For many homeowners, driveways are secondary considerations. After all, with all the factors to think about when having a home built or renovated, the pathway leading to and from the home doesn’t seem terribly important. As long as there’s a way to get from the road to the house, that’s all that really matters. Though that’s the way many people feel initially, it doesn’t take them long to turn their attention from all the other elements of the house and surrounding property to the driveway itself.
Why Consider a Paved Driveway?
Several options are available for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing driveways. It’s certainly possible to simply scrape away a strip of grass and topsoil to establish a clearly marked path for vehicles to travel. Unfortunately, though, that’s going to quickly succumb to the elements and create more of a mess than it’s worth. Driveway Paving is generally a better alternative. Consider the following advantages of paved driveways.
Keeping Dirt at Bay
One benefit of paved driveways is keeping dirt at bay. It’s no secret that unpaved driveways are dirty. When the weather is dry, vehicles traveling on unpaved driveways stir up dirt, creating unsavory clouds of dust to breathe in. That dirt can make its way into your house as well. At the same time, rain, snow, and ice quickly turn dry dirt into sticky mud. When that mud covers your vehicle’s tires and gets tracked into your nice, clean home, it only adds to your cleaning efforts. Paved driveways are much cleaner.
Durability and Longevity
Durability and longevity are also benefits of paved driveways. If you’ve ever seen an unpaved driveway after a few summer storms or a long, wet winter, you know the havoc the elements can wreak on them. Before long, they’re filled with potholes, ruts, and multiple tire tracks, making them rough and unsightly. That can place wear and tear on a vehicle and detract from the curb appeal of your property.
Paved driveways, on the other hand, last a long time if they’re professionally installed. Asphalt driveways can last 20 years or more whereas some concrete driveways may hold out for 30 years. Both can withstand the elements and constant use, and they remain in optimal condition despite constant use. Though paved surfaces may need a bit of maintenance over time, they certainly hold up better than unpaved driveways.
Versatility
Additionally, paved driveways offer exceptional versatility. You have numerous options to choose from, allowing for optimal budgeting and customization. A few distinct types of asphalt are available. Standard, tinted, and stamped concrete are also available. Pavers are an option as well. Several styles and colors exist in that category alone.
Asphalt is often the least-expensive alternative, especially when considering its low maintenance requirements. Pavers can be more expensive depending on the types you choose, and they require more maintenance. Concrete offers a bit of a middle ground in terms of both price and maintenance needs. Still, any of these materials can render an affordable, durable, and beautiful paved driveway.
Bringing the Advantages of a Paved Driveway to Your Property
Paved driveways are undoubtedly better options than their basic dirt counterparts. They provide longevity, durability, and cleanliness as well as aesthetic appeal. Consider the available paving options to determine which one would best meet your needs and expectations. Keep in mind that professional installation is the key to making the most of the advantages paved driveways can offer.