Common Mistakes To Avoid In DIY Driveway Work

So, you're looking to re-pave your driveway, and to cut down on costs, you're going to do the job yourself. First of all, understand that paving a driveway is a rather complex process, so you should only attempt this as a DIY project if you have experience in working with paving materials in the past. Otherwise, it's recommended that you hire a paving company in your area. Should you decide to take on the job yourself, however, there are some common mistakes you'll want to avoid.

Choosing the Wrong Material

You have many different material options to choose from when it comes to paving your new driveway. A few of the most popular options include:

• poured concrete
• stamped concrete
• asphalt
• aggregate rock

All materials come with their inherent advantages and disadvantages, so you'll need to determine what your top priorities are. For instance, if you're looking for a driveway material that'll stand up to the test of time with the larger vehicles you have, then asphalt may be your best option. On the other hand, if cosmetic appearance is a top priority, then stamped concrete might be the way to go.

Not Considering Long-Term Maintenance

Regardless of the type of pavement you end up choosing for your home, you must get a true understanding of the kind of long-term maintenance you'll need to perform on it. For instance, a concrete driveway will need to be coated with a clear sealant every few years to prevent it from cracking and crumbling. If you go with aggregate rock, you won't have to worry about sealing, but you probably will have to pour new rock down every couple of years. Make sure you understand what to expect in terms of long-term maintenance and their costs before you make a final decision.

Failure to Seal Properly

Finally, if you choose a paving material that needs to be sealed, make sure you know what you're doing when applying the sealant. Otherwise, not only will your pavement not be adequately protected, but you could even end up ruining its cosmetic appearance as well. Generally, concrete should be completely cured and set before you apply any sealant. The sealant itself should be applied with either a spray attachment or a large paint roller. Finally, be sure to check the instructions on your sealant can to find out what temperatures and humidity levels the sealant is best applied at.

For more information on driveway paving, contact a company like Aliston Paving Driveways.