With this in mind, designing and maintaining a driveway in Grand Forks can be pretty challenging thanks to the weather extremes. Those transitions put a lot of strain on outdoor surfaces—between sub-zero winters and the hot, humid summers. With a lifetime of 30 years, homeowners and property developers should consider durability, drainage and material to guarantee long-term performance and the desired aesthetics.
Driveway Cracks in pavement allow moisture to seep through, and when water freezes, it expands, which leads the surface to crack even more, or heave. This is particularly troublesome in spring, when snow melt adds additional water to the mix. In order to avoid this, you have to make sure there is a correct base preparation and slope for drainage. One common cause of these problems is poor soil conditions or inferior materials, and creating an adequately compacted subgrade with quality input can prevent such issues.
Asphalt and concrete are still the two most popular materials for driveways, and both have their own benefits and drawbacks. Asphalt is more flexible and does not crack easily in colder weather. It’s also faster to install and costs less initially. Concrete will last longer and can look much nicer than decks with less maintenance if done correctly. Either way, maintaining the surface every so often can help to extend its overall life and reduce long-term water damage and spotting for a driveway in Grand Forks.
Permeable pavers are becoming popular for those looking to go green or use alternative paving options. These prevent water from pooling on the surface, decreasing runoff and reducing freeze-thaw. It is beneficial in regions that commonly have snowy, rainy or icy conditions, and helps maintain surface safety even during the winter months.
Driveway care is truly the key to longevity regarding maintaining a clean, beautiful driveway. Even small cracks should be filled as soon as you notice them, because they will just get larger over time. Maintaining your stamped concrete involves power washing, re-sealing, and occasionally packing in the gravel to keep it looking fresh and working well. This is usually true for homeowners, as they spend less on future repairs (such as blocked drains in the spring). With that said, spending money at the beginning seems like an extra expense.
A well-manicured, freshly poured driveway also adds length for additional parking and for better curb appeal. An uneven, cracked or discolored surface can drop the appeal of your property and first impression, compared to an attractive driveway for your home. We love edge, lighting or stamped designs to add a little more visual interest without sacrificing function.
No matter if you are building new or updating an existing driveway in Grand Forks, it must provide durability for the stresses of our climate and have long-term value. To keep their driveways strong, safe, and looking great through all seasons, homeowners just need to select the ideal materials, pay attention to drainage, and give them periodic upkeep.
kyle mills is the author of this article. For more details about Asphalt Grand Forks
. please visit our website: mackinleyclarkpaving.com