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title: 'Gravel Vs. Asphalt Paving: 3 Advantages and Disadvantages'

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# Gravel Vs. Asphalt Paving: 3 Advantages and Disadvantages


The material you pick for your driveway may have a significant influence on not just how it appears, but also how it functions and lasts. When determining the sort of material to utilise for a residential driveway, there are various aspects to consider.
This article will be assisting you in selecting the ideal driveway material for your residence. The following are the advantages and disadvantages of two of the most frequent driveway surfaces: gravel and asphalt.

## Driveways made of Gravel

### Pros

#### Budget-friendly
Gravel is the most cost-effective surface solutions, particularly for homes with lengthy drives. The gravel material will need to be top-dressed every few years.
#### Several Designs
Gravel may frequently bring out the beauty of your external landscaping more than other materials, depending on your home's style. Gravel is available in a variety of styles, whether you like a modern or rustic look.
#### Simple Setup
Laying a gravel driveway and letting it to settle takes less than a week, making it one of the easiest driveway materials to build.

### Cons

#### Rocks are disturbed by the removal of snow
Snow and ice clearance is a huge disadvantage of having a gravel driveway, especially if you live in Canada. To make the surface slip-free and clear for cars, salt or sand is frequently the only answer.

#### Ruts and sinkholes may appear
Gravel driveways that are often used are more likely to create ruts. Rusts are holes or gaps in the surface that must be repaired in order for the region to remain smooth and attractive.

#### It Has the Potential to Be Messy
Debris, dust, and dirt can fly everywhere when driving down a gravel driveway, especially during the dry summer months. As a result, the outside of your home may grow unclean, necessitating more frequent cleaning.

## Driveways made of asphalt

### Pros

#### Economical
Asphalt driveways are popular because they have a sleek appearance and are less expensive than concrete or paved surfaces. Asphalt driveways cost around $2-5 per square foot to install, which is more than gravel but less than other smooth surface alternatives.

#### Extreme Weather Flexibility
Asphalt is easy to maintain and stands up well in all types of weather because to its smooth, binding surface.

#### Long Life Expectancy
Depending on the environment, installation, usage, and other variables, an asphalt driveway can last anywhere from 12 to 35 years with regular upkeep. The better you care for it, like most other aspects of your home, the longer it will survive.



### Cons

#### Style Restrictions
If your landscape includes a lot of colour and character, an asphalt-paved driveway will be limited. The only colour choice for asphalt is black, which complements the colour scheme of most residences.

![](https://i.imgur.com/DahsW7g.jpg)


#### Maintenance is required
To eliminate debris and grime, homeowners should clean their driveway with a broom and power washer at least twice a year. Pavement seal coating is required every two to five years, and cracks and holes should be fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further deterioration. When asphalt heats up, it softens and becomes malleable, causing warping and indentations.
Gravel driveways are a low-cost choice, but pavers driveways give a long-lasting, level surface that is easy to shovel in the winter and easy to park on all year. Before deciding on a material, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Contact West York Paving for skilled professionals to assist you in making an educated selection.

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