Types of Residential Driveways

Residential driveways must be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. There are several types of driveway that can be created for the typical modern residence, including dirt, gravel, pavers, concrete, and asphalt. Each has advantages and drawbacks. A dirt driveway is the least costly, but it is very unattractive, and the dirt erodes away, forming potholes that can damage vehicles. A gravel driveway, also called an oil and stone driveway, consists of gravel laid on a sprayed oil base, then leveled and smoothed; two layers of oil and stone are the norm. Gravel driveways require periodic maintenance, because they deteriorate over time as individual stones migrate away. Pavers, such as bricks or cobblestones, are very attractive when properly applied, but can be costly and are very labor-intensive to install. Concrete and asphalt are the two most popular surfaces for residential driveways. Concrete is more costly than asphalt and is generally more rigid, as well. Both hold up well under normal traffic loads and require special equipment to install efficiently. In areas where temperatures get low enough, the movement of the ground due to water collecting, freezing, and thawing underneath the paved area is a consideration. This movement, called heaving, can warp or break the pavement, necessitating costly repairs. When heaving is a possibility, contractors must take certain steps to avoid it. -- About the Author: Silvana Casey, the owner of Casey Paving, LLC, has over 35 years of experience in the paving industry. Specializing in all aspects of asphalt paving for commercial and residential applications, Casey Paving is headquartered in Reno, Nevada.