Process of Driveway Paving
Homeowners are interested in the curb appeal of a home and prefer to add a unique style to the exterior. There are many choices available for driveway paving including asphalt, cement, limestone and various paving stones. The design of the house often dictates the paving choice for a driveway. Due to neighborhood codes and the conditions required for paving, the process of driveway paving is best left to skilled professionals.
Choose a Paving Product
Brick, natural stone and concrete pavers are viable paving options. Brick pavers provide elegance and sophistication to a home and are available in numerous sizes, colors and textures. Unique patterns and designs can be created with brick pavers. Initially, natural stone pavers can be costly, but the durability of natural stone may actually prove the stone to be a cost-effective choice in the long run. Concrete pavers are commonly utilized for residential use due to the color dyes and design choices and are one of the least costly methods of paving.
Cost and Durability Considerations
A longer driveway is more expensive due to the price of materials and labor. The overall cost of paving a driveway may run from $10 to $60 per square foot. If a driveway will take 10,000 pavers to complete at $1 per paver, the final charge will be $10,000 just for the pavers. Some pavers are sold with a lifetime warranty because of the durability factor of the pavers.
Old Driveway and Land Excavation
Damaged asphalt and concrete must be removed before a new driveway is poured. Proper preparation assures a durable driveway. Stumps and other soft material must be removed to prevent settling later. The joints in an old concrete drive will soon appear through a layer of asphalt. The old material will need to be properly discarded.
Establish a Proper Base
Crushed concrete or asphalt millings provide a proper foundation for the pitch and durability of a driveway structure. A professional will use a skid steer to spread the foundation material and allow for water drainage. A proper pitch ensures that water is directed away from the driveway pad. A vibratory roller is utilized to compact the base material. The pavers can then be laid or the asphalt poured.
Paver Maintenance
A sealant should be considered for ease of maintenance. Sweeping as needed and washing with a pressure washer about twice per year is recommended. The pressure washer should be turned down low enough so as to not disturb the grouting material. A weed control product should be sprayed around the edges of the driveway once per year.