Ready Mix Concrete in Exeter
Choosing the material for your driveway can be a strenuous task, especially when you do not know much about the materials available, their functionality, and the designs and colours they bring.
A range of materials are available for your driveway construction, such as concrete, asphalt, and gravel, and you may have to weigh their pros and cons before picking the best that suits your needs and budget. We will delve a bit into the options available before elaborating on our pick of today: gravel driveways.
Different Driveway Materials
There are several driveway materials that we will discuss and compare with gravel.
Concrete: Concrete driveways are highly durable, with an ability to last for years if properly taken care of; you can also order ready mix concrete in Exeter or where you live for your concrete driveway. While initially, they look costlier, they prove to be economical in the long run owing to their longevity. However, they are susceptible to cracking and may incur costly repairs.
Brick: Offering more elegance and a classic touch, bricks can come in various colours and patterns to complement your house’s appearance. While resilient and able to bear heavy loads, they require more maintenance and are costlier than gravel.
Tarmac: Tarmac is a relatively affordable option and renders excellent durability. However, they have a tendency to crack owing to wear and tear and may soften with time under intense heat, with deformation needing repairs.
Asphalt: Bearing similarities with tarmac, asphalt also offers excellent durability and withstands high traffic loads. Offering good traction in wet conditions, it is a safer choice among others. Yet, it comes with a shorter lifespan and may require regular maintenance.
Why Gravel Driveways?
If you are considering a gravel driveway in Exeter or elsewhere, you may need to look into the advantages it brings:
Easy Fixing of Potholes: While driveways are prone to potholes, a gravel driveway provides an easy fix; all you have to do is pour more gravel into the eroded section and compact it, which means a cost-effective option needing less time for maintenance.
Ability to Be Replenished: Gravel driveways can be replenished whenever needed, consistently exhibiting a fresh and well-kept appearance. Also, given its sustainable ingredients, it emerges as an eco-friendly option among others.
Efficient Drainage: The gaps between the stones in a gravel driveway make it highly efficient in terms of drainage and an ideal option for areas suffering heavy rains or more chances of pooling.
Easy Compaction: Driving on gravel driveways makes the stone surface naturally more compact, and the driveway becomes more stable with a lesser likelihood of damage. Along with being permeable, it is also less susceptible to heavy rain or flooding.
Aesthetically Appealing: Offering a unique, rustic style to your property, gravel is a highly aesthetic material and can match many property styles and designs. You can choose from a range of gravel types available to pick one that boosts your curb appeal.
Quick Installation: A gravel driveway involves a quicker installation process than other materials, requiring less time and energy and making it a cost-effective choice.
Economical Option: Gravel driveways are highly economical, especially when compared to asphalt and concrete. They do not only involve low initial cost but also are economical in the long run with low maintenance needs over the years.
Types, Designs, and Aesthetic Qualities of Gravel
Types of Gravel
Pea Gravel – These are small, rounded rocks available in a range of natural hues you can choose from. They are suitable for low-traffic areas and pathways.
Crushed Stone – These are made from larger rocks which are broken down. They provide excellent drainage and are ideal for high-traffic areas.
Design and Aesthetics
One core element of gravel driveways is their natural appearance; Gravel Driveways in Exeter provide a more earthy feel than concrete or asphalt, making them an excellent pick for those wishing to incorporate nature into their environment.
Also, gravel provides custom design options; you can mix and match different gravel types to create your own combination of colours and textures.
Moreover, you can seamlessly blend your gravel driveway with the existing landscaping features, such as trees, plants, hills, etc., giving it the shape, size, and path according to the already incorporated natural elements.
