The Ultimate Guide to Driveway Paving

One of the critical investments that a homeowner can make is in a driveway. It does not only influence the appearance of your home, but it is also a fundamental part of the functionality and safety of your property. This guide will take you through all you need to know about driveway paving, the advantages, materials used, the process of installing it and how to maintain it.

Why Invest in Driveway Paving?

1. Curb Appeal

Visitors and potential buyers are always focused on the first aspect of your home, in this case, the driveway. The driveway is a very important part of a property and a well paved driveway can make a big difference in the overall look of your property. Driveway paving is a good investment whether you are trying to sell your house or you simply want to make it look better.

2. Rise in the value of property

A new driveway will be able to raise the resale value of your home. The driveways that are well taken care of will attract more potential buyers and can give a competitive advantage in the real estate market. The different studies indicate that home improvements that improve the curb appeal such as the paving of the driveway could have a high return on investment.

3. Safety

A driveway that is not smooth and that is cracked may become dangerous to the members of the family and other visitors. Tripping over cracks and vehicles struggling to manoeuvre in and out are some of the accidents that can be incurred. A well constructed drive way provides a smooth and safe surface to walk and drive on.

4. Strength and Long Life

A well installed and maintained driveway can last decades. With the appropriate paving material, the elements can be withstood, the material can be wear and tear resistant and stay functional for many years. This durability makes paving of driveways a good investment.

Selection of the Appropriate Materials

It is essential to choose the right material to be used on your driveway. The following are some of the most popular ones:

1. Asphalt

Asphalt driveway is durable and affordable. They are comparatively fast to set up and are easily fixed. Asphalt is flexible as well and thus does not crack when exposed to changes in temperature. It needs frequent repairs however, such as having it seal coated every few years to prevent damage and wear by UV rays.

2. Concrete

There is a more durable alternative in concrete driveways. They will last up to 30 years providing they are well taken care of making them an excellent long-term investment. Concrete can also be stained or stamped to make it look good and homeowners have the option of designing their driveways. Nonetheless, concrete may crack in very high temperatures when not properly installed and it is more costly than asphalt.

3. Pavers

The paver driveway is created using interlocking bricks or stones, which gives them a fashionable and distinctive look. They are available in different colors and designs, which can be customized. Pavers are long-lasting and can be easily repaired in case something goes wrong, it is easy to replace the damaged one without affecting others. Paver driveways are however more expensive and they may need additional maintenance in order to avoid the growth of weeds.

4. Gravel

The cheapest alternative is gravel driveways, which also have their own problems. They need to be maintained every now and then, like by adding gravel and raking to ensure that the surface is flat. Driveways made of gravel also may wash away under heavy rains, which is why it is not so good in places with a lot of precipitation. Nonetheless, they are able to give a rural appeal which is attractive to certain homeowners.

The Paving Process of the Driveway

Knowledge of the driveway paving process may make the homeowner more convinced in their investment. This is what will happen:

1. Consultation and Planning

It is always advisable to consult a professional contractor before embarking on any work, especially in evaluating your current driveway (where you have one) or the area where the new driveway shall be installed. Negotiate your desires, financial capability, and your needs to come up with a plan that suits you.

2. Excavation

Excavation is the initial process of the installation process. This is done by excavating any current driveway material and paving the area to receive the new surface. Appropriate digging will result in the right depth and drainage of the driveway.

3. Grading

This is graded in order to allow a good drainage away off the driveway. This will avoid the build-up of water that may cause damage in the long run. A properly graded driveway will ensure that water is not on the surface and this minimizes the chances of erosion.

4. Sub-Base Installation

The sub-base is an important aspect of paving of driveways. It gives the support and stability that is required by the layer of the surface. This layer can be gravel or crushed stone depending on the type of material used, and this will prevent settling and cracking.

5. Paving

After the sub-base is laid, it is followed by the installation of the chosen material that will be used to pave. In the case of asphalt driveways, the material is heated and poured after which it is compacted to achieve a smooth surface. Concrete driveways involve pouring the mixture into molds, levelling it and leaving it to cure. Paver driveways entail the installation of the customary stones or bricks in the preferred design.

6. Finishing Touches

Finishing touches can be done after paving, e.g. sealing the surface with a sealant to guard against exposure to UV rays, moisture, etc. This is more so in the case of asphalt driveways. In case of paver driveways, the spaces between the stones are usually filled with sand in order to bind the stones together and avoid the growth of the weeds.

Tips on Maintenance of Driveway Paving

To guarantee that your driveway stays in perfect condition over the years, you should take into account the following tips:

1. Regular Cleaning

Make sure to clean your driveway frequently to get rid of dirt, debris and stains. When it comes to asphalt, a pressure washer can be effective, whereas concrete driveways may be improved by a soft scrubbing with soap and water.

2. Seal Coating

In the case of asphalt driveways, the sealant should be applied every 2-3 years to prevent UV rays and moisture. This will help increase the life span of your driveway and keep it looking good.

3. Fix Cracks Timely

Be on the lookout of any cracks or potholes that can appear. When these problems are handled early enough, they will avoid additional damage and expensive repairs in the future.

4. Proper Drainage

Make sure that the water flows out of the driveway. When you see standing water, call in a professional to alter the grading or to install drainage systems.

5. Heavy Loads to be Avoided

Whereby, the weight of the heavy vehicles could cause cracking or sagging in the long run; therefore, where possible, avoid parking heavy vehicles on your driveway.

Conclusion

The option to pave the driveway is a great investment that one can make to improve the aesthetics, value and safety of the home. Having different materials and professional services, homeowners will find the perfect solution to address their needs. The advantages of a good driveway are obvious, whether in terms of better curb appeal or an added property value.

With a little knowledge on how to pave your driveway and a promise to maintain it regularly, you will have a beautiful and long lasting driveway. The choice of asphalt, concrete, pavers or gravel is up to you, but make sure you use a well-known contractor to get a quality job.