Choosing The Right Material for Your Paved Driveway

1. Choosing The Right Material for Your Paved Driveway

2. A well-constructed and maintained driveway can make a real statement about a home, and as such, investing in them makes a lot of sense. If your existing driveway is less than impressive, or you want to create one from the space outside your home, it’s important to make the right choices when it comes to the materials you use. The following brief guide will give you a basic idea about the different materials available, but a conversation with your local paving or general construction contractor, will help give you a much more detailed understanding:

3. Asphalt driveways Commonly used as a driveway surfacing material by homeowners the length and breadth of the country, asphalt is an affordable and durable choice. When professionally installed, an asphalt driveway can last for more than 20 years, although it may require a few minor repairs throughout its lifespan. Below are its pros and cons:

4. Pros • Cost effective • Durable – lasts for longer than 20 years on average • Repairs are typically minor and affordable • It’s aesthetically pleasing • Able to withstand freeze and thaw cycles

5. Cons • While repairs are often minor, they are often required frequently Concrete driveways Highly durable and long lasting, concrete driveways often require minimal maintenance and repairs. Below are its pros and cons: Pros • Minimal maintenance • Minimal repairs • Incredibly durable

6. Cons • It can be expensive • Oil stains may be retained • Unable to withstand freeze and thaw cycles as well as other materials Stamped concrete driveways Stamped concrete is a cost-effective alternative to a stone or brick driveway, and is patterned or embossed to make it closely resemble brick, tile or stone. Below are its pros and cons:

7. Pros • Can be used on a variety of surfaces, such as patios, sidewalks and driveways • Design options are varied • Costs less than stone or brick Cons • If the concrete mixture is too dry, it has a tendency to crack prematurely • Under heavy traffic load, it can crack and develop scratches

8. Chip sealed or tar-and-chip driveway Typically costing around half the amount of a standard asphalt driveway, this kind of material is a cost-effective alternative for homeowners on a budget. Below are its pros and cons: Pros • Its rough surface affords better traction • It can last for as long as a decade • There is no need for it to be repeatedly sealed

9. Cons • Snowplows can damage it • Has a limited lifespan Exposed driveways With smooth textured stones as part of the concrete surface, exposed driveways are a popular, aesthetically pleasing choice for many homeowners today. The most commonly used aggregates for these driveways are rocks, pebbles and sand. Below are its pros and cons

10. Pros • Can withstand heavy traffic and loads • Performs well in both snow and rain • Minimal cleaning and maintenance are required Cons • Surface stones can become dislodged in extreme weather conditions or by heavy objects

11. Interlocking pavers Imitating the look of a cobbled pathway, interlocking pavers are usually made out of concrete or cement, and are more expensivebut highly durable and very attractive. Below are its pros and cons: Pros • Can be installed quickly • Resistant to weather and can last longer than 30 years • Easy to repair as individual pavers can simply be replaced • Water runoffs are reduced thanks to the permeable surface

12. Cons • The pavers can become loose over time, if not correctly installed Whatever type of material you choose to have your driveway made from, always choose an experienced, local contractor to complete the work, and listen to their maintenance advice for the coming years.

13. RZ Construction Group Inc is a fully inclusive construction company and paving contractor in Astoria NY. From initial design to final clean up, our results speak for themselves. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to provide both commercial and residential construction services to customers in Astoria and the surrounding area. Proud to serve New York State for 25 years. No job is too small nor too big. If you are looking for a general contractor or paving contractor in Queens NY or want to know more about our wide range of professional but affordable construction and repair services, reach out to us at (718) 938-9887.