Do you want to vamp up your Lafayette real estate property? Or is your lawn looking a tad bit overgrown, thus making it difficult to cross that strip? Or is it parking space that you want? Driveways are here to solve your problem, but wait: there are a lot of kinds out there. Here are some samples on what kind of driveways are suited for different kinds of needs.
Asphalt
- This petroleum product has remained the most common in driveway pavement due to its low cost, and long life.
- It has an estimated life span of 10 to 20 years.
- The advantage of using asphalt is, it is inexpensive, it can be recoated without removing the surface; holds up well to frost; melts snow quickly.
- But the disadvantages are: it needs regular resealing to prevent cracking, absorbs and radiates heat, and can transfer oil onto soles of shoes which could get messy.
Stamped asphalt
- Relatively new, this process brings a decorative touch to asphalt without degrading the quality or losing the material’s traditional benefits of
longevity and economy.
- The sealant(colored) gives durability to the asphalt. And it also adds longevity to the asphalt.
- It has a lifespan of 15 to 25 years
- The advantages are: it holds up well to frost; can be restamped and colored; can change the color of the sealant every time it needs to be restamped.
- The disadvantage is it requires regular resealing
Concrete
- Wanted for its clean look and long life span, concrete is the recommended surface for many homeowners.
- The advantages are, it requires minimal maintenance, makes a solid surface and has a lifespan of 25 up to 40 years.
- The disadvantages are, it is vulnerable to cracking and chipping, stains easily, and can be slippery in snow or rain.
Aggregate concrete
- This kind of process leaves a decorative, colorful and rough finish on the concrete.
- The advantages are: It requires minimal maintenance; provides traction in winter with textured surface; hides chips in surface.
- The only disadvatage is it is very vulnerable to cracking.
Stamped concrete
- This is a very popular choice for patios can also be used on driveways.
- The advantage is it requires minimal maintenance and has a lifespan of 25 up to 40 years.
- The disadvantages are: vulnerable to cracking and chipping; becomes slippery when wet.
Pavers
- Combining an Old World look and lifetime wear, pavers are often the luxury choice for driveways.
- The advantages are, it can give a sophisticated look to your driveway and can be easily repaired and has a lifespan of a lifetime.
- The disadvantages are; it can shift over time; can be difficult to shovel if heavily textured.
Permeable pavers
- This relatively new way of laying pavers that allows water to pass between the stones into the ground, preventing runoff.
- The advantages are: it offers a sophisticated look to your driveway and can be repaired easily and has a life expectancy equivalent to a lifetime.
- The disadvantages are: it is expensive, can shift over time, can be difficult to shovel.
Tarmac
- This one is very rare because it not known and it is a non-reliable material for driveways.
- The advantages: easy to setup, and cheap.
- The disadvantages are: it requires regular resealing, the material turns soft when the weather is very hot and it cracks when it gets very cold.
Gravel
- This one is not allowed in most communities, but it can be a low-cost option for rural homeowners.
- The advantages are: it is cheap and it’s not affected by frost.
- The disadvantages are: gravel is expected to spread into the yard, it’s vulnerable to ruts, it makes snow removal difficult and it is not allowed in many communities.
These tips can also be used when your deciphering between driveway material options in the Nederland CO and Niwot Colorado areas as well.
