A driveway is a big investment. Not only that, it’s the very first thing people see when they visit your house, so you want it to look as good as possible. So how do you choose the best driveway surface for your specific home and budget? Consider the following factors:
- Climate. Each driveway surface reacts differently to varying climates, but if you live somewhere where the temperature tends to fluctuate – like in Atlanta – asphalt is your best option. Asphalt’s pliability means it’s less likely to suffer major cracks due to the expansion and contraction caused by the freeze-thaw cycle. Asphalt repairs are significantly less expensive than concrete repairs, and a seal coating can further help your asphalt driveway stay smooth and free of cracks.
- Dimensions. It’s essential to know the dimensions of your driveway when trying to work out your budget and choose your surface. Got a long driveway? Unless you’re filthy rich, you’ll probably want to go with asphalt. It’s both inexpensive and aesthetically pleasing – a win-win situation
- Environment Impact. If you’re into the green lifestyle, or if you live in a rural area and have a long driveway that would be expensive to pave, consider using recycled ground asphalt for your driveway instead of rocks and gravel. You’ll be doing both the environment and your wallet a favor.
We hope these three pointers will make choosing the right driveway surface for your home a little easier. If you’re considering an asphalt driveway, feel free to call Prime Paving Contractors with any questions, or ask us in the comment section below.