Surface Options - Pros and Cons

The three main options for your home surfaces are: Asphalt, Concrete, and Interlocking Pavers.

Additional options include Flagstone, Marble stone and Brick. Which you select depends on your taste and budget. However, we will always make recommendations based on the area to be re-surfaced.

Asphalt:

Asphalt is made up of Rock, Sand, Tar and Bitumen and starts out as a dense (thick and heavy) dark liquid. It is designed to flex as the ground moved and yet remain solid enough for heavy cars and trucks to drive on it. Because of its flexibility, it is a good solution in colder climates where freezing and thawing occurs. Maintenance: For the best life span it needs to be resealed every 3-5 years. Pros: The least expensive paving solution. Less labor intensive to install and cheaper materials. Can be tinted for color variations. Can last 20-30 years. Cons: Will dry out and crack over time, with large cracks turning into potholes and depressions. However, proper maintenance such as seal coating can help prolong the life of your surface. Not the best in hot climates

Maintenance: For the best life span it needs to be resealed every 3-5 years.

Pros: The least expensive paving solution. Less labor intensive to install and cheaper materials. Can be tinted for color variations. Can last 20-30 years.

Cons: Will dry out and crack over time, with large cracks turning into potholes and depressions. However, proper maintenance such as seal coating can help prolong the life of your surface. Not the best in hot climates

Concrete:

Concrete is made up of three basic components: water, aggregate (rock, sand, or gravel) and Portland cement. It is a durable material that has a good life expectancy.

Maintenance: Should be sealed every 2 years for best life expectancy

Pros: Last up to 40 years which is longer than asphalt and requires less maintenance. Can be stained and stamped for variations in color and patterns.

Cons: More expensive surface. Cracks are harder to repair than asphalt cracks. Oil stains are hard to remove. Not the best in cold climates. Can crack and also is affected by salt.

Pavers:

Pavers are made from a very dry mix of gravel, sand, cement and color. The mixture is placed into a mold to produce the individual pavers. paving stone driveway is at least four times stronger than a regular concrete driveway.

Maintenance: None except for maybe a weed killer to remove weeds from the sand between the pavers.

Pros: Excellent solution – period! They are highly recommended for climates with extremes in weather or earthquake prone regions, because they never crack, and the surface is easy to repair if needed. They are ready for use immediately after installation.