Driveway

The Basics of Driveways

Although often overlooked, your driveway is important to your home’s curb appeal. When done well, it complements the exterior structure of your home and can even provide a high return on investment.

Maintaining your driveway is important, but even the most meticulously maintained driveway will eventually develop cracks and need to be repaired or replaced. The good news is that most driveways have a long lifespan — up to 50 years or more — but even that lifespan includes driveway sealing and repair every few years.

Depending on what is available in your area and what is most commonly installed, you may have different options for your driveway. Several types of driveways will beautify your curb appeal while providing exceptional functionality, including:

• Asphalt driveway
• Brick driveway
• Concrete driveway
• Gravel driveway
• Paver driveway
• Stamped driveway
• Turf driveway

Your driveway must also be suitable for where you live. For example, concrete driveways are better suited for hot climates, while asphalt driveways work great in colder, snowy climates. If you have a long driveway, it may be best to choose gravel, but homeowners with short driveways may find it worthwhile to work with ornate brick.

Cost is another important factor to consider when researching different driveway materials. On average, a new driveway costs between $1,500 and $7,000 for materials and installation. Not surprisingly, gravel driveways are the least expensive, but more intensive brick or paver driveways are significantly more expensive.

If you’d like to learn more about how to increase your driveway’s curb appeal or if you are looking for a local driveway repair and paving company, check out the resources below for more information.