How to Design a Driveway

Asphalt vs. Concrete

Asphalt and concrete are the most popular types of material for paving driveways. Asphalt driveways and concrete driveways both have their unique advantages. If you live in a cold climate and are considering a concrete driveway you need to make sure the base for the driveway is heavily laid with gravel and it is compacted first. Otherwise the driveway will run the risk of cracking due to frost heaves. In addition, concrete is susceptible to salt damage, a material frequently used on roads in cold weather parts of the country. On the other hand, if you live in a warm or hot climate and are considering asphalt paving, then you need to consider the fact that asphalt can become soft in the hot sun and is therefore susceptible to ruts.

Differences

Asphalt paved driveways are typically cheaper to install than concrete paved driveways. However, asphalt paved driveways need significant more care over time to protect them. Asphalt paved driveways need to be sealed at least once every 3-5 years. Each sealing, though easily completed by a do it yourself homeowner, costs money and time. In addition, the sealer needs typically 2-3 days to dry before you can park a vehicle on it. Also, a newly asphalt paved driveway should not be sealed for at least 6-9 months, as the light oils associated with the asphalt need to evaporate first. If an asphalt driveway is sealed too soon it will remain soft forever.

Color Options

Asphalt driveways do not need to be always black and concrete driveways do not always need to be off-white. Both asphalt and concrete driveways can be tinted to various colors. Check with your prospective paving contractors first to see what color options there are for your driveway project.

Long Lasting

Asphalt driveways, if maintained can typically last 25-30 years. Concrete driveways can last even longer. However, both require a solid foundation to be laid on. If not laid on a solid foundation both will crack over time, especially in colder weather climates. Asphalt cracks are easier to repair than concrete driveway cracks.

Driveway Slope

Consideration for the slope of the driveway should also be considered when contemplating concrete driveways. Over time, concrete driveways can shear off of the foundation they are poured on which can lead to unwanted cracks.

Arthor and Source: Mark Donovan

Driveway Paverstone or Asphalt?

Through the use of concrete pavers, driveway design has taken on a life of its own. Where once the driveway was just an afterthought, now it is part of the landscape design. Asphalt driveways were once as common as asphalt roads but now they are almost never considered unless the distance is uneconomical for other products. Even in those unusual conditions, you will find the driveway closest to the house made of something more pleasing to the eye, such as concrete pavers or stamped concrete.

Asphalt Trying to Compete

The asphalt industry has attempted to create a more aesthetically pleasing product by offering designs imprinted in the asphalt. Heated cables, connected in several different designs, are pressed into the driveway asphalt. Once the cables are removed, leaving channels in the asphalt, colors are used to create the look of cobble or brick on the driveway.

Why you should Paverstone your Driveway