When you are a homeowner, there are likely many improvements that you may want to make at any given time. If you do not yet have a driveway, this may be one of your top priorities as far as home improvements go. However, if you have never put in your own driveway before, then you may be unsure of what you need to decide and do in the process. If you learn more about the process of putting in a driveway, you will be able to start your paving project as soon as possible and have a brand-new driveway that looks fantastic in no time.
You Need to Choose Your Base Material
One of the first steps that you will want to make when you decide to put in a driveway in your home is what you are going to use as your base material. The base material is the substance that is placed between the ground soil and your actual driveway. When you put in a base material, you are helping to stabilize the surface on which your driveway is put in, helping to prevent issues associated with soil erosion and the like that can cause cracks and other damage to your driveway once it is completed.
A good material to use when as a base when you are putting in your driveway is gravel. However, there are many types of gravel that you can use. The best option is to use a coarse type of gravel. The rough edges of the coarse gravel pieces will help them to fit together creating a solid base that will not move too much over time.
You Also Need to Choose Your Driveway Material
When you install a driveway, the most important decision that you can make is to choose your actual driveway material. You will have a few options available to you. One such option is gravel itself. A gravel driveway is easy and inexpensive to install. However, you will have to replace gravel over time as it gets displaced and washed away.
The two most common driveway paving options are asphalt and concrete. Each has their benefits depending on the climate in which you live as well as the look that you are going for. Concrete is ideal for warmer climates as it does not respond negatively to heat. Asphalt can get softer in the heat of summer causing issues such as pitting and more. Asphalt can be difficult to repair and is often replaced or resurfaced rather than repaired.
However, concrete may crack in the cold of winter. These cracks can be filled with an easy-to-use filler, though which can make it an ideal material for a driveway located in an area that has hot summers and cold winters both. Asphalt withstands the cold of winter quite well.
The appearance issue regarding asphalt versus concrete is largely a matter of preference. Asphalt provides a striking black finish while concrete is generally a lighter gray color that blends into its surroundings more seamlessly. Now that you know some of the facts about putting in a new driveway, you can get your paving project started right away. For more information, contact a company like Curb Design.
