Paving Companies Charleston SC can boost a home’s curb appeal and add value. It can be made of concrete, gravel, asphalt, or pavers. It’s important to review the various options to decide which one will best suit your needs.
Make sure your contractor provides adequate drainage. Standing water can wear away at the material and compromise the longevity of your residential driveway.
Asphalt is one of the most common paving materials used for residential driveways. It costs less than concrete and is quick to install. However, it requires a good sub-base to ensure long-lasting performance and stability. If the soil beneath the concrete isn’t stable, a concrete driveway could crack or break, leading to expensive repairs or replacements.
An experienced paving contractor can determine the best type of sub-base for your asphalt driveway. Then, they can lay a 4- to 8-inch layer of granular fill for a solid and compacted base. This is followed by a layer of heated asphalt consisting of rock, sand, and “asphalt cement,” a petroleum-based substance that resembles tar. The mix is poured onto the prepared surface and compressed with a heavy machine that resembles a steamroller.
Homeowners can choose from various colorants and additives to customize their asphalt pavement’s appearance. Decorative asphalt options include colored and stamped designs that mimic the look of brick, stone, or cobblestone. Homeowners can also opt for porous asphalt, which allows water to seep through the driveway surface and filter into an underlying crushed rock bed. This reduces rainwater runoff and helps to replenish groundwater levels. Porous asphalt typically costs $8 to $15 per square foot.
The black surface of an asphalt driveway absorbs the sun’s heat, reducing the time it takes snow to melt in cold climates. It’s also easy to maintain, with small repairs and resealing possible without professional help.
A key benefit of asphalt is that it is quick to install, allowing homeowners to reclaim their parking spaces in a matter of days. This is a major advantage over concrete, which may require several weeks to set before vehicles can be parked on it.
Because asphalt paving depends on warm temperatures for workable conditions, a homeowner should consider hiring a professional to complete the project in spring or summer. The crew can then apply the asphalt quickly and smoothly to a well-prepared sub-base. This will provide a durable and attractive result that can withstand winter’s icy conditions and deicers like salt or ice melt substances.
Concrete offers homeowners various design choices that can enhance the beauty and add value to their homes. It is also extremely durable and can easily withstand the weight of heavy vehicles. A well-maintained concrete driveway can last more than 30 years.
Before installing a new concrete driveway, the ground must be prepared. The soil must be thoroughly compacted and screened to discourage weed growth. This process also ensures the soil is ready to support a new paved surface and prevent future problems.
The next step is to lay a base layer of washed crushed rock. This layer is then covered with a 1-inch layer of concrete sand, which must be screeded to leave it perfectly smooth. The sand also acts as a binder that binds the concrete together and prevents it from shifting once it has set.
When pouring concrete, it is important to use a large enough mixer to get an even mix. A professional will know how to operate the mixer and use a special meter to measure how much concrete to order. It is also important to measure the length, width, and depth of the driveway to determine how much concrete is needed. It is generally best to hire a professional for this part of the project, as they can finish the entire job in just a few days compared to the week or more that it takes for the average homeowner to complete the same task.
Once the concrete is poured, it must be allowed to cure. During this time, it is important to avoid walking on the concrete, as it will be very hot during the day. When it is fully cured, the driveway is ready for use.
Homeowners who wish to take on a DIY project should carefully review all the steps involved before beginning. It is also a good idea to find a contractor specializing in concrete construction, as they can typically provide the proper equipment for excavation, formwork, pouring, and finishing. This helps to ensure that the finished product is of the highest quality and will stand up to years of wear and tear.
Cobblestone driveways are a beautiful, unique choice for any home. This type of paving is popular in older neighborhoods and gives a classic look to your home. It also adds to the curb appeal of your home and increases its value. This paving material is durable and requires little maintenance. It can withstand heavy vehicle traffic and resist stains from oil, gas, and other chemicals. It also resists damage from ice and snow. It is also available in various colors to complement your home’s exterior.
Cobblestones are usually made from siliceous types of stone, such as granite, sandstone, and bluestone. These natural stones are incredibly resilient and withstand years of wear and tear. They can also withstand the pressure of heavy vehicles and have high flexing strength. They are also moisture-resistant, which makes them an excellent choice for driveways.
These cobblestones can be used in various projects, such as walkways, patio paving, and exterior walls. However, it is recommended to use loose cobbles for driveway paving as they are easier to install. This installation involves placing the cobblestones on a gravel base and then spreading and compressing a layer of compactable sand over it. The process may be time-consuming, but it will produce a long-lasting result.
Another benefit of cobblestone driveways is that they are easy to repair. If you notice a hole or a crack in the surface, remove the affected cobblestone and replace it. You can also apply a sealant to the surface to prevent stains from oils, gas, and other chemicals.
Unlike other paving materials, cobblestones can be installed dry or set in mortar. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the substrate is of the right temperature and moisture level for the installation. Once the substrate has been cured, you can start installing your cobblestones. You must use a 15mm notch trowel to ‘back butter’ each stone before installing it.
Cobblestones are an ideal choice for driveways, as they can withstand the pressure of vehicles and heavy machinery. Additionally, they are highly customizable and will add a classic, old-world feel to your driveway.
When you have your new driveway paved with brick pavers, you choose a classic and durable material that will stand the test of time. Brick is also an environmentally friendly option for driveway paving, as it is a recyclable material that can be reused for future projects. On the other hand, asphalt is made from petroleum products that create air and water pollution. It also contains coal tar, which can lead to health problems, such as respiratory and digestive issues.
Masonry pavers are available in a variety of colors, sizes, and textures, so it is easy to find a color that complements the front facade of your home. You can even opt for pavers designed to look like a specific type of natural stone, such as granite or slate.
Block paving is another popular choice for residential driveways, offering various laying patterns. One of the most popular is herringbone, which features blocks set at 45-degree angles to each other. This laying pattern provides the strongest interlocking, and it is perfect for driveways that will receive heavy traffic. Different laying patterns include stretcher bond and basketweave.
In addition to being durable, masonry is also porous, allowing water to pass through the surface and soak into the ground below. This is more eco-friendly than concrete, a solid slab that causes water to run off rather than soak into the soil.
A downside of using masonry for your driveway is that it can be expensive, and maintenance can be challenging. Because of this, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding on this type of paving.
In terms of cost, masonry is much less expensive than asphalt and concrete. It is also very durable, and repairs can be done more quickly and easily than with other paving materials. However, you plan to drive on your new driveway frequently. In that case, you must maintain it regularly to prevent the deterioration of the mortar joints.