If you’re getting tired of trying to maintain your current driveway, it might be time for an upgrade. Luckily, there are plenty of different materials to build it with. We recommend getting it done professionally through general concrete services or other professional services though if you want your driveway to last though.
Below, we break down some of the most popular choices for driveway materials and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Why Making a Driveway Using General Concrete Services Is a Good Choice
If you want your driveway to last for the next fifty years, concrete should be your go-to choice. Not only is it highly durable and weather resistant, but it also requires little maintenance. Concrete is one of the most popular choices for driveways, and it’s not hard to see why.
Because concrete is made with crushed rock, other rock types can be used to colour it as well for more driveway customization. In addition, because it’s typically put in as slabs you can adjust the look of the slabs themselves too to offer an additional element of personalization.
Using Asphalt as a Driveway Material
Asphalt is also a popular pick for driveway materials, and its black colour can really make help your home to stand out. It sets quickly, but don’t expect it to last as long as concrete. Asphalt requires consistent, regular maintenance to prevent cracking and potholes. These potholes can even damage your vehicle if they end up getting large enough.
Expect to see weeds popping up after several years, as well. Plus, while the colour is likely complimentary to your home, asphalt is black and can heat up considerably in the summer so keep this in mind.
The Pros and Cons of a Gravel Driveway
By far the most affordable option on the list, gravel driveways also require little effort to set up. While the aforementioned driveways require moderate to regular maintenance, driveways constructed with gravel only have to be refilled occasionally. Gravel also comes in many types of stone options so you can pick the type that best compliments your home.
However, gravel, being just loose rocks and dirt as a material, has several drawbacks to take into account. Shovelling snow is much more challenging in the winter, and under heavy rain it can sink into the ground. If your driveway is level with your lawn, rocks can also work their way onto your lawn making it much harder to mow. Finally, because there isn’t a solid barrier between the dirt underneath and your driveway you can expect to be dealing with weeds consistently.
No driveway material is perfect—each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Different materials will suit your needs better over others. We personally recommend investing in a concrete driveway if you plan on living in your current home for a long period of time or even if you want to add additional value to your home.