Now that the weather is warming up and being outside is more pleasurable than painful, why not tackle those outdoor home tasks?
Example: Is your driveway looking a little dull and dingy? Have years of car traction taken their toll? Sounds like it’s time to renovate the driveway, and here’s how to get started.
First, you must choose what type of driveway you want. There are two: solid surface and aggregate surface. Solid surfaces are driveways made of materials like concrete or asphalt while aggregate surfaces are, for example, brick pavers or crushed rock.
When considering your options, remember to think about these things:
What’s the cost? Call local companies who install driveways for estimates.
How does the driveway react to the weather? Depending on where you live you should think about snow, rain, earthquakes, etc.
How long will the type of driveway last? You’ll want something, of course, that has a decent lifespan, but also think about how much maintenance will be required to keep it in shape and make it last as long as it possibly can.
These pros and cons may help make the decision process a tad easier.
Concrete
Pros: Durable, long-lasting, smooth surface looks clean and neat, can be decorative with different color pigments to complement the house
Cons: Takes five to seven days to cure before it can be driven on, cracking will occur over time, light colors show stains, cannot be relayered
Asphalt
Pros: Crack resistant, long-lasting, less expensive than concrete, dark driveway shows fewer stains, can be stamped for decorative purposes
Cons: Needs resealing so it doesn’t deteriorate, can’t be sealed for six-nine months after installation or it will remain soft, sealer needs two-three days of drying time before it can be driven on
Brick Pavers
Pros: Create different designs and patterns, offers a variety of shades of colors and styles, strong material
Cons: Can be prone to damage, weeds can pop up in between the cracks.
(Tip: Consider interlocking pavers to avoid a weed problem.)
Crushed Stone
Pros: Economical, no base required- just pour and spread out
Cons: Stones and gravel can scatter, ruts can develop, difficult to plow or shovel snow off of, redressing is necessary (adding more stones)
As with all home projects, the first thing to do is make a plan! Figure out a time frame and a budget. Also, research the rules for driveway renovations. Check your city regulations and be aware of the fact that some homeowners’ associations also have driveway regulations. Doing your research before beginning is a necessity. Hire a quality installer to get the best possible results. Soon you’ll be enjoying all the perks of a brand-new driveway!
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