Reasons to Pave Your Gravel Driveway
If you have an existing gravel driveway, you are already aware of its advantages. Gravel is a good choice for rugged applications because it is inexpensive and it can take a beating. However, gravel does have many significant drawbacks. Paving your driveway can reduce maintenance, make it easier to cope with winter weather, and create curb appeal. While the cost is a bit more expensive upfront than gravel is, most homeowners find that asphalt paving in Lodi, CA, is worth the investment.
Here are the top five reasons that most homeowners choose to pave their gravel driveways.
Gravel driveways versus paved driveways
- Paved driveways look better.
Gravel can look unfinished and messy because it is loosely packed and constantly shifting. On the other hand, a paved driveway creates nice clean lines adding a sense of grace and style that complements nearly every home. Asphalt creates a similar streamlined aesthetic as pavers and concrete but is less expensive and easier to maintain.
- Paving requires less maintenance.
While an asphalt driveway is mainly trouble-free, gravel constantly shifts, creating hills, divots, and empty spaces. With an asphalt paved driveway, you need to clean the driveway twice a year and sealcoat it every 2 to 3 years. Make sure to patch small holes as they occur, and your paved driveway can easily last up to 35 years.
- Easier removal of ice and snow.
Although people don't deal with ice and snow in California as much as many other states do, a paved driveway is a smart choice when dealing with ice and snow in the wintertime. Snow can be challenging to remove from gravel driveways because the snow settles into the gaps and spaces between the gravel. In addition, excess snow will cause you to dig deep ruts and holes in the gravel that you will have to fill down the road.
On the other hand, an asphalt driveway creates a clean, smooth surface on which snow can settle. This smooth, even surface makes removing snow as simple as clearing it away and is much less likely to damage your driveway in the process.
- Paved driveways are cleaner.
Driving on gravel often kicks up clouds of dust, dirt, rocks, and debris. During drier months, this is especially noticeable. But it can also create mud during the rainy season. In addition, gravel driveways make it challenging to keep the exterior of your car and home clean. Dirt and dust generate the need to mop and vacuum much more frequently.
In contrast, a paved driveway allows dirt and dust to settle. You're not likely to have to head to the car wash every time you leave your house when using a paved driveway, even on the driest days.
- Driveway paving increases resale value.
It's no surprise that many potential homebuyers believe that a gravel driveway looks unfinished and messy. They often worry about the maintenance involved in keeping the gravel clean and neat. A gravel drive can give a potential buyer a predisposed dislike of your home before even stepping inside. Although a gravel driveway likely will not prevent you from finding a buyer, turning off a sizable portion of the market doesn't make sense.
If you plan to sell your home soon, upgrading to a new, clean paved driveway can dramatically increase curb appeal, make it easier to sell, and possibly get you a higher asking price.
Contact M. Carroll Blacktop today for more information on updating your gravel driveway with asphalt paving in Lodi, CA.