That feeling of rest and happiness you feel when you pull up at the front of your house after a long stressful day is indescribable. Now you can rest, shower, unwind or do nothing. If you live in a detached single family home, chances are you would have your driveway and would solely be responsible for its upkeep.
When building or remodeling a house, one of the overlooked features is the driveway. Your driveway is a part of your home and should reflect that warm, welcoming feeling of your home. Because your drive is the first thing people notice when coming into your home, it’s advisable you select the right type of driveway material for your home.
Suggested driveway materials best suitable for your house are...
Asphalt
Asphalt is a common and highly practical driveway material that’s inexpensive compared to stone and concrete, its two primary solid-surface opponents.
Asphalt is very high-maintenance, especially in harsh climates. Professionals recommend sealing asphalt driveways within a year of fitting and resealing every three to five years. Resealing can be quite expensive: The cost to reseal on the average is about $400, the price is lesser for shorter driveways and more costly for longer ones. You may also need seasonal maintenance depending on driveway usage, quality, and stability. Asphalt driveways are stable, of excellent quality, easy to plow during the winter season and with a higher traction quotient.
Gravel
Gravel is the cheapest and most sturdy of the other common driveway materials. It cost less than $300 to install and doesn’t require much time; Gravel driveways will last for a long time if given proper care.
The gravel driveway is very affordable and can cost about $0.50 per square foot, it’s durable, and with the right maintenance, it will last a lifetime.
Pavers
Pavers are the most expensive of the other driveway materials. It’s also considered the most attractive. Pavers blend well with different exterior and design elements, such as fountain fall, driveway islands, and stone walkways.
Pavers improve your home appeal and give your home entrance a great look. It is durable, clean, stable and affordable to maintain.
Concrete
At first glance, concrete and asphalt have similar characteristics, but concrete is relatively durable and require less maintenance cost. A concrete driveway can last 100% more than the asphalt driveway depending on the climate and use.
The concrete driveway is stable with surfaces not prone to mud, it doesn’t require much to maintain especially during the winter season, and it has a long life span.
Having a beautiful and adequately maintained driveway will not only provide your home with that alluring curb appeal, but it will also boost the resale value of your property in the market if you decide to sell.