Understanding Driveways and Tips in Choosing the Best One for Your Home

Your driveway is one of the most used and abused parts of your home. It is made to handle your cars’ weight and the traffic from the people coming and going from your property. Your concrete contractors can help you choose the best driveway to have based on your lifestyle so don’t hesitate to ask.

For your driveway options, here are some picks to check out.

Gravel Driveway

A gravel driveway is very easy to install. For a single-car driveway, it can be done within a day. It can cost around $300 yet it can last you years, even decades if properly installed. The downside of having a gravel driveway is improper installation. Unlike concrete driveways, gravel driveways are disposed to erosion. Your concrete contractor should put up a drainage system during installation to prevent erosion, especially if your driveway has steep slopes. With the correct drainage system and proper installation, you got a durable driveway that is easy to maintain.

Paved Stone Driveway

If you are after the aesthetic beauty of your driveway, a paved stone driveway is for you. Stones come in different styles and designs and you can choose ones that will blend with your current landscape to match it. Stone is highly durable as well as it can last you a lifetime. On the downside, a paved stone driveway is very expensive as compared to other types of concrete driveways. When it is raining or it’s wet, a paved stone driveway can be slippery too. If your driveway area wasn’t checked by a professional concrete contractor prior to installation, there is a chance that the area is prone to soil erosion and is dangerous if you have a stone driveway.

Asphalt Driveway

If you are on a tight budget but want a presentable driveway, an asphalt driveway is a good choice. For less than $ per square foot, you can have a good and functional driveway. It requires a concrete contractor to do the installation though unless you have paving equipment. Though cheaper, asphalt driveway commands higher maintenance costs. For it to last, you need to seal it at least once in three years. If you regularly use your driveway, it might need regular patching as well to prevent bigger damage in the future. Asphalt is not recommended in places where the temperature drops for a period of time. Exposure to extreme cold can shorten the lifespan of an asphalt driveway. Why do some homeowners prefer asphalt aside from cost? It comes with higher traction as compared to other types of driveway, making it an attractive choice for homeowners living with the elderly.

Concrete Driveway

Concrete driveways have always been the first choice among homeowners because of their durability and longer life span. It can be a DIY project as well though having a professional concrete contractor is highly recommended for better installation. For a price of less than $5 per square foot and $8 per square foot, if you want it to be stamped, you can have a beautiful driveway that can match your current home design. After installation, sealing is a must to help it last longer. For better options, you can even ask your concrete contractor to give your concrete driveway a makeover through stamping or coating. This will give your concrete driveway an aesthetic advantage over other plain concrete driveways. The only downside of having a concrete driveway is storm run-off, a common issue with paved stone driveways as well.

Before Driveway Installation

Before choosing the type of driveway to have, it is best to talk to a local concrete contractor first. Have them assess your driveway needs, your driveway location, and the type of soil in the said area. This will give your concrete contractor a better grasp of what you really need, preventing unnecessary expenses once the installation begins. During negotiation, ask for an estimate, possible issues you might encounter once the driveway installation is done, and maintenance and care tips. Your concrete contractor can also help you with permits and documents that you might need to process prior to the installation.

Takeaway

You should consider your driveway installation as an investment. Don’t just choose a driveway for the sake of having a driveway. Consider maintenance cost, long-term savings, and potential value that it can add to your property in the future. You should also consider design, style, and how it will impact the overall look of your home. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask your professional concrete contractor for their opinion and always ask questions. Remember, you will be installing something in your home that is not easy to uninstall.