When you need a new driveway, the decision is a little more than just calling the first concrete company you see. You first need to ask yourself some questions. How much maintenance are you able to commit to? What is your budget for the new driveway? And is concrete even the right answer? Someone who specializes in concrete in Schenectady can tell you there are many ways to put together a driveway. From asphalt to concrete, or pavers to gravel, here are some of the options for driveway material that you might want to consider.
Asphalt
Asphalt is a good option, as it is relatively quick to install in addition to being pretty inexpensive. Asphalt needs to be resealed every 2 to 4 years, but there is very little maintenance aside from that. With proper maintenance, your asphalt driveway will last up to 20 years. This is a great material for locations that have variable weather, since asphalt is highly resistant to temperature changes. In fact, if it snows a lot where you live, asphalt might be a good option since it absorbs heat, which can aid in snow melting. If you are worried about the cost of asphalt, look into recycled asphalt which can help you save money and is also better for the environment.
Gravel
Gravel might not be the best option if you have little kids who ride bikes and scooters around, but it can be great for many other types of families. Gravel is not very expensive at all, so if you need a driveway on a budget, this could be your best choice. There are actually a lot of different styles of gravel. If you don’t feel like small gray stones necessarily look that great with the style of home you have or the look you are going for, look into some different options. Its low cost comes with a price, though. Gravel driveways are high maintenance between managing weeds, removing snow, and restoring loose or missing rocks. However, if you can commit to the maintenance, you can still save a lot of money by installing a gravel driveway.
Concrete
Concrete is a great option, and here are a few reasons why. First, they are very low maintenance. Other than removing occasional stains and washing it down with a hose regularly, there is very little to do. Second, concrete is very strong. With regular maintenance and care, your concrete driveway will last 30 to 40 years. Next, there are many stains and designs that you can do. When people think of concrete, they typically think of grey slabs. However, with the variety of stains and designs available, you can stamp basically any design you can think of into concrete.
Pavers
One of the great things about this material is that pavers will last over 20 years with regular maintenance. The good thing about this type of material is that it comes in a range of costs and designs. Pavers themselves come in several different kinds of materials, such as clay, brick, and stone. If one of the pavers cracks or becomes damaged, you won’t find yourself or someone you hire pulling out half your driveway to remedy the situation. Instead, you can pull out only the affected pavers and fix those for a driveway that looks as good as the day you first had it installed.
When having a new driveway installed, there are lots of different options for materials that you can use. Make sure to talk it through with a qualified professional that is experienced with concrete in Schenectady before making your decision so that the driveway you choose is affordable, provides a good value, and lasts for many more years to come.
