HOMEOWNERS looking to give their driveway a major aesthetic overhaul may be overlooking an ideal solution.
This renovation approach not only gives the driveway more curb appeal, but also makes it more functional in a major way.
In recent years, permeable driveways have skyrocketed in popularity among homeowners as a new approach to driveway upgrades.
One of the biggest reasons for this is their aesthetic qualities, blending pavement and nature in a unique and effective way that greatly ups curb appeal.
While pleasing to the eye, this design approach is also functional in allowing water to pass through the driveway itself.
By combining the patches of grass and lawn with a material that is permeable, rainwater is able to actually go through the driveway rather than sit on top of it.
Read More Driveway Renovations
“This reduces runoff, which minimizes erosion of surrounding areas, and helps mitigate the risk of flooding,” said Olivia Harris, president of Invisible Structures which designs and manufactures these materials, to MarthaStewart.com.
By reducing the risk of flooding, homeowners are mitigating the damage that can be done to their foundations as a result of this flooding creeping up the driveway towards their homes.
While there are multiple materials homeowners can use when crafting their permeable driveways, one of the easiest and cheapest is using plastic interlocking porous pavers.
These templates can be purchased for as little as $10 per square foot, and sometimes even cheaper if bought in high enough quantities.
Homeowners can install these interlocking pavers in their driveway area before deciding to fill them with grass or gravel, or a mix of both depending on the look they want.
Other options include permeable concrete and asphalt for a more traditional driveway look, or semi-permeable concrete or stone pavers that have a permeable base with traditional materials on top.
Another hybrid option exists in the two-track driveway, giving homeowners a clear area to drive and park their car’s wheels on while filling the gaps with natural grass and dirt.
Other benefits of all of these permeable driveway approaches include a reduction of heat buildup on a driveway, the replenishment of water back into local ecosystems, and greater personalization for homeowners.
However, there are other options for homeowners not looking to do a full driveway renovation, including one that gives a paver-like look for less than $200.
Another option provides the appearance of a sleek, black asphalt driveway but for a fraction of the price by using a Home Depot product.
WHEN TO REDO DRIVEWAY PAVEMENT
Here are the classic signs a driveway needs a refresh…
Pavement driveways are supposed to last around 20 years.
However, leaking motor oil, harsh temperatures, heavy rainfall, or big cars may break down the pavement’s strength.
Look out for these classic signs:
- Small cracks that don’t connect
- Potholes
- Sunken spots
- Lightened color
- Edges breaking off
Some driveway repairs may just need a quick resurface. Unresolved issues may require a complete repavement.
Most fixes will cost drivers between $1 and $3 a square foot.
Source: Budget Dumpsters.
