The quality of your driveway is important for your vehicles and your home in general. Choosing the right material will help you keep your property in good shape and ensure you get the most for your money. Below are aspects to evaluate when deciding if gravel or asphalt is right for your driveway.  

Gravel Driveways

A favorable feature of these driveways are their cost. The price per square foot usually falls under five dollars, meaning even larger areas aren’t too expensive to cover. They’re also easy to install, since there’s no initial compaction layer needed. Another upside is the appearance. The unique, textured look can raise curb appeal.

Removing snow or leaves from a bed of tiny rocks isn’t easy. It almost always results in some of the material being swept away. Although these individual pieces can wear down over time, it is an extremely affordable  fix due to its low cost. 

Asphalt Driveways

This material, commonly known as blacktop or hot mix pavement, has incredible longevity. The years of supporting heavy vehicles will likely have little impact, as long as the driveway was professionally installed. Because the surface is simple and flat, it’s easy to clean and to repair any issues that may arise. Even though it does require soil and earth compaction before the material can be poured, it’s still cheaper than options like concrete.

Asphalt doesn’t come in a variety of colors, and is usually limited to black. While this complements most color schemes, the lack of choice might be something to consider. Despite its durability, this material can become pliable in the heat. However, this is easily repaired with a simple patch or fill. 

Thinking of revamping your driveway? Spallina Materials is a family- owned and-operated asphalt specialist serving the areas of Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Wyoming, Wayne, Ontario, and Steuben counties. With an experienced staff and an impressive array of premiere products, they’re ready to serve you. To get started with a free estimate, call (585) 658-2248.