The Key to a Beautiful and Durable Home

Your home driveway is generally the very first impression that people will have about your home. Not only can a well paved driveway enhance the appearance of your premises, but they add value to the property. As you consider paving your driveway, the benefits, materials, process and maintenance will help you to make a good choice.

Why Invest in Driveway Paving?

1. Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is also very important to homeowners especially when you have intentions of selling your home in the future. New pavement on your driveway can make your house look much more inviting and attractive. Having a well paved driveway in a city where the weather is usually dry and rough is a show of care and attention to detail that makes your home look good overall.

2. Durability

The unpaved or poorly maintained driveways can be affected by the harsh Arizona sun. With time, cracks, potholes and wear and tear may occur due to a mixture of heat and some rain. By investing in driveway paving, you can be certain that your driveway will be made of high-quality materials that are meant to counter such environmental challenges. A well paved driveway is going to last you a long time and give you a lasting value.

3. Safety

A badly paved or uneven driveway is dangerous. Family members and visitors may have accidents as a result of cracks and potholes. An asphalt driveway in good condition reduces these risks and gives the road a safe surface to vehicles, pedestrians and children who are playing in the yard.

4. Higher Value of Property

Prospective house owners will be more inclined to buy a house with a driveway that is well paved. You also have the opportunity of improving the resale value of your home by investing in driveway paving. A newly paved driveway is one of the projects with a high return on investment, and hence it is an excellent investment project to a homeowner who wants to increase the value of his or her property.

Driveway Paving Materials

The type of material you use in your driveway is very important in the durability and the look of the driveway. The following are some of the common driveway paving materials:

1. Asphalt

One of the most common paving materials used in driveways is asphalt because it is cheap and long lasting. It is resistant to cracking, and it can stand up to the high temperatures. Also, asphalt driveways are not very difficult to fix and therefore, it is a convenient option that can be used by the house owners.

2. Concrete

Concrete driveways are more durable and with proper care they can outlive asphalt. Although concrete costs more than asphalt, it is cleaner in appearance and modern. Stamping or coloring of concrete is also an option to make it look good.

3. Pavers

Paver driveways are interlocked with bricks or stones and they offer a distinct and fashionable appearance. They can be designed in different patterns and colors and thus home owners can have their own patterns. However, the driveway made of pavers is more costly and it might need more attention in terms of maintenance to avoid the growth of weeds between the stones.

4. Gravel

Gravel driveways are the affordable alternative which might need additional maintenance compared to paved driveways. They are also not long lasting and may be washed away by heavy rains causing the gravel to be replaced on a regular basis. Nonetheless, gravel can give the home a rustic look that is desirable by certain homeowners.

The Paving Process of the Driveway

An effective way to make homeowners feel more comfortable with the investment is to learn the process of driveway paving. This is how the paving process of your driveway is going to go. 

1. Consultation and Planning

A professional contractor will first evaluate your current driveway or the area where your new driveway is to be installed before any work is done on it. In this consultation, you will talk about your preferences, budget, and other needs.

2. Excavation

After the plans have been finalized, excavation is the initial stage. It entails the removal of the existing driveway (in case there is one) and making the base ready to receive the new asphalt. Adequate excavation will make sure that the driveway will be of the right depth and drainage.

3. Grading

It is necessary to grade to allow the drainage away from the driveway. Good drainage prevents the build up of water that may cause damage and degradation in the long run.

4. Sub-Base Installation

The durability of the driveway is dependent on a stable sub-base. This layer can be made of gravel or crushed stone depending on the material used. This sub base is the required support to the surface layer and it prevents settling.

5. Paving

After the sub-base is laid, the chosen material of paving (asphalt, concrete, or pavers) is laid down. In the case of asphalt driveways, an asphalt material is poured on a heated surface and compacted to give a smooth surface. In the case of concrete, the mix is poured into mold, leveled and left to cure.

6. Finishing Touches

On completion of the paving work, the final touches can be done by sealing the surface particularly on the asphalt driveways. Sealcoating also prevents UV rays, oil spills and other weather conditions. In the case of pavers, sand is used to fill the spaces between the stones so that the stones are fixed and weeds cannot grow.

Tips on Driveway Paving Maintenance

In order to guarantee that your freshly paved driveway will be in a great shape even a few years later, take into consideration the following maintenance recommendations:

1. Regular Cleaning

Keep your driveway clean on a regular basis to get rid of dirt, litter and stains. In the case of asphalt, a pressure washer could be useful and concrete driveways could use a light scrub with soap and water.

2. Seal Coating

In the case of asphalt driveways, you can use a sealant after every 2-3 years to prevent UV rays and moisture. This will assist in prolonging the life of your driveway and also its appearance.

3. Fix Cracks Timely

Watch out on possible cracks and potholes that can arise. By fixing these problems early enough, more damage can be avoided and expensive repairs in the future.

4. Proper Drainage

Make sure that water moves away from the driveway. When you find puddling water, you may want to call a professional to correct the grading or put in place drainage measures.

Conclusion

The choice to invest in driveway paving is one that can greatly improve the appearance, property value, and safety of your home. Homeowners have a choice of different materials and professional services that can be used to fulfil their needs. A good-looking driveway has many advantages such as increased property value and curb appeal.

You may decide to use asphalt, concrete, pavers or gravel, but make sure you find a good contractor who will deliver quality work. With a little knowledge of how the paving is done and maintenance, you will have a beautiful and long lasting driveway that will serve you many years ahead.