Introduction
Your driveway is one of the most heavily used elements of your house. It provides a resting place for your cars, is frequently the first thing guests notice, and is the first thing you see when you get home from work.
There are several methods to improve the aesthetics and practical usability of your driveway. With so many different possible paving materials and styles to pick from, price differences between quotations might be significant. Before you begin the decision-making process, you must know exactly what questions to ask in order to receive comparable quotes.
In this article, we look at the many types of driveway materials available, assessing the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you make a practical decision that also improves the external appearance of your home. Check out this informative resource from Viking Fence for further insights on driveway gate design and installation.
How to Choose a Driveway Installer
When it comes to a driveway renovation, there are several landscapers to pick from, each with a particular area of expertise. The majority of companies will provide a variety of alternatives, but certain landscapers will be more accustomed to dealing with a specific product or brand.
If you want a resin drive, for example, you should hire a landscaper who has a lot of expertise in placing this material in your area by searching for something like Resin Crew driveways Darlington, for example.
Types of Driveway Surface
There are many different materials that can be used for surfacing a driveway, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at the most popular materials used for driveway surfacing and the biggest things you need to know about each one.
Concrete
Concrete is the most frequently used driveway material for a number of important reasons. The fact that it does not cost an arm and a leg to install is one of the most important. You also do not have to be concerned about its durability. It is built to last.
Concrete may also be customized in terms of aesthetics. To vary the color, texture, or smoothness, it can be stamped or dyed. Many people even enhance it with additional materials and paint to make it appear more expensive.
While concrete is well-known for its durability, it does have one major downside. Extreme cold temperatures can have an impact on concrete. While most properties should be fine, it is a risk that you should be aware of, particularly if you live in an area that often experiences very low temperatures.
Asphalt
Asphalt (also known as blacktop) is an excellent driveway material since it is both inexpensive and long-lasting. When properly installed and maintained, an asphalt driveway may endure for roughly 15 years. Some asphalt driveways are even more durable!
Asphalt is one of the greatest driveway materials for cold regions. The freeze-thaw cycle of winter may be harsh on pavement surfaces, causing fractures and other damage. However, the intrinsic flexibility of asphalt allows it to tolerate many of these forces. Concrete and other materials may not be as durable during the cold.
If your asphalt driveway develops cracks or holes, repairs are relatively straightforward. Sealcoating the driveway every few years restores and maintains its natural black color.
Resin
Resin-bound driveways are formed with a combination of tiny aggregate stones and resin, which cures to provide a smooth, solid surface. It is also known as a ‘stone carpet,’ and it is a stylish, long-lasting, and practical paving alternative for roads and walks.
Resins are extremely durable, permeable, inexpensive, and by far the easiest to maintain surface materials.
Aside from these benefits, this driveway type may bring a lot of visual value to a house, enhancing style and elegance since it comes in a variety of patterns, providing a wide range of design alternatives that can be artistically merged to create a uniquely gorgeous design.
Gravel
Gravel is the most popular form of loose aggregate used for driveways. Small stones are put onto the driveway area to create a gravel driveway. These scattered stones are uniformly distributed to provide a driving surface.
Gravel driveways are tempting to people looking for the most affordable driveway alternative. Of course, they will not last as long as a paved driveway, such as one built of asphalt or concrete.
Gravel driveways definitely require upkeep. Gravel is very difficult to work with in winter conditions. Another issue with gravel is that it does not do a good job of keeping grass and weeds at bay. You may need to pull weeds periodically or use grass killer on a regular basis.
Paving Slabs
There is no shortage of possibilities when it comes to paving stones. Brick, cobblestone, and flagstone are popular alternatives. These stones are available in a broad range of hues. For placing in ornamental patterns, brick and cobblestone are especially beneficial.
Paving stones may be extremely attractive, but homeowners frequently avoid them since they are one of the most expensive of the numerous types of driveways.
One reason that paving stones are costly for driveways is that they can be time-consuming to lay. Professional installation can make a significant difference to the final outcome and the smoothness of the final surface.
Paving stone driveways have the advantage of being simple to maintain. A repair might be as easy as switching out one damaged brick for another new one.
Installing A Driveway
While certain driveways, such as block paving and gravel, may be placed on a do-it-yourself basis, driveways are a difficult and highly skilled undertaking. The quality of the excavation and subbase will be vital to the success of the driveway, and getting an appealing finish requires skilled installation.
As a consequence of this complexity, it is worthwhile to invest in 5-10 days of labor from an experienced expert for a driveway that will last for decades.
Does Installing a Driveway Require Planning Permission?
Although not all driveway improvements require planning permission, some larger projects may require approval from the council before work can begin.
An entirely new vehicle access point for your house, for example, will almost certainly require planning approval because it includes lowering a curb outside your property’s border. The planning permit procedure for a dropped curb is normally easy, but any related expenses must also be considered.
Your landscaper will be able to tell you if planning approval is necessary. Some companies will manage the procedure for you for a fee, while others prefer that you obtain the appropriate approvals before commencing work.