When moving into a new home and renovating, many people neglect the curb appeal of their home. A run-down driveway can seriously impact the resale value of your home. Not to mention that it also looks like a total eyesore. To help you find the best solution for your home, we will explain how to choose a driveway that suits your needs. We will also look at the pros and cons of Orlando’s most common types of driveways.
Is your home part of an HOA?
Certain neighborhoods in Orlando, Florida, fall within a Home Owners Association. This could limit your options if you want to replace your driveway with something different. If you are moving into a new home, we suggest that you get informed before you begin any remodeling work since it could go against the terms of the HOA. You can ask your realtor if they have experience with homes in the neighborhood. If you are allowed to replace your driveway entirely, we can help you choose a driveway that suits your needs.
Hiring a home inspector to check out the state of your home and the driveway is also a good idea. It’s recommended that you finish any work on your home before you plan to move in. Driveways will need a little time to dry. For example, concrete ones can be ready after 48 hours. After that, all that is left is to hire professional movers, such as City Movers, to transport your possessions. However, we highly recommend that you consult with your driveway landscapers when your driveway is ready for you to move in.
Examine the current state of your driveway to see if repair is possible
It is possible that you may not need to replace your driveway with a new one. Reach out to us for a free quote, and we can tell if we can repair your driveway. Generally, repairs are possible when the damage to the driveway isn’t too extensive. We are accustomed to patching up holes in the driveway and filling cracks. However, it would help if you were realistic that any material will deteriorate over time and that, after a certain point, your driveway will need to be replaced.
How to choose a driveway that suits your needs
The different types of materials used in the construction of driveways will have different costs and expected longevity. Additionally, certain materials will be more suited to heavy vehicles and the transportation of goods, while other types of driveways are only meant for light car transit. Take these factors into consideration as we look at the pros and cons of different materials.
Asphalt driveways
Asphalt offers superior durability like what you can experience on most roads and parking lots. These driveways are generally considered to be a cheaper alternative to concrete. However, asphalt is much less prone to cracking. You can expect asphalt driveways to last around 20 years, and the repairs in that time are usually affordable since asphalt driveways can easily be patched up.
If you are concerned about the environment, asphalt is also a decent choice since it doesn’t involve the use of coal tar. Asphalt is recommended in areas with plenty of snow, but that isn’t a huge consideration for most Florida residents. On the other hand, asphalt can warm up during scorching weather and cause tire marks to appear. However, if you are using your driveway just for regular car traffic and you don’t live in an especially hot area – asphalt should be an excellent option.
Concrete driveways
Concrete is a popular choice for those who want a clean, industrial look for their driveway. You can choose from multiple colors and match your driveway to the rest of your property. Concrete driveways also require very little maintenance, and they have no problem handling temperature changes. Unfortunately, concrete driveways come with some downsides. Although highly durable with an expected lifespan of around 50 years, concrete tends to crack over time, and it can’t be repaired as quickly as asphalt. Additionally, concrete is one of the more expensive options when selecting the material for your driveway. While concrete doesn’t retain water, it can get stained by oil which will cause color changes that are hard to remove.
Gravel driveways
Gravel has recently become a more common option for driveways, mainly due to its cost. Gravel driveways represent one of the more affordable choices, making them great for homeowners with large properties requiring long driveways. There are many different styles to choose from, and as soon as a gravel driveway is installed, you can immediately drive on it. Even though gravel is one of the cheaper options, it makes up for that in maintenance costs. Weed and moss can penetrate gravel, and you will need to regrade it every few years. However, if properly maintained, a gravel driveway can last up to 100 years. Snow and ice can be difficult to remove from gravel driveways, but it performs well during the warmer months of the year.
Block paving
Due to the number of available colors, this is the most diverse style of driveway. Block paving is durable and easy to repair since individual blocks can be replaced. Unfortunately, a block paved driveway is also one of the more expensive options. It takes a lot of time and care to complete this type of driveway, and the sub-base needs to be leveled properly. However, the end result can look outstanding, especially since you can choose which block style you want to use. The blocks can be of different colors, and they can be laid in interesting patterns, further enhancing the look of your property.
In conclusion
Hopefully, you now understand the benefits of each individual material and know how to choose a driveway that suits your needs and finances. If you have any further questions, you can reach out to us. We can give you a free quote and help you select the correct type of driveway for your home.
Recent Comments