Calgary Driveway Contractor
There are many driveway paving options available, including asphalt, concrete, stamped concrete, and paving stones.
All driveways start with a crushed limestone base which should be at least 12-18 inches deep. Once the driveway has been excavated it’s a good idea to put down a layer of geotextile fabric. The limestone should be watered and compacted in 2-3 inch layers using a 1000 lb plate compactor, then leveled in preparation for the paving product.
When choosing your paving method, consider the expected return on your investment.
Asphalt is the most cost-effective surface, but has the shortest lifespan and does not provide much aesthetic value. It’s a great economical choice for parking areas, and you can expect it to last 5 to 10 years before it needs to be replaced.
Concrete/stamped concrete typically lasts 25 to 30 years before heaving, cracking, and flaking necessitates replacement.
Paving stone is the best option if you’re looking for a long-term investment that will last 25 to 30+ years. The initial investment has the highest price point of the three, but pavers can be reset if parts of your driveway start to sink. This means you can avoid the additional costs associated with tearing up your old driveway and bringing in a large number of new materials.
Paving stone driveways can also be designed with a variety of patterns, colors, and borders to add extra detail and visual interest. You can even have your address number cut into the pavers!