Driveways

Driveways

A driveway is typically a private road providing access to garages and carports and giving pedestrian access to any structures. They are an integral part of the landscaping in any home or business, as they can provide curb appeal with their unique color patterns. A driveway design should be taken seriously because it is the first thing someone sees when arriving at a home or business. If it lacks beauty, the landscaping around the driveway will be overlooked. This is why it’s important to know what options are when designing, constructing, and maintaining a driveway.

Much research goes into designing a new driveway for a home or business because certain materials can cause problems in the long run. There are three trendy options for driveways: concrete, asphalt, and brick pavers. Asphalt is the most affordable option, but it also has the shortest lifespan. It requires maintenance every few years to remove cracks and patch holes as they appear, and it only lasts about fifteen years under heavy use. Concrete is more expensive than asphalt, but it is more durable and long-lasting. It can last up to thirty years before it begins to show signs of wear and tear. Finally, brick pavers are far more expensive than asphalt or concrete, but they add much character and give the driveway a classy look that will impress visitors.

A driveway installation can be done by a home or business owner, but it can also be done by a contractor under the homeowner’s guidance. The owner needs to think about where and how they want their driveway laid out before anything else. In addition, they should consider the number of vehicles they own and what type of work their driveways will receive. Remember that all three types need rough grading beforehand, which is why a contractor will likely be needed if soil conditions aren’t suitable for a DIY installation.

A concrete driveway is poured all at once, and the asphalt or brick paver driveways are installed in panels. In these cases, each panel of materials can be set on top of the previous ones to make the job faster. To ensure the durability of the panels, there needs to be a solid base for each one to rest upon. This is why it’s important not to place them directly on top of soil, especially in areas where the soil isn’t compact and smooth. The driveway will need at least six inches of solid material like gravel or stone laid down before it can be installed.