Gravel driveways are relatively inexpensive and durable, but they’re also difficult to maintain, erode quickly, and can be rough on your vehicle. On hot days, the tiny rocks can also generate clouds of dusty, while making it nearly impossible to shovel snow in the winter. Replacing your gravel with an asphalt driveway resolves most of these issues, and could actually save money in the long run.

5 Reasons to Pave Over Your Asphalt Driveway

1. Lower Maintenance

Once you’ve added up the annual cost of maintenance and repairs, gravel may actually be more expensive than an asphalt driveway. While gravel must be constantly redistributed to fill gaps and flatten hills, asphalt just needs a sealcoat treatment every couple of years.

2. Less Erosion

When it rains, gravel forms gullies that direct water downhill, washing away the stones and the soil underneath. Well-maintained asphalt is water resistant and relatively immune to erosion, so you won’t have to deal with deep water channels or divots.

3. Easier Ice & Snow Removal

Getting the ice and snow off of gravel can be difficult and frustrating. If you plow too deep, you risk scraping off your gravel covering, while being too cautious will leave you with an icy, dangerous driveway. Asphalt driveways are smooth and durable, making them much easier to clear off after a snowstorm.

4. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

As a general rule, gravel driveways are less attractive than other options, potentially ruining the look of your landscaping and any other improvements you’ve made to the exterior of the house. Smooth, new asphalt will immediately boost the aesthetic appeal of your home—not to mention the value of your property.

5. Less Dust & Dirt

The clouds of dirt kicked up by gravel can gather on your car, get tracked into the house, and might even turn to mud in the rainy season. An asphalt driveway won’t generate dust and only needs to be hosed off a couple of times per year.

 

If you’re ready to upgrade your old gravel driveway, turn to MJM Services, a family-owned local contractor with over 25 years of experience. They proudly serve homeowners throughout Wasilla and Anchorage, AK, creating beautiful, low-maintenance asphalt driveways that will last for years. Visit their website to see some samples of their work, follow their Facebook for updates and news, or call (907) 376-5222 to request an estimate today.