Driveway paving is one of the most important aspects in South Tucson when it comes to improving your house curb appeal and functionality. The state of your driveway can have a major effect on not just the beauty of your property but also on the functionality and safety of the whole property. If you are thinking of a new driveway installation or want to repair an old one, this guide will take you through everything that is involved in driveway paving in South Tucson and make the right decision.
Value of Driveway Paving
South Tucson driveway paving has a lot more to offer than just beauty. The following are some of the reasons as to why you must consider investing in a well paved driveway:Â
Better Curb Appeal: A properly maintained driveway will help to give your home a better appearance and will make it more appealing to visitors.
Higher Property Value: A good driveway will add value to your property in terms of resale. A paved driveway is usually considered to be a great selling point.
Enhanced Safety: A well-paved and smooth driveway eliminates the chances of tripping and also the chances of damaging the vehicle as well, thus rendering it safe to both the pedestrian and the car.
Durability: Durable paving materials are made to be resistant to the elements, so your driveway will be more resistant to cracking, fading, and wear as time goes on.
Maintenance: Paved driveways are much easier to maintain as compared to gravel or dirt driveways. You can make your driveway last decades by simply cleaning it on a regular basis and sealing it every now and then.
One of the key factors to bear in mind when it comes to driveway paving in South Tucson is the choice of material. These are some of the most popular choices.Â
Asphalt
One of the most popular materials that can be used in paving a driveway in South Tucson is asphalt. It is cheap, long lasting and able to withstand heat in the desert environment. Some of the advantages and disadvantages are as follows:
Pros:
Cost-effective installation
Short curing time
Flexible and crack resistant
Cons:
Has to be sealed regularly to retain its look
Softening can occur under too hot conditions
 Concrete
Concrete is another common driveway paving material that has a more expensive look compared to asphalt. It may be stamped or colored to give it an additional beauty.
Pros:
Eternal and permanent
Low maintenance
May be finished in a variety of ways
Cons:
Increased up front cost
It is easily cracked in freeze-thaw conditions
Pavers
Pavers are the individual units that can be combined in different patterns to make a unique design of driveway. They are concrete, clay or stone made.
Pros:
Beautiful and has unlimited design possibilities
Repairable; pavers can be replaced one by one
Wanted drainage characteristics
Cons:
Higher installation price
Has to have a secure foundation to avoid movement
 Gravel
Gravel driveways are less popular in residential areas, but they are quite rustic. They also are the cheapest alternative
Pros:
Affordable installation
Good drainage
Cons:
Needs frequent care (raking and addition of gravel)
Can make dust and be muddy in rain
Learning more about the process of driveway paving in South Tucson will allow you to be ready to conduct your project. This is how it goes:
 Step 1: Planning and Design
Start with an evaluation of your needs. Take into consideration the size and the arrangement of your driveway. Will it be able to fit more than one vehicle? Does it have sufficient space to be landscaped? Planning will help you to maximize functionality and also improve on the aesthetic appeal.
 Step 2: Choosing a Contractor
It is important to choose the right paving contractor to work on your driveway in South Tucson. Seek licensed and insured professionals who have the experience with the particular material you are using. The best way to get a good contractor is by reading reviews and requesting references.
 Step 3: Preparation of the site
The site has to be prepared before paving. This includes the removal of any existing pavement, grading the area, and compaction of the soil to form a solid base.
 Step 4: Installation
After the preparation of the site, the installation process will start. In the case of asphalt, the contractor will place the hot mix and flatten it and in the case of concrete, the contractor will pour and mold the mixture. In the case of pavers, they will be laid out in the pattern that is wanted.
Step 5: Curing and Sealing
Once the installation is done, the surface should be given time to cure. This normally takes a couple of days in the case of asphalt whereas concrete may require a week. After curing, sealing (where possible) will protect the surface against the elements and improve the look of it.
 Step 6: Maintenance
Maintenance is also necessary to extend the life of your driveway. This can involve sealing, cleaning and repair of any damage that naturally takes place as time passes.
 Best Season for Driveway Paving in South Tucson
Time is a factor when it comes to driveway paving in South Tucson. Late fall and early spring are usually the best seasons to pave because it is milder. Here’s why:
Fall: It is a great time to pave during fall because the temperatures are dropping after the hot summer. The dry weather conditions are favorable to the installation process as it is performed without the risk of extreme heat that may affect the materials.
Spring : Spring also provides the best environment to pave. The climate is generally dry and warm, which makes the installation smooth. Nevertheless, beware of rain showers that may slow down your project.
Conclusion
Driveway paving in South Tucson is worth the investment as it will add value to your home in terms of functionality and aesthetics. With the right material selection, knowledge of what goes on in the paving process and the right season to pave, you can be assured of a successful paving project that will last a long time.
 Asphalt, concrete, pavers, and gravel are all viable solutions to your driveway problem, but research and planning will make the difference in a driveway that will work to your satisfaction and add value to your home. Whether you are prepared to make your home more beautiful by having a beautiful driveway paved, contact a local contractor and start working on your project today!