Asphalt Versus Gravel: Which Is Best for Your Driveway?
If you're putting in a new drive and you don't want concrete, your two main options are gravel and asphalt. There are pros and cons to both of these choices. To help you decide, here's a closer look at some of the potential benefits of both types of materials.
Benefits of Asphalt
1. Sleek Black Color
The sleek black of an asphalt construction lends a sophisticated look to the exterior of your home. Black matches most exteriors, and you can also extend the driveway with asphalt walking paths. That said, if you don't want black, you may want to consider gravel.
2. Ability to Thrive in Multiple Temperatures
Asphalt is designed to withstand increases and decreases in temperature. It can go through long winters and freeze-thaw cycles without cracking, and it can survive hot summers as well. One thing to note, however, is that asphalt can get very hot underfoot. In the summer, it's often too hot to walk over barefoot, and it may be hard on your pet's paws as well.
3. Convenient for Snow Removal
If you have to plow snow off an asphalt driveway, it's a relatively straightforward job. You can just push the snow off with a plow. You don't have to worry about rocks or debris getting caught in the plow as you do with gravel.
4. No Risk of Vandalism
With an asphalt drive, you don't have to worry about vandalism with rocks. Unfortunately, one of the downsides of a gravel drive is that a vandal could pick up a rock and throw it at your windows. If you live in an area with high crime rates, you may want the relative safety of a smooth asphalt drive.
Benefits of Gravel
1. Multiple Colours and Varieties
When you choose a gravel driveway, it doesn't necessarily need to be boring gray. You can get small gravel rocks in a range of colours to bring out the red, green or other coloured hues in your home. There are also a range of rock sizes that you can get with different types of gravel. That makes it easy to create the look you want.
2. Easy to Install
Putting in asphalt or concrete typically requires the help of a professional. Gravel, on the other hand, tends to be easy to install. You basically level the land as much as you can, and then, you can tamp down the surface by driving heavy trucks over it. Finally, you pour the gravel and smooth it out.
To learn more, contact a specialist in driveway construction.