The first use of asphalt on roadways dates back to the 1500s in Peru where the Incas created an extensive network of highways to link together their empire.
Since its invention asphalt has paved the way for roads, highways, and driveways across the world. But asphalt is only one of the many driveway materials you can use at your home or business.
The following guide lists 5 of the best driveway materials for your home driveway. Different types of driveways provide different benefits and disadvantages. Read on to find out more.
Table of Contents
1. Asphalt
Asphalt is one of the most common materials used in driveway construction. It is moderately expensive, requires a bit of maintenance but it is durable and functional.
But aside from these things, an asphalt driveway has safety features, such as the ability to reduce glare and melt ice faster. It’s also eco-friendly since it doesn’t require significant energy during installation. Plus, it can be recycled. For example, when the time comes that it has to be replaced, the asphalt materials can be converted into other products like shingles. Given these benefits, there’s no question why most driveways in the United States are composed of asphalt.
However, despite its durability, asphalt can also get damaged over time due to wear and tear. When this happens, you’ll see some cracks on your asphalt driveway, making your home’s exterior look less appealing.
Thankfully, you don’t need to replace your damaged asphalt driveway right away and spend money on the replacement. You can still preserve it through the process called driveway sealcoating. It involves the application of protective clothing to asphalt-based driveways to repair cracks and enhance their overall aesthetic appearance. In addition, driveway sealcoating can protect your driveway from natural elements like oils and water for several years.
2. Dirt
Dirt is by far one of the cheapest driveway materials. Some would consider a dirt driveway to be an absence of material.
Dirt requires some maintenance in the form of raking or grading it every so often to avoid potholes.
Dirt turns into messy mud when it rains so if you have a dirt driveway you can expect to get stuck in the rainy season without the proper vehicle.
No matter what time of year, a dirt driveway will make you have to clean your vehicle and personal effects more often.
3. Stone Driveway Materials
Stone materials can also be one of the best options for your home’s driveway. Significantly, they don’t need any curing time after the installation. This means you can use your stone driveway as soon as possible. They have a more rustic appeal that can make your home look more refreshing. They’re also permeable, making them an excellent choice for managing stormwater surface runoff.
Solid stone can make an excellent driveway. The type of stone you use in the construction of your driveway will dictate its price, but solid stone driveways are more expensive than most types.
Marble is one of the most expensive materials to use as your driveway. A driveway composed of clay bricks is much cheaper. Do some research to see what stones look and function best for your home driveway.
4. Gravel Driveways
Gravel is an excellent in-between choice for those who want a bit more than a dirt driveway, but don’t want to shell out the extra cash for asphalt or solid stone driveway.
You can also use crushed stone such as quartz to provide a more aesthetically pleasing gravel driveway.
5. Concrete Driveways
Concrete is another excellent choice in driveway material. Concrete is often cheaper than stone but more expensive than either dirt or gravel. Unlike asphalt, it does not stain your personal items black.
It does however require a decent amount of maintenance in the form of repairing cracks and power-washing. No matter what kind of materials to construct your driveway you will need to excavate it before you create it.
Call Ben Dig-N to get one of the top excavation specialists around. They can walk you through the driveway construction process and help you pick the best materials.
Create the Driveway of Your Dreams
Your driveway is an often neglected feature of your home that can influence its curb appeal and functionality. Picking the right material for your driveway can make a big difference in your home’s outdoor aesthetics.
Use the information in this guide to select the best driveway materials for your house. If you enjoyed reading this, check out the rest of our webpage for other amazing content.
