’s property or into the street. If the land is relatively flat, it will run off equally to the left and right sides of your driveway. As a result, your neighbors may end up scooping excess water off their own driveway. In the winter, this could result into slipper patches of ice it not taken care of immediately.
Saving Money on Driveway Options
Many believe they can save a few dollars on their driveway options with “leftover” asphalt. Some vendors sell it at a bargain rate and swear it is the same thing as a premium mix. However this couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, it may save you money upfront, but down the road you will be forced to deal with costly repairs. Do not attempt to use anything but a premium mix on your driveway. Anything less will cause you more money in the end.
One of the best ways to save money on a new driveway is simple. Plan a new driveway or repairs when your neighbors are getting one installed, too. Often, if you everyone agrees to use the same contractor the prices can be greatly reduced. Everyone will save. Contractors often will give discounts when they can do multiple jobs at once. They can save by buying bulk materials.
Contact a Fairmarket Contractor Today
Ready for a new driveway? Are you finally going to make those repairs? Don’t hesitate! Contact a Fairmarket contractor today and get the job started. You’ll be glad you did and you’ll love the end results!
