A comparison between poured concrete driveways and interlocking pavers: Concrete Concrete (along with asphalt) has traditionally been one of the most common paving materials used.
It's low cost per square foot makes it the natural choice of many homeowners, as it initially seems to be a relatively inexpensive option.
In reality, the inevitable cracking of concrete leads to a long-term cost that's far greater than installing paving stones, without providing any of the benefits pavers offer.
Concrete Driveway It is almost inevitable that concrete will crack at some point in time.
Common causes of cracking are when the base moves due to heavy loads or settlement, and the fact that concrete tends to shrink over time.
Concrete can also crack as a result of the expansion and contraction caused by freezing, thawing, and other changes in the weather.
The reason contractors place joints in concrete pavements and floors is to encourage the concrete to crack in a neat, straight line at the joint.
But this doesn't always happen and cracks can appear at random, anywhere across the surface of the concrete.
Cracked Concrete with repairs As these cracks form one by one, year after year, it is often difficult to exactly match the color and composition of the original material each time a repair is needed.
As such, a concrete surface gets uglier and uglier with each repair.
The alternative to repairing the concrete is to replace the entire structure when the cracks become unbearable.
By the time it's dismantled and properly disposed of, it will likely cost eight to eleven dollars per square foot each time you have to replace existing concrete Interlocking Pavers Interlocking pavers solve all of the problems described above, and are appropriate for any paving application including patios, pool decks, driveways and walkways.
Because pavers are individual units or "bricks," the natural joints between each paver will "give" with pressure, expansion and contraction, eliminating the cracking inherent to conventional asphalt and concrete pavement.
Installed over a proper base, pavers actually increase their structural capacity over time.
With a minimum rating of 8000 psi, paving stones are one of the strongest paving materials, rivaled only by brick.
However, unlike brick and other paving materials, paving stones often come with a longer warranty.
One of the biggest advantages of pavers is that if a repair ever does become necessary, pavers are manufactured to be uniform and can therefore easily be replaced without leaving ugly patches or scars.
Paving stones come in a wide variety of surface finishes, colors and shapes that will compliment and enhance the architectural style of any home.
Moreover, a skilled installer can create a variety of laying patterns, further expanding the customization possibilities.
Interlocking concrete pavements offer beauty and long-term performance to the home landscape.
Their pattern, colors, and texture will enhance the character and value of your home.
Concrete driveways and walkways do not add value to your home.
If it is necessary to replace a cracked or stained driveway, it does not make practical sense to invest in a process that does not add value.