When it comes to building a driveway, there are several factors to consider. Not only should it match your home’s aesthetic, but it must stand up to Canada’s harsh weather conditions.
Living in a country with four pronounced seasons, the weather will take a toll on your driveway. Your driveway will not only be subject to regular wear and tear associated with daily use, but also snow, wind, rain, and hot summers.
You have a few options: asphalt, interlock, and concrete.
Asphalt is an extremely popular, affordable option. Pros of asphalt driveways include stability, aesthetic finish, and easy winter maintenance (plowing). But asphalt also has relatively high maintenance requirements, requiring repairs or even total resurfacing every 3-5 years (average cost to resurface is $400-$500). Asphalt tends to have the shortest lifespan compared to other driveway materials, so depending on your local climate and use, you’ll likely need to replace your asphalt driveway every 15-20 years.
Interlock is an expensive investment, but it comes with high aesthetic appeal. It’s also extremely durable. In most climates, interlock will be more durable than asphalt, though you will occasionally need to replace an individual pieces of interlock from time to time. Cons of interlock include cost and traction, so in the colder months it would need to be kept clean and salted for safety.
Poured concrete is a fantastic in-between option. It is more costly to install than asphalt but less than interlock, but long term it delivers the best value. Poured concrete require the least maintenance out of the three. It resists corrosion and deformation. Concrete driveways are also extremely versatile, offering a variety of stamps to math your home’s aesthetic.
An additional alternative would be an exposed aggregate concrete driveway. The exposed aggregate finish exposes the stones and pebbles embedded in the concrete, giving it a unique aesthetic and adding more traction for the winters.
Interested in getting a new driveway? Contact us and get a free quote today!