Driveway questions...

[skijay]

I figured I would ask the question here. I am going to need to replace my driveway soon. I am wondering if anybody out here has a concrete or pavers for their driveway. I could go with the standard blacktop, but I see some homes in my area that have pavers and concrete when they replaced their driveways. It looks sharp.

If anybody has pavers or concrete, can you still have your driveway plowed or will it damage the surface? Also, is there any maintanence involved in these driveways. I am going to research online and then look for some contractors.

 

[teachski]

Remember, you can use a sealant to prolong the life of the blacktop.

 

[ctenidae]

Solid concrete costs more, but lasts longer (if installed properly), and should have no problem with plowing. Pavers may have an issue with plowing, depending on the size and type- anything that might buckle or get ridges for a plow to catch on would be, well, bad. Blacktop has the advantage of being cheap, easily repaired, and flexible to deal with freeze/thaws. It's ugly, though.

You might want to call your plow service and ask them what htey think- first hand experience, and lots of it you may want to tap.

 

[Vortex]

Smitty77 is in the Apshalt pavement business. Pm him. I am in the concrete repair business. I would stay away from Pavers unless just for walking situation. If you really want to use pavers I would lay a membrane down and set them in the membrane. I could give you more info off line if needed. Just send a pm.

 

[hammer]

I had a walkway done with pavers. It was a LOT of $$ and I only had to get the pavers that were suitable for foot traffic. It does look a lot better than my old asphalt walkway, though.

If you need to put down salt in the winter, I'm not sure if anything but asphalt is suitable. Also, unless your pavers are absolutely even, you could have problems with a plow or snowblower.

Just my personal experience...

 

[Greg]

I need to consider something for our new house as well. Going to go with asphalt though due to the expense. Remember also, that snow and ice will not melt off concrete anywhere near as fast as it will from asphalt. This may be a concern if your driveway has any pitch to it. Personally, I think asphalt looks fine if properly cared for.

 

[ski_resort_observer]

concrete with black driveway sealent.

We had a parking problem in out driveway with 4 drivers and 3 vehicles. I increased the parking by putting a concrete pad along the driveway then sealed it with driveway sealant so it matches pretty well with the driveway.

It was 2 days of hard work but very cheap costwise and looks good.

 

[loafer89]

Two of my neighbors just removed their blacktop driveway and installed paving stone driveways. We have a blacktop driveway, and I have no plans to change it. The snow melts rapidly from the asphalt when the sun gets to it, and it is easy to shovel/plow.

 

[Greg]

The snow melts rapidly from the asphalt when the sun gets to it, and it is easy to shovel/plow.

It snows on the Island?

 

[loafer89]

I think that I live in a Long Island snowbelt. We had about 5-6' last winter. Alot of the storms just get their act together as they form offshore before hitting New England.

I live in a private community with HOA dues, and snow removel is $$$$$.

 

[smitty77]

The doctor is in.

Asphalt is cheap in comparison to concrete, but can last almost as long if properly constructed and properly cared for. For the most part, care is as easy as applying a sealer annually and keeping it free of fuel spills. I don't know if there is evidence that sealear actually prolongs pavement life, but it doesn't seem to hurt. It keeps the asphalt from oxidizing and keeps water from penetrating, both of which will accelerate the demise of your driveway.

If anyone has questions, send me a PM and I'll try to answer them (or point you to someone that can answer them).

Smitty

 

[teachski]

Remember also, that snow and ice will not melt off concrete anywhere near as fast as it will from asphalt. This may be a concern if your driveway has any pitch to it.

Yes, this is a problem. The top section of my driveway and entry into house is concrete. Ice forms rapidly on it and is almost impossible to remove. Back in the 70's my dad had the lower section of the driveway covered in asphalt because of the ice situation.

I'm certain I would not be in the predicament I am in now (recovering from shoulder surgery) if I did not have the ice build up problem on the concrete section of my driveway.

 

[loafer89]

One of my neighbors that just finished putting in a new driveway used a combination of asphalt and paving stones. The enterance to the driveway has paving stones followed by asphalt with a large circle design of paving stones in the middle of it. I guess this was a price or practicality concession?