The quality of the driveway has a significant impact on the value of a property. A well-maintained driveway adds to the comfort and safety of the people using it. If you are looking to build a new driveway or repair an existing one, we suggest you explore all the options available to build a durable one. If you are looking for a commercial paving contractor to build an asphalt driveway in Baltimore or an asphalt driveway in Bowie, the following tips we are sharing in this article will help you make an informed decision.
The Various Driveway Surface Options
Many different materials are used to build driveways. Some popular ones are asphalt, concrete, gravel, and stone. Not every driveway surface solution is ideal for every place. One has to consider the weather, aesthetic look, durability, and safety aspect while choosing the ideal driveway surface. Let’s go over the various materials used for building driveways here.
Asphalt
When it comes to building a safe and durable driveway, asphalt is the most popular choice. An asphalt driveway built by a reputed commercial paving company will last years with some maintenance like seal coating every two to three years. It is affordable and is also suitable for places that get harsh snowy winters. Rainfalls pose a challenge if the water gets accumulated in an area on the asphalt, so installing a proper drainage system to steer away from the water from the paved area is a must. An asphalt driveway built with quality material is an excellent investment for your property.
Concrete
Concrete is another very durable surface option to go for a driveway. For best results, it needs to be installed by a trusted professional. It has high installation costs and high maintenance costs. If subjected to harsh winter for long, it can give in to cracks and potholes, which are costly to repair.
Gravel
If you are looking for the cheapest driveway option, then gravel can be a choice. But gravel is not by far a durable option. With gravel, proper drainage is a must to make it last. It is not suitable for areas that experience rains, snow, and ice. All these will damage the integrity of the surface and will lead to costly repairs.
Pavers
Paver stones are another great option to build durable driveways. It looks aesthetic but has maintenance as well as upfront cost. For areas that experience snow, it is not a great option as it tends to get slippery and makes it difficult to plow snow. Like other surfaces, it also needs a robust drainage system to keep water from penetrating it. For a large driveway project, it is not a cost-effective solution.
The Driveway Size and Design Matters
The durability of the driveway is also dependent on its size and design. There should be options not only for vehicles but also for pedestrians. It should be of optimal width with proper lighting so that it is safe for use. The drainage system installed throughout the driveway paving plays a considerable role in maintaining the integrity of the surface, making it last longer. It drives away the water into proper channels and doesn’t let water accumulate in a particular spot.
Professionals should always install a driveway because they have experience and understanding of how to build driveways that last. They also know the local laws and codes that must be kept in mind when building driveways. When you search for a commercial paving contractor to carry out the job for you, remember to check out their previous driveway works to narrow down your choices.
Premier Paving is asphalt driveway contractor Baltimore, Annapolis and Bowie and is also trusted for asphalt milling installation in Baltimore. Get in touch with them for a consultation and a free quote.