When it comes time to pave your driveway, you will likely be faced with choosing between two of the most popular options – interlock pavers or asphalt. Both materials have their pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh the differences between interlock and asphalt carefully based on your specific needs and preferences. In this guide, we will explore all of the key factors you need to consider when deciding which driveway material is the best choice for your home.
Interlocking pavers are individual tiles or blocks that are designed to fit tightly together without any glue or cement between them. They connect securely yet flexibly with each other to create a stable surface.
These pavers are usually made of durable materials like concrete, brick or natural stone. Their interlocking shape makes them strong enough for driveway that experience vehicle traffic.
Yet they remain portable and can be arranged in many creative patterns or designs since they are individual pieces. Their gaps also allow for rainwater to seep through rather than pool on top, assisting with drainage. Overall, interlocking pavers provide both functional and aesthetic benefits for outdoor flooring applications compared to traditional solid slabs.
Asphalt is a type of material widely used for paving surfaces outdoors. It is composed primarily of small rocks or gravel combined together with a thick liquid tar-like substance called bitumen. Bitumen is derived from petroleum and acts like glue to hold the rocks in place.
Asphalt roads, parking lots and driveways are very durable and strong enough to withstand the weight of vehicles traveling over them daily. It provides a flat, even surface ideal for automobile and truck traffic.
However, asphalt can develop cracks or potholes if subjected to very hot or cold weather extremes as well as excessively heavy loads over long periods of time.
Overall, asphalt remains a very popular paving option due its hardened, resilient quality and ability to last for many years with routine maintenance.
When properly installed and maintained, an interlock driveway will typically endure for 20 years or longer before needing replaced. The modular design allows individual pavers to be removed and replaced as needed, giving the driveway a much longer lifespan than a single-pour material like asphalt. Interlocking concrete pavers are very durable and can withstand significant weight, like heavy vehicles or equipment.
While an asphalt driveway will last an average of 8 years before deterioration like cracking, sinking, and pothole formation becomes too excessive. Weathering and continuous exposure gradually breaks down the asphalt binder. Heavy traffic from large vehicles or numerous cars can also accelerate the natural wearing down process over time. After around a decade, a new asphalt overlay or full replacement is generally recommended.
On average, an interlock driveway comes with a higher upfront cost than asphalt due to additional labor and materials. Most driveway installers charge between $20 to $35 per square foot for interlock pavers including installation. The price will vary depending on the type of pavers selected, base preparation, extras like edging or lighting, as well as regional market rates. Expect to pay more than you would for a comparable asphalt surface.
Laying fresh asphalt is usually a less expensive option initially. The average cost for a standard asphalt driveway runs $3 to $15 per square foot installed. Asphalt is quicker and easier for paving companies to transform your dirt or gravel driveway into a smooth blacktop surface. However, in the long run, asphalt may end up costing more due to its shorter service lifespan before replacements are necessary.
While interlock involves a higher upfront investment, concrete pavers require far less maintenance funding over 20+ years compared to an asphalt driveway that needs repair or replacement every 8 years or so. Proper installation combined with routine cleaning and resealing of interlock will preserve its appearance and value. Asphalt development of cracks or potholes typically means repaving sections each time at additional hundreds to thousands of dollars in costs.
Interlocking concrete pavers are excellent for boosting your home’s curb appeal thanks to their myriad of design options. From rich colors to intricate patterns, no two interlock driveways have to look the same. Homeowners can customize the driveway to reflect their personal taste and complement the style of their home. This makes a big difference in how welcoming and polished your property appears from the street.
While asphalt can work as a simple, black driveway surface, it offers little in the way of customization besides edge treatments or striping. The monotonous gray or black hue of asphalt may not have the same visual pop as the multicolored textures achievable through meticulously laid interlock designs. Some homeowners choose to freshen the look of plain asphalt with applications of colored sealers every few years as well.
When it comes to really showing off your driveway’s personality through its design, interlock pavers reign supreme. Pavers come in a variety of shapes, thicknesses, textures and an almost endless palette of shades. From ornate circular patterns to subtle natural stone colors, you have full control over crafting a driveway that enhances your home’s unique aesthetic through interlock’s customizable options.
Interlock driveway is very low maintenance once laid. All it typically requires is an annual cleaning with a pressure washer or steam cleaner to remove debris. Every 5 years, the pavers should also be resealed to maintain their attractiveness and protect against weeds, stains and weathering. Damaged or cracked pavers can easily be swapped out individually as well.
Asphalt requires ongoing upkeep to patch cracks and repave deteriorating sections over its 8 year lifespan. It should be inspected yearly for signs of damage and resealed every 3 years to reinforce its waterproof membrane. However, even with maintenance, the material will eventually fail and need full replacement more regularly than interlock. Larger cracks might also have to be sealed to prevent weeds and moisture intrusion.
One major advantage of interlocking concrete pavers is you do not have to remove the entire driveway surface for repairs like with asphalt. Specific problem areas or individual damaged pavers can simply be dug out and replaced as necessary, minimizing disruption and labor costs.
Asphalt requires repatching large sections when cracks emerge, which is more time intensive and expensive to repair.
Consider speaking with the professionals at Atlantic Hardscape and Concrete for your driveway project. As a full-service provider for both concrete and hardscape needs, Atlantic Hardscape and Concrete can consult with you on installing or repairing your interlocking driveway.
Located in Fredericton, our team has extensive experience designing and building custom paver driveways tailored to both residential and commercial properties. Whether you are looking to upgrade an existing asphalt driveway or want a new design, we can assess your requirements, provide estimates, and handle the entire job from start to finish.
For reliable interlock driveway services delivered with a warranty, contact us about getting an estimate for your project.
Interlock pavers provide extraordinary longevity 20 years compared to asphalt’s 8 years before repair or replacement.
Their low maintenance needs and resistance to cracking or damage make interlock more cost-effective than repair-heavy asphalt long-term.
Customization options for interlock maximize your home’s curb appeal beyond the limited choices for asphalt.
With local experts like Atlantic Hardscape and Concrete, an interlock driveway customized for your tastes offers the smarter investment for your property.
Yes, we provide professional repair services for interlock driveways, including fixing uneven areas, replacing damaged stones, and restoring the overall appearance and function.
Yes, we specialize in creating custom interlock driveway designs that seamlessly integrate with and enhance your existing landscape aesthetics.
Besides interlocking pavers, there are other excellent options for driveway paving. Natural stone pavers like granite are extremely durable, bluestone offers a unique blue-gray color, limestone provides a softer, natural look, and slate is known for its textured, slip-resistant surface. Brick pavers are also popular, with clay brick giving a classic, timeless look and concrete brick offering a more affordable, durable alternative. Each choice enhances driveway aesthetics while providing reliable performance.
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