Are you looking for a new driveway installation? Do you need driveway repair or replacement? Where do you start and what should you know before starting the process? Your new or repaired driveway needs to be built strong enough to hold up to the weather and the functional use it is designed for. 

Naturally, the practical aspects of a new driveway come to mind first, but a new driveway installation will also improve the value of your home or business with increased curb appeal. Homeowners and business owners now have many driveway choices that will bring the “wow” factor to the aesthetics of your property. As with any major project, it is wise to arm yourself with information and advice first so your eyes will be wide open before you begin. 

Questions to consider for driveway repair and other driveway services:

• What do I need to know about driveway installations? 
• What are the different types of driveway installations? 
• What are the different types of driveway repairs? 
• What type of driveway installation or driveway repair will best fit my needs? 
• How do I prepare for driveway installation? 
• What will affect the cost of driveway repairs or installations? 

First, What Should You Know About Driveway Installation?

To start, let’s take a look at what is involved with driveway installation. All driveway installation projects begin from the foundation up; and a strong/firm foundation starts from the ground up. The ground needs to be properly leveled, and the soil conditions need to be analyzed carefully. You may be fortunate to have well-drained, sandy soil that needs only little preparation for the foundation. Those in areas where the soil conditions (such as clay soils) are less than perfect need more alterations. 

The proper sub-base under your driveway’s foundation is crucial for driveway installations that will stand the test of time. An experienced professional in driveway installations will know all the details necessary for sub-base preparations. 

Sadly, some homeowners are faced with having to remove the old driveway first because the foundation was not designed properly in the first place. A proper foundation is essential for driveway repairs that last. 

An effective foundation will protect a driveway from the damage caused during freezing and thawing winter weather conditions. 

The cost of your driveway repair or installation will depend on the foundation’s preparation needs, the type of materials used, and the size of the driveway.  

The Benefits of Different Types of Driveway Installation 

Depending on your wants, needs, and budget, there are several types of driveway installations to consider. Keep in mind also, that different types of driveway installations require different amounts of maintenance. The types of driveways your neighbors have will also affect your choice. Let’s look at the top three types available and the benefits they provide: Gravel, Concrete, and Asphalt. 

If you are operating with a tight budget, a gravel driveway installation will be the solution you are looking for. Gravel is the most durable and least expensive driveway material to work with. Thankfully, you are not limited to a gravel gray color. You can get gravel in several colorful varieties and types such as crushed stone, granite, or marble. 

Benefits of a gravel driveway include: 

• Freezing temperatures will not affect your gravel driveway. 
• Gravel driveway repair is easy 
• You are free to use your gravel driveway right away after installation.
• Gravel will hold up under heavy weight, such as farm equipment. 
• Maintenance requirements are low with a gravel driveway. 

Add another top layer of gravel every 1-5 years to maintain your gravel driveway. Binder products can be used to control dust. The average cost to install a gravel driveway is $1.25 - $1.80 per square foot. 

For a sturdy driveway that usually lasts for over 40 years, install a concrete driveway. The concrete must cure for 7 days before parking on it and 30 days will have to pass before heavy equipment can roll onto it; but the wait will be worth it. 

Benefits of a concrete driveway include: 

• A concrete driveway is durable with proper maintenance. 
• Concrete driveways require little maintenance. 
• The lighter color of concrete driveways makes them cooler in the summer and brighter in the evenings. 
• Snow removal from a concrete driveway is easy
• Concrete driveways are customizable. Concrete can be stamped and dyed. 

When a concrete driveway gets dirty a good pressure wash will clean it. Oil stains can be scrubbed out with a commercial degreaser. Apply a sealer to your concrete driveway before winter if it will be exposed to extreme temperature changes. 

The average cost to install a concrete driveway is $4 to $15 per square foot. The preparations needed, the size of your driveway, types of design elements, and any reinforcements, will affect the cost of a concrete driveway installation. 

Many home and business owners will install an asphalt driveway because they are fast to install, are less expensive than concrete driveways, and have a smooth, seamless appearance. 

Benefits of an asphalt driveway include: 

• Asphalt driveways are long-lasting 
• Asphalt can handle extreme temperature changes. 
• Asphalt driveways are easy to repair 
• Maintenance costs for asphalt driveways are low. 
• Asphalt driveways are installed and ready for use quickly. 

Seal your asphalt driveway every 2-3 years and hose it off or pressure wash it as needed. The average cost of an asphalt driveway will be $7 to $13 per square foot. 

How Do You Prepare for Driveway Installation? 

Prepare yourself for a new driveway installation by doing your research first. Then reach out to a professional with informed questions. The driveway repair company you work with should be eager to share their knowledge freely. They should also honestly disclose all of the costs involved. 

Herrington’s LLC has been delivering excellent driveway services since 1986. Our trusted driveway repair experts have the knowledge and experience you can trust. Drive up to your home on a new or repaired driveway, and reap the benefits of improved parking as well as a safe surface to walk and play on.

Call today for solid advice and free estimates.