Homeowner's Guide to Driveways

As a homeowner, installing or renovating your driveway is a major project that requires careful planning and decision-making. With over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, I've seen all types of driveways and have the expertise to guide you through the process from start to finish. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different driveway types, materials, costs, and steps for new driveway installation. We’ll also go over how to repair and maintain existing driveways so they last for decades.

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Types of Driveway Materials

There are five main materials used for residential driveways, each with its own set of pros and cons. Carefully consider your budget, location, usage, and aesthetic preferences when deciding on a material.

Asphalt is an affordable option, costing $3-7 per square foot installed. It's moderately durable, with minor repair work needed every five years or so. Routine seal coating is required to maintain asphalt. While not as attractive as other materials, it provides a smooth driving surface.

Pros

Smooth surface
Affordable
Accommodates minor settlement

Cons

Moderate life span
Requires sealing
Bland Appearance

Concrete has the highest up-front cost at $8-15 per square foot but is extremely durable. Properly installed and sealed concrete driveways can last over 30 years with almost no maintenance required. The surface resists cracking and withstands heavy vehicles. You can stamp or stain concrete to make it more appealing.

Pros

Extremely durable
Low maintenance
Snow/ice melts faster

Cons

High cost
Cracks exacerbate over time
Fully replacing is difficult

Gravel is the cheapest material at $1-3 per square foot. However, gravel compacts and erodes easily, requiring frequent reshaping and restabilizing. Tire traction can be poor on gravel when wet. Frequent weed control is also needed. Consider gravel for low-use driveways or temporary solutions.

Pros

Very low cost
You can install it yourself

Cons

Constant erosion
Needs chemical weed control

Brick gives a classic, elegant look for $10-20 per square foot. Bricks are durable but prone to settling and erosion. Repairing bricks is difficult. Ensure the base and installation are done properly to reduce sharp edges or gaps forming. Brick maintenance involves occasional resealing of the joints.

Pros

Beautiful appearance
Excellent durability
Handles snow/ice well

Cons

Very high cost
Bricks sink or spread over time
Repairs are difficult

For $10-20 per square foot, concrete pavers create decorative driveways in endless patterns and colors. Pavers have a good life span and reasonable repair costs if damaged. However, joints between pavers can become uneven or fill with debris over time. Annual maintenance like resealing and joint filling helps prevent long-term issues.

Pros

Attractive decorative options are available
"Like-new" appearance with routine maintenance

Cons

Higher ongoing maintenance needed
Joints can fill with weeds/debris

How To Choose The Right Driveway Material For Your Home

Choosing the best driveway material involves weighing factors like your budget, climate, neighborhood aesthetics, usage amount, and surface longevity. Generally, concrete, brick, and paver are premium options in terms of appearance and durability, while asphalt is an affordable, smooth-riding surface, and gravel works well for light usage. Read More: Asphalt vs. Gravel Driveway

Use the comparison chart below to help determine the best driveway type for your needs.

Material	Cost Per Square Foot	Durability	Maintenance
Asphalt	$3-7	Fair	Moderate
Concrete	$8-15	Excellent	Low
Gravel	$1-3	Poor	High
Brick	$10-20	Excellent	Moderate
Pavers	$10-20	Good	Moderate

New Driveway Installation Process

Installing a new driveway takes careful planning and preparation to create an enduring, smooth surface. Follow these steps when undertaking a driveway replacement project:

Driveway Installation Guides

Site Evaluation and Planning

Analyze the location, measuring exact dimensions and identifying any grade changes or obstacles. Decide on a material and design before finalizing the project scope and ordering supplies.

Excavation and Grading

For non-gravel driveways, excavate at least 6 inches down, removing all topsoil and vegetation. Shape and compact the exposed subgrade to uniform slopes and levels as required.

Base Installation

Install a 4-6 inch aggregate base of compacted gravel, crushed concrete, or sand. This provides structural support and drainage for driveways. Take care to keep the base even and properly crown/slope the surface to prevent water pooling.

Top Layer Installation

With the base completed, the driveway material like concrete, asphalt, or pavers can be installed per manufacturer guidelines. For concrete or asphalt, ensure you have adequate helpers to finish spreading and smoothing the material while still working.

Sealing and Finishing Touches

Protect driveways with acrylic sealants, which prevent surface cracks and friction wear. Additionally, install drainage systems, flatten edges for smooth tire transitions, and clear debris that accumulated during construction.

Driveway Sealing Guides

Maintaining and Repairing Existing Driveways

Driveways require periodic maintenance and minor repairs to achieve maximum durability. Catching problems early makes repairs less complicated.

Crack Repairs

Use crack fillers compatible with your driveway type to repair small cracks. Thoroughly clean cracks beforehand using compressed air. Follow the product instructions to fill the cracks and allow proper curing time.

Sealcoating

Every 2-3 years, clean driveways and apply a fresh protective seal coat. Timing varies by climate and usage levels. Ensure proper adhesion by following manufacturer guidelines.

Resurfacing

Heavily worn or damaged driveways may require resurfacing, applying a new layer of bricks, asphalt, concrete etc. This extends lifespan 10-15 years. Completely removing and redoing the driveway may be needed beyond that point.

Snow and Ice Removal Best Practices

Use deicers minimally as salts and chemicals deteriorate concrete over time. A snowplow carefully handled can clear driveways effectively after heavy storms. Adjust blades to avoid scraping and damaging the driveway surface.

So, What Is The Best Driveway For Your Home?

When choosing your ideal driveway, assess your budget, location, personal preferences, and maintenance capabilities. Long-lasting concrete is ideal for those wanting a durable, low-maintenance surface in climates with freeze-thaw cycles. Asphalt provides a smooth, comfortable ride at a lower up-front cost. Pavers or brick enhance aesthetics while requiring moderate yearly upkeep. Gravel suits occasional usage. Proper installation and sealing are key to maximizing life span regardless of material. Consider consulting a professional to ensure your new or renovated driveway best fits your home life.