Driveways are the paths linking the road to your home or garage, and they can be made from a variety of materials. When choosing a new driveway, you must consider appearance, cost, maintenance and climate. Your choice will depend on your budget and personal preference.
Choosing the right driveway for your home can be quite a difficult task as there are so many different styles, materials and colours available. With that in mind, we’ve put together a guide to help you choose the best driveways for your home.
Concrete and asphalt driveways are the most common, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Concrete lasts longer, but asphalt driveways are less expensive to install. Asphalt needs more maintenance, but that maintenance is easier than with concrete.
Your choice of driveway material will also be affected by where you live. For example, certain types of concrete cracks in cold climates because of ground movement caused by freezing water. Heated driveways are an option in cold climates, but they are costly to install.
Driveways are often overlooked as part of a home’s exterior. A well-constructed driveway will complement your home and, if it’s constructed properly, last for many years. Driveways can be made from a variety of materials including concrete, asphalt, brick pavers or gravel. The most popular material choices are asphalt and concrete.
Asphalt is less expensive than concrete and can be installed quickly; however, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent cracks and other damage and is susceptible to the harsh rays of the sun. Concrete is more expensive but will last longer with less maintenance. Concrete can be stained to create a decorative design in your driveway and it doesn’t need to be sealed.
Asphalt is a popular choice for driveways because it’s relatively cheap compared with other driveway options, is easy to maintain and lasts for many years. A typical asphalt driveway will last anywhere between 15 and 20 years, although this can vary depending on how well it’s been maintained over the years.
The asphalt needs to be laid by professionals who have experience in laying asphalt driveways because if it’s not done properly, water can seep through cracks and cause further problems down the track.
Concrete, brick and pavers. These materials offer a more elegant and visually appealing look than gravel, but they can be expensive to install because they require a solid base. Depending on the climate, the bricks or pavers may shift, crack or buckle. We recommend having them professionally installed by companies with experience in these materials.
