Before resurfacing your driveways, you must know what driveway surfaces exist. Understanding the different materials will help you choose the best one for your home. You might need concrete repair cracks Orlando to assess the condition of your existing concrete driveway.
Consulting repair services first can save you from replacing your driveways. Or, if you opt for a replacement, you can choose the suitable material for the job.
Let’s look into different types of driveway surfacing materials and how they can benefit your home:
Types of Driveway Flooring Surfaces
Every type of driveway material has advantages and disadvantages. Although some choices are less expensive, decreasing costs isn’t always the best decision. Other driveway alternatives may be more costly up front and will increase the home’s value. Various factors will influence which driveway is best for you.
Concrete
This is one of the most popular driveway surfaces due to its strength and durability. They are resistant to weather conditions and come in various colors and textures. Concrete driveways cost around 8 to 12 dollars per square foot.
Pros
- Easy to manage
- Performs well in hot environments
- It fits a variety of home styles
Cons
- It can stain
- Frequent freeze/thaw cycles can cause cracking.
- Fairly expensive
Paver
Although pavers need more original work and money, they have the advantages of high durability and a high-end appearance. A paver driveway should look like an actual expansion of the home rather than an afterthought. A paved driveway repair can range between $10 and $50 per square foot.
Pros
- Many design options
- Long-lasting and low-maintenance
- Increases residual value
Cons
- Installation is costly and time-consuming.
- Weeds can grow through cracks.
- It may be challenging to clear the snow.
Gravel
The affordability of gravel as a driveway surface costs from $1 to $2 per square foot to install, which is a fraction of the cost of other materials. Because of this, gravel driveways are an excellent alternative for homeowners with long driveways. The gravel should be cleaned and renewed every few years.
Pros
- The most affordable driveway material
- Limited design and variety
- Way easier to do-it-yourself
- Permeable to water
Cons
- Snow removal
- Dusts up cars
- Regular maintenance is required.
- It needs to be replaced frequently
Brick
Brick driveways are standard with historic homes because they are durable enough to endure a lifetime. But brick can be an appealing alternative with low upkeep and a high-end appearance. Brick driveways range in price from $10 to $30.
Pros
- Highly durable in all climate conditions
- Single bricks are easily replaceable.
- A classic, high-end appearance
Cons
- Over time, it may loosen or shift.
- There are fewer personalization options compared to concrete.
- Purchase and installation are both costly.
Factors to Consider to Know What Type of Driveway Surface to Use
The overall cost is often the most crucial issue for many homeowners when deciding on the ideal driveway material. The pricing of driveway materials varies widely and is based on the labor and material expenses of installing the driveway.
But pricing is only one aspect to consider. Your home’s location, temperature & concrete design option should be your baseline for choosing your driveway material. Certain driveway materials may be more suited, easier to maintain, and even easier for snow removal.
Suppose you own a historic or affluent property. In that case, you may also want to consider how well the driveway material fits the façade of the building. Still, concrete is the leading option for many homeowners because of its durability and capacity to be transformed into many decorative resurfacing options.
Driveway Resurfacing and Repairs: Its Importance
It’s a good idea to resurface your driveway as soon as possible. Wear and tear, salt degradation, weathering, and other factors will cause minor fractures that grow over time.
Those tiny cracks may grow far too large, and many, so expensive repairs would be your only option. Early problem-solving will spare you headaches later. Your driveway needs to be sealed, restored, and resurfaced to prevent further problems from worsening.