There are a number of alternative options to consider when considering materials for your home’s driveway.  These options include asphalt, concrete, brick, gravel, and paver stones.  We obviously recommend paver driveways, and we will tell you all about why if you’ll give us a call at 512-781-6441.  But in the meantime, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of the other material options.

Asphalt is a mixture of sand, tone, and bitumen – or liquid asphalt cement – that has been heated and combined in specific proportions.   It is applied while the mixture is still hot, but functional and can be drive on in a period of time that is as short as 24 hours.  It is cheap, quick to install, and is uniquely suited to areas where there is rapid expansion and contraction in the ground underneath the driveway.  Asphalt is not very attractive and has a relatively lower lifespan in comparison to concrete.  This lifespan can be significantly shorter, and the need for repairs can arise with greater frequency that is desirable depending on the quality of the asphalt and the installation process.

Concrete is produced by mixing water, gravel, and cement.   Reinforced with steel, concrete is one of the most durable driveway options available.  The visual appeal factor provided by concrete is relatively unremarkable, it isn’t loud and obnoxious (until it cracks), but it can look nice when the driveway is first installed. Concrete driveways can last for up to 30 years, and although they may require maintenance (more or less often depending on a variety of factors), they are generally don’t require any close to the amount of maintenance that is needed in the case of an asphalt driveway.  They are slower to install than asphalt, though, and when repairs are needed, concrete driveways can be fairly expensive to fix.  Concrete is not flexible and tends to crack, especially if it is used in areas where the underlying ground frequently shifts, expands, and contracts.  A shifty foundation is a great to consider installing a paver driveway.

Pavers, whether concrete or brick – although each have their advantages – are the superior driveway material.  They can be customized to provide the perfect accent to any home exterior, giving them a clear advantage in terms of their aesthetic potential (over asphalt and concrete).  They are very durable, and although they can be susceptible to issues that may lead to the need for repairs, they naturally lend themselves to being repaired in sections or even “spot treated” on a paver-by-paver basis.  They can be a little bit more expensive than their alternatives but increase property values and are ultimately a great way to balance structural flexibility with durability and aesthetic appeal.

Interested?  Learn more about paver driveways in Austin, TX by calling Signature Pavers today at 512-781-6441 today!