Hello World! Welcome Friends! Whether you’re building or moving into a new house, a nice and functional driveway is something that cannot be overlooked. Having a nice driveway comes with a lot of benefits, such as; improving the appearance of your home’s exterior, better functionality, parking, and increasing your property’s curb appeal and value. Seeing as how a good driveway is a very important feature that should be added to your property, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure that you are getting your driveway the right way. Below is a guide to help you ensure that you get a driveway that is best for your home.
Take Slope and Width into Consideration
Although the natural topography of your property might be a factor, an ideal slope for your driveway should be neither too steep nor too flat. This is because a driveway that is too steep might end up being too slippery, which is dangerous. Being too flat is also not ideal as you may end up dealing with drainage issues. A recommended rule is that your driveway should not rise more than 15ft over a 100ft distance (<15% grade). Also, ensure that your driveway is between 10-12 ft wide and a few feet wider at the curves.
However, if your property’s topography is not ideal for these specifications, there are some adjustments you can make. For example, you can build up the middle of your flat driveway so that water can run off the sides instead of pooling. You can also add curves/switchbacks to your steep driveway in order to reduce the slope. If you’re worried about the slope at the end of the driveway, you can also use a bridjit curb ramp to make sure you don’t damage any vehicles.
Pick a Driveway Design
You can either get a straight, circular, or curved driveway. The choice you make should depend on functionality and the look that suits your property best. For example, there is no need for a circular or curved driveway if you have limited space or little distance from your garage to the street. Color can also be an important factor, a grey resin driveway offers a contemporary and practical solution.
Curb Appeal
Apart from its functional uses, the right kind of driveway can improve your home’s curb appeal. So as you plan to get your driveway, take into account how each type of driveway will match the overall look of the rest of your property.
Driveway Materials
When it comes to materials for your driveway, there are several options to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Some of the top materials used for driveways are;
- Concrete – this is a very common choice for a more modern-looking appeal. Apart from being highly durable, concrete driveways can also be very aesthetically pleasing (great for front yard landscaping). They usually come in grey, but some companies do offer colored concrete. Some common colors include; sandy, beige, shades of brown, and other natural, earthy colors. The costs of concrete driveways usually depend on the size of the driveway and location.
- Tarmac and Asphalt – these are affordable, low maintenance, and durable driveway materials that can last up to 15 years without requiring any repairs. They are incredibly easy to install and provide a neat driveway surface. However, one disadvantage to using them is that asphalt can get really hot in the summer leading to emissions that can contribute to air pollution
- Resin Driveway – a resin-bound driveway is installed by mixing a hard-wearing course of resin with dried, clean, decorative aggregates, which is then hand-trowelled onto a base (new or existing). This extremely hard-wearing driveway material features a special type of structure within its composition, which allows air and water to pass through it easily. It also boasts of very high strength and slip resistance. They come in a wide range of colors and designs to suit any requirements you might have. They are also very cost-effective and easy to install and maintain.
- Stone Pavers – if you’re looking for a more classic choice for your driveway, natural stone is the way to go. It can also be combined with rustic finishes such as a driveway gate or fence. They also come in a variety of colors and finishes, such as; grey sawn granite for a modern finish or cream Indian sandstone for a classic finish.
Hiring Good/Trusted Driveway Contractors
While you may be tempted to carry out your driveway installation yourself, hiring professionals to do it for you would be the better choice. Ensure that you go for a trusted company with experienced contractors that will give you the very best.
Conclusion:
Getting a driveway installed is a big investment that requires proper planning and the consideration of several different factors. From driveway materials and design to the nature of your property’s topography and the contractors you hire, it is important to consider each and every one of these factors to ensure that you are getting a driveway that best suits you.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Benefits of UPVC Spray Painting
Common Air Conditioning Problems You Should Know About
Home Improvements to Give Your Home a Face Lift
Why Should I Choose a Professional to Pressure Wash My Home?
I’d love for you to join my email list! You’ll receive a notification straight to your inbox which will include links to my latest home project posts! Simply enter your address below.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
[…] Getting a Driveway the Right Way […]