Nearly every driveway is made of interlocking paving stones, gravel, or asphalt. But if you want something unusual like wood or brick, you need to know how to lay it correctly.
There are four different types of driveways, each serving a specific purpose. They are as follows:
- Access Driveway – This driveway is used by family members and delivery people to gain access to the garage. It is usually located to the right or left of the home, off the main road.
- Parking Driveway – Another common type of driveway, the parking driveway connects the home to the carport or garage. This type of driveway can also be used to access another road or street.
- Alley Driveway – This type of driveway is attached to other homes on both sides and is often wider than a standard driveway. It provides access to garages and carports, but rarely leads to other roads or streets.
- Sidewalk Driveway – One of the most basic driveways, this one is technically not even an official type of driveway. A sidewalk driveway can be created by extending a sidewalk across a private road and then paving it like a driveway.
It’s helpful to know the different types of driveways that are available so that you can choose one that best suits your home and lifestyle.
Concrete Driveway
A concrete driveway is durable and low maintenance. It is porous, though, which means it absorbs water. This can cause cracking when it freezes in the winter months. The concrete also doesn’t handle temperature changes very well; extreme hot or cold weather may damage it permanently. However, concrete is easy to repair if cracks appear in the surface.
Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt is a petroleum product that is mixed with various ingredients to produce a black, sticky substance that can be poured over an area of soil to create a driveway. Asphalt driveways are not necessarily asphalt; they can also be made from recycled rubber or plastic materials. They provide good traction and durability. They also provide a nice aesthetic appearance that does not require too much maintenance. To keep them looking beautiful, you can simply sweep and blow off dirt and debris and apply a sealant every three to four years to prevent cracking and potholes. Fore more information click on the link https://www.shiredrivewaysandlandscapes.co.uk/driveways-leicester/
However, asphalt can crack if it is exposed to the sun for extended periods of time, so they need to be shaded during those hot summer days. Asphalt driveways also tend to develop potholes as they age.
Gravel Driveway
A gravel driveway consists of small pieces of stone, usually pea-sized or smaller. It’s inexpensive to install and repaves easily when it cracks. However, gravel can shift in heavy rains; freezing temperatures can turn it into a solid block; and the surface tends to be uneven.
Cement-based Driveway
One of the most popular driveway surfaces is cement based. While cement can crack if not maintained properly or in very cold temperatures, it is a very durable surface that will last for decades with proper upkeep. Cement is usually gray but can be dyed any colour you desire. This option also allows you to add decorative patterns to the driveway at a reasonable price. Cement is easy to install and won’t cost a lot of money either.