The Expert's Guide to Residential Driveway Pavers

The Different Types of Driveway Pavers: Which One is Right For You?

When it comes time to pave your driveway, there are a lot of factors to consider. The type of pavement you choose will affect the look of your home, how long it lasts, and how much maintenance it will need. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to begin.

Types of Driveway Pavers

There are two main types of driveway pavers: concrete and brick. Concrete pavers are the most popular type of driveway paver, as they're affordable and easy to install. Brick pavers are more expensive, but they offer a more classic look. There are also a few other types of pavers available, such as stone and asphalt. However, these materials are less common for driveways. Now that you know the different types of pavers, let's take a closer look at each one.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are made from a mixture of cement, sand, and aggregate. The proportions of these ingredients can vary, which affects the paver's strength and durability. Concrete pavers are a popular choice for driveways because they're strong and easy to install. However, they can be susceptible to staining and cracking over time. If you choose concrete pavers for your driveway, be sure to seal them every few years to extend their lifespan.

Brick Pavers

Brick pavers are made from fired clay or concrete. They're then cut into a rectangular shape and fired again. Brick pavers are a popular choice for driveways because they offer a classic look. They're also very strong and durable. However, brick pavers can be expensive, and they're difficult to install on your own. If you choose brick pavers for your driveway, be sure to hire a professional installer.

Stone Pavers

Stone pavers are made from natural stone, such as granite or limestone. They're then cut into a rectangular or square shape. Stone pavers are less common for driveways because they're more expensive than other types of pavers. However, they offer a unique look that can add character to your home.

Asphalt Pavers

Asphalt pavers are made from a mixture of asphalt and aggregate. The proportions of these ingredients can vary, which affects the paver's strength and durability. Asphalt pavers are less common for driveways because they're not as strong as other types of pavers. However, they're easy to install and offer a unique look. If you choose asphalt pavers for your driveway, be sure to seal them every few years to extend their lifespan.

Now that you know the different types of pavers, it's time to decide which one is right for your home. Consider your budget, the look you want to achieve, and the amount of maintenance you're willing to do. With this information in mind, you'll be able to choose the perfect paver for your needs.

Maintaining Pavers for a Freshly Installed Look that Lasts

Homeowners love paver projects because they are long-lasting and low-maintenance. They often only need replacing once every few decades and require little effort from you in the meantime. Although patio pavers and driveway pavers don’t need a lot of maintenance, they are not entirely carefree. Maintaining Pavers is not a one-time job, it is an ongoing process that if done properly can extend the life of your driveway significantly.    Fortunately, pavers are simple to maintain and clean. Here are four easy steps to help maintain your pavers and keep them looking new:

Sweep and rinse your pavers regularly: This will help to remove any dirt, grime, or pollen that has built up on the surface of your pavers. You can use a garden hose or a power washer for this. Just be sure not to use too much pressure, as it can damage the pavers.

Weed control: If you see any weeds growing in between the cracks of your pavers, pull them out right away. You don't want them taking root and causing even more problems down the line.

Fill in cracks: Fill in any cracks that you see with polymeric sand. This will help to keep water from getting down into the cracks and causing even more damage.

Seal your pavers: By sealing your pavers, you are not only protecting them from wear and tear but also increasing their lifespan. It will protect them from the sun, wind, and rain. Be sure to re-seal your pavers every few years to keep them looking like new.

Tips for Maintaining Your Type of Paver Stones

Paver stones are a popular choice for residential driveways because they offer a variety of colors and styles to choose from. They're also durable and easy to maintain. Here are a few tips on how to keep your paver stones looking their best:

Stone Pavers

One of the most attractive and durable types of pavers is natural stone. They could not have uniformly even surfaces of clay and concrete pavers, which is their one major downside. This implies that uneven surfaces between each paver constitute a trip hazard if there is even a small rising or settling of the earth. Check stone pavers visually twice a year for projecting edges that a person might step on.

You can also use a 6-foot level to test for unevenness. Simply sweep it from side to side. If the level catches on a paver, that paver needs to be replaced or removed. Before you put any new pavers in, make sure to fix the problem area so that it is even with the rest of the field.

Brick Pavers

Clay or brick pavers eventually produce efflorescence, a surface layer of chalk. Some homeowners don't mind it at all, such as copper patina. The powdery deposit, however, can be eliminated if desired. Prepare a moderate detergent solution, apply it to the pavers, scrub them thoroughly with a stiff brush, and then rinse the detergent off. Clay paver sealing will impede the growth of efflorescence.

Concrete Pavers

Maintaining a strong seal on concrete pavers in cold areas is essential. If the surface is not sealed, water seeps through and freezes, spalling the paver surface. After a few years of freeze/thaw cycles, unsealed concrete pavers start to show damage as a result of water seeping beneath the surface and freezing.