How Should I Build My Driveway
A beautifully renovated driveway not only looks pleasant to the eyes but also makes the house stand out. A driveway is an essential exterior feature that can help increase the value of you home.
Before building a driveway, here are some essential factors that must be considered:
- Have a plan. It should include the size of the driveway, the design, and the estimated cost to build it.
- A model should be prepared, including the engineering it requires and the time it should take to construct the driveway.
- All the essential materials and equipment required to build the driveway should be included in your plan.
- A plate compactor should be purchased or rented, to make sure the soil, gravel, and aggregate below your new driveway have a firm base to sit on.
- Will you include plants and trees around your driveway?
- While redesigning the driveway, it is important to choose the right paving material. Two of the most preferred materials are Concrete and Asphalt.
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Concrete vs. Asphalt
Choosing between concrete and asphalt for building a driveway is debatable and highly subjective from person to person. However, before deciding on one, it is important to know their similarities, differences, and the benefits and drawbacks they have to offer.
Similarities
- Both of them are made with stone and sand as the primary material.
- Both of them have a gravel base.
Differences:
- It is difficult for asphalt to survive under high temperatures without getting cloggy and sticky. Whereas concrete tends to crack open under extremely cold weather conditions.
- The cost of building an asphalt-based driveway is cheaper than that of a concrete based driveway.
- Asphalt is a softer material in comparison to concrete. However, it is easier to repair in comparison to concrete, which is usually more robust and requires intensive labor.
- Between concrete and asphalt, asphalt is more sustainable.
- Concrete is more durable and sturdy than asphalt. By practicing due care and regular maintenance, a driveway made out of concrete would last up to a good 40 years, while a driveway made out of asphalt would last up to 30 years.
Conclusion
A well-constructed driveway serves many purposes. It provides a space to park a car, a safe area for your kids to play on, and also can enhance the whole appearance of the house. There are various other materials available on the market to construct a driveway, but a driveway paved out of either of these two materials will always have a stronger and better foundation.
