Driveways made of paving stones are becoming a more common sight, despite them costing more to install than concrete or asphalt. The reason for this is that pavers are more durable and easier to repair, making them a cost-effective material for a home’s exterior.
The driveway is one of the most overlooked parts of the home. Not a lot of thought and expense goes into installation and maintenance, because it is ‘just a place to park the car.’ Most driveways are made of poured concrete or asphalt, because these materials are inexpensive. However, they are inflexible and crack easily. The daily act of driving onto a concrete driveway can cause it to crack. When cracks occur, they are difficult to repair. Repairing cracks on concrete driveways can cause scarring that is not only unsightly, but can actually decrease the value of the home. In earthquake-prone areas, especially, concrete and asphalt are not an economical choice because the cost to repair and replace them adds up over the years.
Interlocking Block Paving driveways , which are popularly used in patios and pool decks, are becoming more commonplace in driveways. Pavers are stone, concrete or brick blocks. When they are laid in sand, the joints between each block fills with sand, or interlocks. Small, interlocking pieces of pavers allow for better weight distribution than poured concrete. Hence, pavers can take constant wear from shoes and car tires without cracking or chipping. If individual pavers do get damaged, they are easily replaced because of their small, uniform size.
Besides their practical application, pavers also look good. This is why paving stones are a popular material for patios and pool decks. The interlocking pieces and different colors form a pleasing pattern that catches the eye. Applied to a driveway, pavers can complement the rest of the home exterior.