Do you value your property investment? Do you value the comfort and safety of your guests and family at your home? If it’s the case for you, then, you agree that you prefer a durable driveway surface. The clean aesthetics and safety offerings of a new driveway installation should be able to last. The question is “How do we ensure a new driveway surface installation is durable?”
We invite you to learn more about how to guarantee a smart investment on your property. By keeping the following tips top of mind, you can ensure the best driveway installation option available to you based on your location and priorities.
Durable Driveway Surface Options
There is a lot of speculation about the differences between various driveway surface solutions; such as asphalt, gravel, concrete, and stone. The keys for you to consider when selecting the most durable surface option is weather conditions, safety, and aesthetic priorities. The value of your investment is set based on durability in this case.
Asphalt
The best option to protect your property investment, should provide aesthetic, safety, and lifespan benefits. An asphalt driveway surface will require professional assistance and some maintenance, such as sealcoating, every two to three years, but provides all the benefits mentioned. It’s an absolute stable and solid option at affordable rates for property owners
This is the preferred option for winter conditions as it is easy to plow snow and has excellent traction benefits. This makes it a very safe and durable option, the challenge will be to ensure you hire the best professional for the job. The best asphalt driveway installers, usually tend to provide the best materials and added options that will protect your investment.
Sloped and curved driveway designs may pose a challenge for this type of surface in case of heavy rainfall. This is remedied with the installation of professional drainage systems that steer stormwater into safe zones, away from any building or home structures.
Concrete
Among the most durable options on the market is a concrete driveway surface. Although it provides a hard and stable surface, that is highly dependant on professional installation, high upfront costs, maintenance, and weather conditions. This surface is without a doubt strong, but heavy use and winter freeze-thaw cycles will make it prone to severe crackling and potholes.
Once again durability is dependent on the conditions and use. A driveway with cracks and potholes is unattractive and unsafe, therefore bringing down the value of your investment long-term. Concrete is a surface you should consider a professional installer for. The best way to ensure its durability is its proper installation. Although concrete may be easy to plow snow, the repair costs of cracks and potholes will result in large amounts due to the heavy lifting and tools required.
Gravel
When searching for the cheapest driveway surface option, gravel or aggregate may be the way to go for you. In this case, since you are searching for something durable, you need a surface that you won’t have to resurface and it’s always safe for your guests and family. Although gravel is easy to apply and budget into your plans, it is not your best option when seeking a well finished driveway that will last without heavy maintenance and is sustainable under every weather condition.
Perhaps, if you are someone who likes to do things yourself and live in a hot region year round this is feasible. We don’t recommended gravel for areas that go through harsh winter conditions, such as heavy rain, ice, and snow; drainage must be extremely well designed and snow plowing will substantially damage the integrity of the surface. This type of surface makes it hard to develop value for your property investment and certain Home Owners’ Association (HOA) laws or requirements may not allow it in your area.
Pavers
Another highly durable driveway option is the use of paver stones. Although it includes high up front and maintenance costs, this option does offer durability and great aesthetic benefits. The value of your investment is highly dependent on its maintenance and professional installation.
For those living in areas where it snows, this may not be the best surface of choice; as it makes it difficult to plow and its unsafe due to its slippery nature. Just like other surfaces mentioned prior, we recommend effective stormwater drainage systems and waterproofing. As this prevents rainfall from penetrating your building structure.
This is a highly attractive option due to its aesthetic appeal and strong surface; but less attractive for larger driveway projects, as it may run up your budget. Therefore, our professionals recommend a combination with other durable driveway surface options when planning the design and installation.
Following, we have listed recommendations for U.S. Northeast conditions, such as those of Westchester and Putnam County in New York. Select a surface or combination of surfaces that:
- Maintains integrity during harsh winter conditions.
- Makes it easy to plow and remove snow.
- Provides long lasting aesthetic features and design options.
- Is flexible and offers a smooth drive.
- Provides maintenance options that enhance durability.
- Increases value of your property investment.
Driveway Size and Design
A durable driveway surface is dependent on size and design; which should relate to usability and weather conditions it will endure. Accessibility and lighting also fall into the design category. Therefore, you should seek a smart driveway design; that enables easy access on foot or vehicle and the protection to lighting installations.
The proper width and length of the driveway is correlated to the use and lifespan of it. For example, consider number and types of vehicles driving and parking on the driveway surface.
Learn more by reading our post on “Average Driveway Width & Parking Space Dimensions”. Keep in mind that your preferred driveway design affects the usability and driveway surface durability; curved, looped, or straight. You want to provide sufficient surface space for vehicles to turn and avoid driving over edges of the driveway or over landscape areas of your property.
Local Laws, Requirements and Codes
Based on where you live there may be specific HOA, commercial, or town requirements regarding new driveway installations. Reasons and regulation codes vary. Therefore, it is important that you are aware and do research when choosing to invest in your new durable driveway installation.
It is likely the codes and local laws are set in place to provide safety for the residents or visitors. Other concerns may involve stormwater runoff, but these can be overcome with effective stormwater drainage systems. Following local laws and regulations will ensure you’re investing in a job you won’t have to redo or be fined for.
Driveway and Landscape Drainage Systems
As previously mentioned, drainage systems on your driveway and landscape will help maintain the integrity of you driveway surface. Resulting in a durable option with sustainable features. By preventing water and residue runoff to delicate areas or hazardous locations, you’re increasing durability and value of your investment.
Installing a professional stormwater drainage system at your property increases safety for pedestrians. Also, avoiding the deterioration of your driveway surface and benefiting the sustainability and lifetime of your driveway surface investment.
The process of installing stormwater drainage systems is highly recommended to be done by experts in the field of excavation, waterproofing, and paving. These individuals will be your best choice, as they understand the importance of a clients peace of mind.
Hire A Professional Driveway Contractor
In conclusion, we recommend you always seek professional contractors that can deliver a durable driveway installation and are proven via positive reviews. Do your best to avoid any cookie-cutter approach. The best service is usually one that is inclusive and it’s looking for the benefit and comfort of the client.
At Limitless Golden Construction, our experts are available to answer any questions you may have regarding your new driveway installation. We currently serve commercial and residential property owners in Westchester and Putnam County, New York. Request a FREE inspection with one of our pros today.
Remember that you get what you pay for. We encourage you to make the best choice suitable to your needs and wants. A durable driveway installation is only possible with the selection of appropriate products and state-of-the-art techniques, so it is vital to rely on the pros!
Thanks for your tip on seeking professional contractors that can deliver a durable car park installation. I am planning to have an asphalt driveway installed in my property. I shall then follow your tip before I hire one right away.
Thanks for helping me learn more about driveways! My uncle is about to finish the construction of his small building and he’s curious about how he could make his driveway give a good impression towards his clients and customers. What you said about how an asphalt driveway is a very stable option especially for winter conditions is a great idea. I’ll share this with him and remind him that it needs seal coating from a professional from time to time.
It’s awesome that you point out that asphalt pavement has a very long lifespan. I need a driveway for my home that will last for a long time, so I’m thinking about having an asphalt one installed. I’m going to look for a good asphalt paving company in my area that can build a driveway for me.
I had no idea that laws and regulations regarding paving services change in each state and town. I’ll find a company that knows all the regulations in my town. They’ll know how to properly pave what I want without breaking any laws or regulations.
I’m planning to have my concrete fixed, and install dairy bricks in some of its parts so it will look more inviting. I agree with you that it would be best to consider the number and kind of vehicles that usually drive on my driveway’s surface before making any final decisions. You’re also right about the importance of determining the type of drainage system on my driveway.
It’s also good to consider if the paving company offers a wide range of services including resurfacing, pothole filling, and other maintenance.
You made an excellent point when you mentioned choosing a professional service that has positive reviews from its previous customer so you can ensure that you will be getting a similar outcome as well. My mother just told me the other day that she is unhappy with the condition of our driveway as some of her friends keep on asking why we never fix it and how it could cause damage to our cars. I think it would be great if I find a reliable asphalt service that is reputable to get it fixed as soon as possible.
It made sense when you explained that good installers should have the best materials to protect our investment. According to my knowledge, there are even some more specialized types of paving emerging such as foamed bitumen recycling that is more versatile and doesn’t require new aggregates. It’s a good idea to consider the area of your project and how heavily trafficked the pavement will be when deciding on the best material.
Great article, exactly what I needed.
It really helped when you talked about driveway materials and their features! Recently, my wife and I decided we’d like to invest in our house’s curb appeal! We want to install a driveway at our home, so we’ll be sure to read your tips before choosing the material for it! Thanks for the advice on asphalt and how it comes with weather-resistant benefits!
My home’s driveway has a lot of potholes and stains already, which is why I’m thinking of having it sealed. I also agree with you that it’s wiser to keep the driveway clean and free from debris. Thank you for sharing the importance of regular maintenance as well.
Thank you for sharing this informative article. I hope a lot of contractors who are inspired by driveways in their home could read this wonderful article.
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