Driveways are one of the first components of your house that guests notice. However, they are often overlooked when it comes to home construction and maintenance. If you’re looking to add charm and kerb appeal to your property – a well-paved driveway is a permanent addition that will improve looks and increase value. They are durable, pleasing to the eyes and easy to maintain.
Want to create a new driveway for your house? Here’s a guide so the effort will produce a rewarding outcome.
Types of driveway materials
Concrete
Concrete driveways are a popular choice. They offer great versatility in terms of design and are very durable, especially when the concrete is reinforced with wire mesh panels. They can last over 30 years with little maintenance required. Toppings like slate, stone or brick can be added to enhance the look.
Asphalt
Asphalt is normally used on roads because of heavy trucks and the amount of traffic. For driveways, asphalt provides a quick and cheaper option. Asphalt is usually laid in a day and gives a smoother look and feel to driveways. While they are cheaper and quicker to instal compared to concrete, they require more regular preventive maintenance to avoid cracking and water penetration.
Brick
Brick driveways provide an opportunity for homeowners to be more artistic because they come in a variety of colours and sizes, and laid in different formations. Brick is able to withstand continuous exposure to hot and cold weather and they make driveways slip-resistant because of their often abrasive texture. Brick driveways also age well because of their crushing strength ability to retain their natural colour.
Preparation and Construction
Confirm with your local authority if there are any building permits or requirements when building a driveway. Afterwards, locate any underground utilities like water mains, phone lines and drainage to avoid damaging them during the work. Decide on the dimensions of your driveway and draw a scale plan. Generally, they should be at least 2.5 metres wide. The last step of the preparation is to calculate the quantities of the materials and equipment you’ll need. Whatever material you use, unless you have some knowledge in laying concrete, asphalt or brick, you’ll need to contact a builder. If you’re doing the work yourself, make sure you purchase or hire the right tools from suppliers who can give sound advice.
Maintenance of the driveway
If you want your driveway to last, you will need to conduct some basic maintenance. How often you should clean your driveway depends on a number of factors, including the number of leaves or dirt that is brought onto the surface, the type and quantity of traffic, and the weather conditions. You may hire professional cleaning companies or simply power wash your drive to keep it clean. However, other maintenance is required.
You may need to reseal the surface to help preserve and protect it from cracks and general deterioration. Check the sealants specifications or ask the supplier how often you need to complete the task. Repair any small cracks once you notice them and avoid carrying out jobs that involve chemicals infiltrating the surface, like changing the oil of your vehicle. Proper maintenance and regular cleaning delay the effects of weathering and extend your private road’s life and appearance.
A beautiful driveway adds dimension, function and value to any property. With the right materials, set-up and maintenance — a driveway is an excellent choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their houses.
