Are you tired of the bumps and potholes that form on your gravel driveway? Looking for a way to make it easier to drive up and down your driveway with less maintenance required? Look no further because upgrading your gravel driveway to asphalt is the right solution.
While gravel driveways present a more natural appearance and are a more affordable option, they also have a number of drawbacks that should be taken into account.
In this article, we’ll look at the four top reasons asphalt driveways offer superior performance and better value, and explain why it might be time to make the switch.
Gravel Needs to Be Frequently Replenished
Gravel driveways are a popular option for many people because they are relatively low-cost and easy to install. However, they also require regular maintenance in order to look good and remain safe.
One of the key aspects of maintaining a gravel driveway is constantly replenishing it with new material. Gravel can be easily displaced by traffic or weather conditions such as rain or snow. This displacement causes ruts, cracks, and other irregularities that can become dangerous if left unchecked.
Gravel is also constantly replenished to prevent weeds from taking hold which can make the driveway appear unkempt. In no way is this maintenance convenient.
On the other hand, asphalt is a firm, solid material that can last for up to 20 years with proper maintenance before it needs to be replaced.
Gravel is Not Ideal For Snow Removal
Gravel and snow don’t get along very well. Gravel driveways are not ideal for snow removal because of the way the stones shift when exposed to extreme temperatures, making it difficult to plow or shovel a gravel driveway.
The shifting stones can also cause a bumpy surface which is hard and uncomfortable to walk on in winter conditions.
As gravel absorbs moisture from snow and ice, it becomes heavy and compacted, so any kind of snow removal equipment will struggle to remove it efficiently. Frozen or wet gravel can create an uneven surface that makes driving hazardous if you don’t have a four-wheel drive.
In comparison, an asphalt surface is much more resilient to snowplows scraping it than gravel. It can be easily cleaned and treated with salt when necessary, as it is designed to tolerate freezing temperatures and subsequent thawing.
Gravel Lacks Aesthetic Appeal
While gravel can come in many aesthetically pleasing colours and textures, even the most premium gravel has an unfinished and unprofessional appearance.
Gravel driveways often aren’t visually appealing because they are made up of small, loose stones that can easily be scattered by the wind or driven over, leaving an uneven and unsightly surface. The size and colour of the gravel used in a driveway may be inconsistent, resulting in a patchy look.
In contrast, asphalt driveways provide a consistently clean appearance due to their smoothness and resistance to wear.
Gravel Is Noisy
The high noise level produced by gravel driveways is a distinct disadvantage that is often overlooked. This noise is created by car tires rolling over the small stones which make up the surface of the driveway.
The sound can become especially loud when vehicles with low-profile tires travel on them. This is especially true when there is heavy rain, which causes puddles to form on the rocks and creates splashing noises when vehicles pass over them.
In order to reduce noise levels on a gravel driveway, homeowners can consider installing either smaller or smoother stones. Adding a thin layer of sand over the top of the surface will also help keep rocks in place and lessen sound due to shifting gravel particles.
However, for those seeking a home driveway that simply functions as intended without requiring a lot of maintenance, these measures may quickly start to feel like a burden.
Professional Asphalt Paving Services in Calgary
Switching from a gravel to an asphalt driveway is a decision worth making. Asphalt offers superior durability, cost savings over time, and improved safety. Plus, it significantly boosts curb appeal. It’s no wonder why so many homeowners are making the switch nowadays.
If you are looking for high-quality asphalt pavement services, Holloway Paving is the company to call. In business for more than 20 years, they have built a reputation for producing high-quality work for a wide range of clients.
For a free quote on any of their services, contact them today!
