subject: Why Covering Your Driveway With Gravel is the Best Alternative to Blacktop [print this page] Before signing off on a new asphalt driveway, be sure to weigh all the options that go into making that decision. If thought adequately through, homeowners may side with gravel driveways because of the variety of positive factors they have over asphalt and concrete. Laying a driveway with gravel is usually a cheaper endeavor than paying for asphalt and can be done by the homeowner cutting out contractors.
To begin, the first way that gravel beats out other kinds of driveways is the fact that they are much more durable and easier to maintain. Asphalt and concrete can become chipped and crack due to over exposure to harsh elements. Gravel will never have this problem because stone driveways merely have to be re-spread when they become agitated from cars and personal traffic.
Installation is another benefit that a stone driveway can give to the homeowner in two major areas. As previously stated, spreading a gravel driveway can be done without a contractor and is much like mulching a lawn. People merely have to carry it to its destination and spread it evenly across the ground. It also takes far less time to install as asphalt and concrete take much longer to smooth and dry.
Runoff and flood control is another positive aspect to these forms of driveways. Asphalt and concrete are not porous materials and as such, rain water does not get absorbed into the ground. This can cause excessive flooding in the streets, which can be dangerous. Gravel, while it is also not porous, does allow water to seep through to the ground because it is not a completely solid surface.
Finally, gravel driveways are superior because they can be decorative. Blacktop and concrete come in two basic colors for the most part, black and grey. Gravel stones can come in a variety of different colors, which can accent the outside appearance of the home. These different colors can be used to draw out discreet colors or further enhance a dominant color in the home decor.
Laying a driveway with gravel is far superior to asphalt and concrete in a wide ranging set of ways. People must look at the problem from every angle before making the wrong decision. Gravel driveways come in different colors, are more environmentally friendly, are easily installed, and are much easier to maintain. On top of all that, it is usually cheaper to side with gravel rather than other driveway materials.
Why Covering Your Driveway With Gravel is the Best Alternative to Blacktop
