However, not all road paving materials will give your property a value boost quite so easily. Paving materials vary in durability, eco-friendliness, and aesthetics, and picking the right one can be the difference between a highly appraised property and a not-so-valued one.
Hence, in this article, we look at five of the most trending road paving materials to give your property a new look and feel, examining the pros and cons of each option.
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Concrete
Concrete is a road paving material widely used for its durability and versatility. Fashioned from a mixture of cement, water, and gravel aggregates, concrete can be molded into any object. The finished product is a driveway tough enough to resist damage posed by fire, water, and digging pests, lasting for decades with proper care.
Yet, the disadvantages of concrete are also numerous. It is more expensive than options like tarmac and requires more installation time and labor. It is also susceptible to cracking and easily damaged by salt, chemicals, and freeze-thaw cycles.
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Tarmac
Tarmac is, by far and large, the most common road paving material globally. Tarmac is made from a mixture of bitumen, sand, and gravel, and it is easy to install and maintain while also being relatively inexpensive and capable of withstanding harsh weather and heavy traffic.
The drawback with tarmac is that it requires regular sealing and resurfacing to prevent deterioration. Even with that, it is prone to cracking and environmentally unfriendly, emitting considerable amounts of CO2 during installation and contributing to the urban heat island effect.
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Pavers
Paver driveways are made by laying precast blocks of concrete on a base of sand or gravel. These individual blocks may come in various shapes, sizes, and patterns, but the recurring constant is they create a unique and attractive look when fitted together. A strong suit of pavers is that they are easy to repair and replace, as you can simply remove damaged individual blocks to fix another.
Significant cons of pavers include the fact that they are high-priced and their installation requires more skill and precision. Pavers are also notorious for harboring weeds and moss between the joints, affecting their appearance and stability.
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Permeable Pavement
As the name suggests, permeable pavement is a type of paving material that functions by allowing water to pass through it into the ground below. This type of paving can be made from porous asphalt, concrete or other materials having gaps or pores between them. If you are eco-conscious, permeable pavement is the choice for you as it helps the environment by reducing stormwater runoff, erosion, pollution, and heat island effects.
Even though these pavement types are the most expensive of all, they do not fare very well in areas with high traffic volume or load; this makes them easily susceptible to damage by heavy vehicles. Their maintenance cost is also on the high side. You’ll often have to hire a professional mowing service to help get rid of weeds, moss, and algae that inevitably grow over time.
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Asphalt
With its traditional utilitarian qualities, asphalt has become a trendy pavement material for infrastructure projects and urban design in recent years. Its dark and really sleek surface complements modern architectural styles. And it offers other practical benefits like flexibility and resilience even when used in high-traffic areas. The good news is that technological innovations have improved its sustainability and significantly reduced the environmental impacts of asphalt as a paving material.
Conclusion
Road paving is a pivotal aspect of your property that can make or break its value. Depending on your budget and how much you’d like to upscale your property, an array of road paving materials lies at your fingertips, each offering its benefits and drawbacks. However, other factors, such as the topography of your property and the weather of your locale, should also be considered.
Nevertheless, whether you opt for tarmac, concrete, pavers, or permeable pavement, it would help to consult with a professional contractor who can advise you on the optimal option for your surroundings. If you live in London, Kane Construction are experienced tarmac contractors London builders and property managers rely on for astute paving.
