There are many driveway materials and finishes you can choose from to suit your design taste and how much maintenance you are willing to commit. Each type has unique characteristics that come with both advantages and disadvantages. Here is a breakdown of the different types of materials you can pave your driveway:
Poured concrete is one of the most preferred types of driveways. They are low-maintenance and can last for decades without deteriorating. Concrete can be poured to create different sections or patterns, allowing for its expansion or contraction. They tend to be more expensive than an asphalt driveway, though.
Asphalt paved driveways are popular because they are a durable surface to park vehicles. Maintenance costs should be thought of when getting an asphalt driveway since they need to be resealed every few years. Asphalt driveways that are maintained well can last for more than 30 years.
Stamped concrete is an alternative to plain concrete. It creates the illusion that a different material is being used, such as brick or stone. Stamped concrete is produced by pressing molds into it before the pavement fully sets. It can also be used for roads, patios, and interior floors. Like most concrete products, it can last for decades without extra maintenance.
Interlocking pavers are made of concrete or cement and shaped in a way that enables them to interlock with each other. This also makes it easier to install them without using mortar. Interlocking pavers give the illusion of a cobblestone pathway. For interlocking pavers to lay in place, they need to be built over a solid base. If they are not, the pavers can shift, which can cause gaps and cracks to form. There are many color combinations and patterns to choose from that allow you to create personalized and unique effects. Since pavers tend to be porous, they can stain over the years and may need to be pressure washed to remove oil and tire marks.
Chip or tar-and-chip sealed driveways are a less expensive alternative to asphalt paving. Although, the look it gives does not look as smooth and attractive as other paved driveways. It starts with a gravel base on which hot tar is poured. Then, stones are placed on top of the tar, and the surface is pressed with rollers. You can use a colored stone to enhance the look of tar-and-chip driveway finishes. These stones can loosen over time though, but repaving them costs about half as much as an asphalt driveway. Tar-and-chip driveways are low maintenance and do not need to be resealed. Its lighter color also means it will be more comfortable to walk on during hot summers.
If your driveway needs resealing or you want to upgrade it to a better material, call Bortolo and Sons. We have years of experience laying down driveways in the Burnaby area with various types of materials.