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What Type of Material Should I Use For My Driveway
When it comes to having a new driveway installed there are lots of things homeowners eed to consider, such as price and what look you are going for. A driveway upgrade may be a small thing, but can change the look of your home and yard, and can up your homes curb appeal.
Types of Driveway Materials
Gravel
Gravel driveways have become a popular option for homeowners looking for a change to their driveways, without the larger cost of having pavers or concrete put in.
Pros of Gravel Driveways
- Great for anyone who has a large driveway
- Quick to install
- Comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to match any look
- Lower cost than other materials
Cons of Gravel Driveways
- Not good for snow plowing
- Pot holes will need to be dealt with
- Can track gravel into your house, which is not ideal
Concrete
Concrete driveways are durable and low maintenance, making them a top choice for homeowners.
Pros of Concrete Driveways
- Can match any house
- Design can be simple and traditional, or made with different colors and textures depending on the needs and wants of homeowners
- Winter friendly, snow can easily be shoveled off of concrete
Cons of Concrete Driveways
- Hard to repair, cannot repair individual spots
- Can crack over time
Concrete is susceptible to staining due to its light color
Pavers
Paver driveways look fantastic, and are a great option for homeowners who want to spruce up the look of their home without changing the exterior of their house.
Pros of Paver Driveways
- Gives your home an aesthetically pleasing look
- Comes in many different colors and shapes
- Paver driveways last significantly longer than other driveway of a different material
- Stronger than poured concrete
- Individual pavers can be replaced as needed
Cons of Paver Driveways
- If the base is not properly prepared, pavers can move from frost heave and settling
- If proper joint sand is not used, weeds and moss can grow in between paver cracks
- For pavers to stay protected, sealing is recommended every couple of years
Asphalt
Asphalt driveways are popular in places that see harsh winters, as its material is pliable, and weathers freeze-thaw cycles better than other driveway materials.
Pros of Asphalt Driveways
- Can handle harsh winter weather
- Retains heat, snow will melt quicker than other driveway materials
- Worn asphalt can be resurfaced and resealed to extend and renew its life
Cons of Asphalt
- Not as pleasing to the eye as other driveway materials
- Limited design options
- The edges of an asphalt driveway have an “unfinished” look
- Plant or tree roots can damage asphalt easier than concrete
What To Consider?
While looks are a big thing when it comes to what type of driveway you are looking to have installed, it should not be the only consideration when it comes to figuring out what driveway you are looking to upgrade to.
Driveway materials options all range in cost, and durability. Homeowners who are looking to live in their home for a long time might want to consider a durable product that is going to last a long time.
Another thing to take into consideration are whether your area gets a lot of snow, and what your driveway is being used for (lots of heavy vehicle traffic etc.).
There are so many options when it comes to driveways that homeowners will have no problem finding a driveway that matches all of their needs and wants!