Choose the Best Driveway for Your Home

Many people focus on making sure their home is updated with all the features that happen to be trending at any given time. While this is certainly an important part of home ownership, the landscape surrounding the home can add greatly to its curb appeal. While flowers, shrubs and trees make up the most noticeable features of the landscape, the hardscape is also influential in the overall appearance of the home. Most homeowners are aware that a cracked drive with weeds and grass growing through will have a seriously negative effect on the curb appeal of their home.

There are several varieties of driveway surfaces that a homeowner can choose from, and the decision will probably be influenced by the climate where the home is located. People who live in relatively warm areas of the country where the temperatures do not drop below freezing in winter often choose concrete or even interlocking paving stones. While these surfaces are very attractive, the freeze and thaw cycles that occur in cold climates would cause cracks or loosened pavers.

Asphalt is a product that is also known as tarmac, black top and macadam, and it is able to stand up to the freeze/thaw cycles of cold regions due to its greater pliability. An asphalt driveway is also beneficial since the darker color absorbs heat from the sun and helps to thaw any snow and ice left after shoveling or snow blowing.

Homeowners are always interested in reducing their expense, so they are pleased when they discover that asphalt driveway cost is less than a concrete or paving stone drive and the process typically takes only 24 hours. If sub-grade preparation is required, this may extend the installation process from a day up to two weeks. Once the driveway is finished, it can be driven on after 24 hours. This causes very little inconvenience to the homeowner, although the surface could still be damaged by snow blades, sharp turns or tractor tires.

Any driveway surface will deteriorate over time, so maintenance is is in order to extend its life. Proper cleaning, patching and sealing should be scheduled approximately every three years unless cracking or other signs of damage are noticed sooner.