These are all very important things to consider when it comes to choosing a new driveway.
Whether you call them interlocking pavers, concrete pavers, brick pavers or simply just pavers… they’re all basically the same when it comes to the the looks and installation process. But not all pavers are manufactured the same!
Brick pavers are baked at extremely high temperatures and concrete or interlocking pavers are formed and dried in a controlled climate settings.
However, while brick pavers, interlocking pavers and concrete pavers provide a solid driveway surface that mainly shed water off of the driveway, permeable pavers allow water to penetrate into the soil or sub-grade beneath the pavers allowing much less water runoff. Permable paver driveways are much more environmentally friendly allowing less pollutants winding up into our rivers, creeks, streams and lakes.
How common are paver driveways?
The further South we travel in the United States, the more likely we see concrete driveways and paver driveways. The further North we travel in the United States, the more likely we see asphalt driveways. This is due to the amount of freeze and thaw cycles that occur in the colder regions and the minimal freeze and thaw cycles we see in the warmer regions.
Paver driveways can be somewhat pliable since there are so many edges to allow for movement from freeze and thaw cycles, therefore, cracking rarely happens. But minor heaving can become an issue since it’s much easier for water to reach the sub-grade and freeze and thaw. Keep in mind also, if you live in a snowy region, shoveling paver driveways can be a chore as there are many edges to catch a shovel on. However, paver driveways are extremely durable and can withstand de-icing products like salt, magnesium chloride and other de-icing chemicals.
Depending on the size and scope of work involved, the construction of a new paver driveway can be installed by an experienced paver installation contractor generally over a 5 to 7 day period, depending on the size. Paver driveway installation is very labor intensive. Most of the work is done manually so you can expect the average paver driveway to take as much as 5 to 7 days before being able to drive on it and use it.
If you already own an interlocking paver driveway and it’s beginning to show the signs of aging and deterioration, has a tremendous amount of weeds, heaving issues, removing and replacing the interlocking paver driveway and starting from scratch may be in order! This absolutely should be performed by a reputable interlocking paver company that will do it right the first time. If the existing interlocking paver driveway shows signs of unstable sub-grade, the soil should be excavated and new base or structural material installed and then the new interlocking paver driveway installed for a solid, long lasting interlocking paver driveway.
A properly installed paver driveway with regularly scheduled maintenance can last up to 30, 35 or even 40 years! That variation in age can be determined by the stability of the sub-grade, the quality of the installation, the type and frequency of maintenance, and the climate you live in.
Interlocking paver driveways require such little ongoing maintenance, that when comparing the up front costs to an asphalt or concrete driveway, essentially what you’re doing is trading the long term ongoing maintenance costs over the lifetime of an asphalt, concrete or even gravel driveways for the up front cost of the installation of an interlocking paver driveway. Some interlocking paver installation contractors offer a lifetime warranty! But keep in mind that a company’s warranty is only as good as the contractor that’s installing it. What good is a lifetime warranty if the contractor who installed it isn’t around to make good on it?
When choosing between an interlocking paver driveway and the other three types of driveways, take into the consideration these things:
Be sure and check with your HOA (if you have one) or your local government municipality to make sure an interlocking paver driveway is acceptable in the area you live. Some HOA’s or municipalities do not allow interlocking paver driveways.
Will an interlocking paver driveway look good in front of your home? Maybe a different type of driveway will look better. Have you explored your options?
What is the climate like in your region of the country? Be sure and select a driveway type that make sense for your region.
If you want your driveway to last a lifetime, regular maintenance plays an important role in how long your interlocking paver driveway will last.
How much and what kind of traffic do you expect to use your driveway? Normal, everyday passenger vehicle use or heavy vehicle use? Select a Driveway that make sense.
Select a driveway that fits into the budget short term and long term. Would a low maintenance or maintenance free driveway make better sense?
If the short term, up front cost is a deciding factor, Gravel Driveways or Asphalt Driveways are excellent, low cost options, depending on the size of your driveway. The long term trade off, however, is more ongoing maintenance costs. If up front costs are not as much of an important factor and aesthetics are, then Concrete Driveways or interlocking paver driveways are the alternative for a hard surface driveway. While initially the up front costs are much higher, long term they require less maintenance costs especially when you live in a snowy region.
There is nothing unfortunate about an interlocking paver driveway other than if it is installed improperly or sub standard materials are used for installation. Interlocking paver driveways are the best choice for a sold surface driveway!
Interlocking paver driveways can be a beautiful addition to your home. The wide variety of different colors and patterns to choose from can give your driveway a unique, one of a kind look. See some different Colorful Design Ideas For Interlocking Paver Driveways.
If you’re considering having a new interlocking paver driveway installed, see our Interlocking Paver Driveway Installation FAQ’s section for more information.
You can also learn more about the ongoing maintenance of interlocking paver driveways by visiting our Interlocking Paver Driveway Maintenance FAQ’s section for more information.
Before you hire a contractor to install or perform maintenance on your paver driveway, be sure and review our video and eBook series, “The Most Common Ways Interlocking Paver Contractors Rip Us Off And How To Avoid Them” ™ You’ll learn everything you need to know to hire a reputable interlocking paver driveway contractor and get the job done right.
Or save time and take the guesswork out of hiring a paver driveway contractor to install or maintain your paver driveway and pre-screened and background checked Interlocking Paver Installation & Repair Contractors in your local area.
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