Category Archives: Driveways

16 Jan

Custom Driveway Designs: How To Personalize Your Home’s Entrance

Custom Driveway Designs How To Personalize Your Home's Entrance

Imagine driving up to your home every day and feeling a sense of pride and excitement as you pull into your very own custom driveway.

Your driveway is often the first thing visitors see when they approach your home, and it can set the tone for the entire property. Having a well-designed and unique driveway can add character and personality to your home, and it can even increase its curb appeal and value.

Custom driveway designs are a great way to add personality and character to your home’s entrance. They not only improve the functionality and safety of your home’s entrance, but they also add value to your home when it comes time to sell.

Make a strong first impression on your visitors and enhance your home value, with our top-quality custom driveway design and construction services at Jireh Construction Services.

Get in touch today and receive a free quote, hassle-free.

The Importance of Driveway Design

First impressions are everything, and your driveway is often the first thing visitors see when they come to your home. That’s why the design of your driveway is so important – it sets the tone for the entire property and can even boost curb appeal and property value.

But it’s not just about looks; the design of your driveway also affects functionality and safety. Let’s take a second to touch on the importance of driveway design and explore some of the key considerations to keep in mind when planning and creating your own driveway.

·       Functionality

A well-designed driveway not only adds curb appeal but it also improves the functionality and safety of your home’s entrance. It should be able to handle the weight of vehicles and withstand heavy foot traffic, as well as provide adequate drainage to prevent water from pooling on the surface.

In addition, it should be easily navigable and provide a smooth transition from the street to the front of your home.

·       Durability

Carefully selecting the materials, and design pattern of your driveway will ensure that it will last for many years. The materials you choose should be able to withstand the elements, be easy to maintain, and be able to retain their color and texture.

The design pattern should also be able to withstand the stress of heavy use, as well as provide a stable surface that doesn’t crack or buckle under pressure.

·       Resale Value

A custom driveway can also add value to your home when it comes time to sell. A well-designed and well-built driveway can be a major selling point for a home, as it increases curb appeal and provides a sense of pride of ownership for the buyer.

It can also be an important factor for potential buyers who are looking for a home with character and personality.

Get a stunning, unique and long lasting driveway that perfectly fits your home aesthetic and budget, with our custom design and construction services. Request your free quote now by contacting us today

Different Materials and Styles

Driveway design and construction is no longer one-size-fits-all. Say hello to endless possibilities with our custom driveway services featuring a variety of materials and styles to choose from.

·       Concrete

A popular choice for driveways, concrete can be stamped and colored to create a unique design. Concrete is a versatile material that can be molded into a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, which makes it a great choice for custom designs. Additionally, it is relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain, making it a cost-effective option for many homeowners.

·       Pavers

Pavers can be arranged in a variety of patterns to create a distinctive look for your driveway. Pavers come in a wide range of colors, textures, and shapes, and can be arranged in a number of patterns to create a unique look for your driveway.

They are also relatively durable and easy to maintain, making them a great choice for homeowners who want a distinctive look for their driveway without sacrificing durability.

·       Asphalt

Asphalt can be black or colored and can be stamped and stained to mimic the look of stone. Asphalt is a popular choice for driveways because it is durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain.

Additionally, it can be stamped and stained to mimic the look of other materials, such as brick or stone, which makes it a great choice for those who want a custom design that looks like something else.

·       Gravel

Gravel can be an affordable way to add a rustic touch to your driveway. Gravel is a popular choice for driveways because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. It is also a great choice for those who want a rustic, natural look for their driveway.

Are there other unique materials for custom driveway construction?

Tessellated stone, bricks, and cobblestone also offer a more traditional and timeless design. These materials can provide a traditional and timeless look that can complement a variety of architectural styles.

Tessellated stone, bricks, and cobblestone can be expensive and require more maintenance, but they offer a unique and classic look that can be worth the investment. These materials can also be arranged in a variety of patterns to create a custom design that is truly one of a kind.

Transform your driveway and add value to your home with our custom designs. Contact us today for a free quote and take the first step towards your dream driveway.

How To Choose The Perfect Driveway: What Are The Design Considerations?

·       Space

Consider the amount of space available, as well as the width and length of the driveway. The size of your driveway will affect the materials and design options available to you. It’s important to choose a design that will fit within the space you have available, and that will not overwhelm your home or yard.

Additionally, the width and length of the driveway should be appropriate for the vehicles you will be parking on it.

·       Shape

Think about the shape of the driveway and whether it should be straight or curved. Curved driveways can add visual interest to your home and landscape, but they can also be more expensive and require more maintenance.

Straight driveways are less expensive and require less maintenance, but they can be less visually interesting. The shape of the driveway should be chosen based on the look you want to achieve and the size of your property.

·       Drainage

Proper drainage is important to keep water from pooling on the driveway and damaging the surface. Proper drainage will also prevent water from running off onto your lawn or landscaping, which can lead to erosion and damage.

The driveway should be sloped to provide good drainage, and drainage systems such as French drains can be installed to further improve drainage.

·       Lighting

Install lighting to highlight the driveway’s design and improve visibility at night. Lighting can be used to highlight the unique features of the driveway and make it safer to navigate at night.

Lighting can be installed along the sides of the driveway, or it can be embedded into the surface of the driveway itself.

Upgrade your curb appeal with unique and beautiful driveway designs

Custom driveway designs are a great way to add personality and character to your home’s entrance, while also improving its functionality and safety. A well-designed and well-built driveway can also add value to your home when it comes time to sell.

There are different materials and styles available for custom driveway designs, and it’s important to take the time to find the one that best suits your needs and your budget.

The professionals at Jireh Construction can help you select the right materials, design the perfect pattern, and ensure proper drainage, so your driveway will look great and last for many years.

Contact us now and get your free quote!

25 Oct

How to hire the best paving company for your asphalt driveway

How to hire the best paving company for your asphalt driveway

Your home appears incomplete without a driveway. It gives the space a more sophisticated and neat look. Moreover, a driveway adds functionality to the area. You can use that space to park, walk, or play. You can also increase your property’s resale value by paving a driveway. There are  many benefits of having a driveway. However, the quality and build of the driveway are very crucial. If your paving company does not deliver a  good job, your driveway might appear bad and get damaged quickly.

This is why choosing the best paving company for the task is very important. If you Google ‘best paving companies near me, you will get a massive list of companies on the screen. To ensure that you pick the best paving company, here are a few critical factors you must keep in mind while choosing:

Check all the necessary aspects.

You must never choose a paving company randomly based on the name. Only opt for reputed paving contractors if you want a great driveway. There are a few common characteristics found in all reputable paving companies. As a wise homeowner, you should check for the following features after searching for ‘paving companies near me:

  • Experience – It is always wise to select an experienced paving company. This is because the experience will allow the experts to perform even complex tasks efficiently. As a result, you will not have to worry about mistakes. Even though you can get cheaper deals from inexperienced contractors, it is always recommended to select the contractors with many  years of
  • Positive feedback – Before you hire any paving company, you should check the feedback provided by previous clients. This will help to understand the quality of service offered by them. You can easily find feedback online on plenty of websites. Otherwise, you can ask your neighbors or friends for recommendations.
  • Insurance coverage – Home improvement projects are always risky. If you are working with a good paving company, it will offer complete insurance coverage against damages caused to your property accidentally. As a result, you will not have to worry about paying for any damages.
  • Availability of experts – In some cases, you will notice that the paving companies hire subcontractors for the project. This means the firm you hire for the project does not perform it. This could be an issue as the hired workers might not be experienced. In case any warranty-related problem arises, responses will be slow as well.
  • Licensed – You should always hire a licensed paving company for the task to ensure safety. You can ask for the license before hiring.

Check if they are making adequate preparation.

All professional paving companies understand the importance of staying prepared. This makes the overall task more efficient. If a driveway has been created without good prep work, it will start showing signs of damage early. Discuss the prep work details, from excavation and base materials to compacting processes.

If you are hiring a paving company to work on your resurfaced driveway, discuss with them the other tasks they will perform. Before the driveway is covered with paver material, it should be covered in tack-coat. Also, the driveway should be appropriately cleaned beforehand. Otherwise, the newly paved driveway can get damaged.

Compare all quotations and choose the best deal.

One crucial factor determining which paving company you should choose is your budget. You may find considerable differences in prices. Some companies charge more because of the experience and reputation they hold. Small companies tend to charge less so that they can gain more clients. However, it is always better to choose a reputed paving company. Sometimes small contractors tend to skimp on the driveway thickness so they can charge a lower price. Building the driveway may be cheaper initially, but it can get damaged much faster and cost you much more on repairs over the years.

While inquiring about the quote, also  ask about the thickness of the asphalt. This will also help you in the decision making process.

Ask for a guarantee

You should always ask about the company’s guarantee. Almost all paving companies offer guarantees. The paving company should provide a minimum one-year warranty against all materials and artistry. You will want this for repairs related to installation, quality of materials, or for any other issues that may arise.

Before hiring the paving company, discuss all the terms in detail. Ask them about precisely what the warranty covers. The guarantee for workmanship includes bad workmanship, taking wrong measurements, sloppy edging, etc. On the other hand, the contract for materials includes signs of dents, cracking, and premature degradation of the asphalt.

All of the points above are important when you are hiring a great paving company. Make sure you do not rush with the decision after searching for ‘the best paving company near me on Google. Always read about the guarantees and project specifications provided by the paving company. Jireh Asphalt & Concrete Inc. is one of the best paving companies you can hire for your residential asphalt driveway. They have over  30 years of experience in asphalt paving.

12 Sep

Stunning concrete driveway ideas to change the exterior of your home

Stunning concrete driveway ideas to change the exterior of your home

Does the thought of concrete draw a dismal, gray structure? While that may have been the case in years past, concrete is now available in many finishes, colors, and patterns.

Stunning concrete driveway ideas

Read on to find out about new creative concrete driveway designs as well as the latest options in colors and patterns.

Stamped concrete

For several reasons, stamped concrete is a very popular choice for concrete driveway ideas. The first is that it may be stamped to mimic a variety of surfaces, including bricks, paving stones, and stones. Durability is the second benefit.

Concrete may last 40 years in the appropriate circumstances and requires very little upkeep. All that is needed is the proper installation, which should hold up in harsh weather or intense sunshine. Despite being relatively quick and simple to lay the concrete, it needs a few days to dry before you can use it.

In addition to having motifs that are simple to alter, stamped concrete can also be tinted. This offers a variety of choices at a very reasonable price.

Colored concrete driveway ideas

Concrete need not be lifeless and gray. The fact that concrete is available in a wide range of hues surprises a lot of people. Once the site has been mapped out, these colors are either dusted on or added to the concrete as it is being mixed.

The concrete hues are typically chosen to complement or blend in with the surrounding natural elements, or the home to the drive is attached. You should take into account the hue of the existing stones and woods while making your selection. Several colors range from black to cobalt blues and vibrant sandstone hues.

The price of this design option is slightly higher than that of typical gray concrete. This is because it requires additional work. The end result will more stand out and have have more character than traditional gray.

Colored concrete driveway ideas

Consider tinted concrete for your driveway if you want a genuinely distinctive appearance. It gives already-existing concrete surfaces a finish by applying chemical stains. You get a patched, mottled, uneven texture that appears natural and contemporary when it reacts with the minerals in the concrete.

Thus, no two colored concrete surfaces are ever exactly alike. The results of producing colors can always vary, with arbitrary patterns and outcomes. As a result, you should anticipate an uneven finish that provides depth and warmth.

Concrete  etching

A pre-existing driveway can look brand-new and pristine with concrete etching, also known as engraving. A driveway already installed has patterns and decorations etched into it, and the engraved driveway is frequently stained to give it a glossy, lustrous sheen.

Staining the surface first to give it color is one of the most popular techniques. After the etching, the original color beneath is revealed, leaving behind a two-tone pattern. It is an excellent concrete driveway idea to add character and warmth to plain, drab concrete.

Sawed design

Concrete driveway ideas with sawed and grooved patterns have functional and aesthetic appeal, and they are grooved using a specialized hand tool or applied with a special concrete saw. You might discover that many color schemes can be used in the design with concrete staining.

The capacity to avoid skidding and accidents provides the practical aspect. Although it has a more practical look, sawed and grooved concrete is frequently found in locations like airports and roads. Its uneven surface may add much-needed traction if you reside in a location with severe winters.

Exposed aggregate

Exposing aggregate is one of the latest concrete driveway trendss. The technique has been used for over 100 years and has a classic appearance. It entails mixing aggregate with concrete, pouring it, and removing the top layer. This can produce an appearance as stunning as marble that has been laid.

The aggregate can be exposed in a number of ways, and each produces a somewhat distinct finish. One of these is brushing and cleaning, a traditional technique that doesn’t call for equipment or chemicals. A forceful water spray and broom are all needed to remove the top surface to the desired depth.

Another approach is to spray a chemical retarder on the concrete after it has been laid. To prevent the concrete from hardening, the exposed can later be cleaned with a pressure washer or scrubber. The third technique involves removing the top layer with abrasive blasting, either with a sandblaster or a shotgun.

Concrete paving stones

Because they require little upkeep and are durable, concrete pavers are one of the popular concrete driveway ideas. They offer the benefit of letting you replace a single paver rather than having to redo the entire driveway if you ever need to. You can use them immediately because they do not need time to set like a laid concrete drive.

Shapes, sizes, and colors are just a few variations that pavers can have. Additionally, they can be combined to make unique patterns and borders using different paving stone combinations. The main drawback is that it is more expensive than plain or imprinted concrete.

Discover reliable concrete services

Once you’ve decided on a the look and feel you want to achieve for your driveway, speak with a professional for advice on concrete driveway ideas. Find a concrete contractor who can design and deliver various solutions and has excellent reviews.

Jireh Concrete Services should be your first stop. We are always pleased to come to your house and discuss your options. Get a free estimate today!

20 Dec

Driveway: Asphalt or Concrete

Asphalt vs ConcreteDriveway: Asphalt or Concrete

If you’re installing a new driveway, you’ve probably wondered which paving material is the best to use. Asphalt or concrete. Both materials have their strengths and weaknesses, and the option that is best for you will depend on various factors.

Asphalt gives a traditional roadway appearance, while concrete is more updated and customizable. Both materials are known to do well in colder climates like ours here in Seattle, with proper maintenance. Water getting into cracks and freezing can be devastating to both materials, so regular and diligent upkeep is vital. Read More →

10 Nov

New Driveway with Decorative Concrete

Decorative ConcreteNew Driveway with Decorative Concrete

There’s no doubt that as a paving and driveway material, concrete is a top-notch choice. Concrete is durable, affordable, and lasts a lifetime with proper care. But, it has always lacked the charisma that some more decorative driveway materials offer… until now!

Turn on your driveway’s charm with textured, patterned, and colored concrete options from Jireh Asphalt & Concrete in Seattle. We can make your driveway a showstopper with decorative concrete finishes that mimic opulent natural materials. Luxury paving finishes are no longer just for the ultra-rich. You’ll be amazed at how many styles and patterns we can do with our decorative concrete services! Read More →

20 Sep

Concrete or Asphalt: Which is Right for You?

Concrete or AsphaltConcrete or Asphalt: Which is Right for You?

If you’re considering installing a new driveway, you’re probably trying to decide between concrete or asphalt, the two most common driveway materials.

Concrete and asphalt are both laid on a gravel substrate. The difference is in the adhesive: concrete uses cement, while asphalt uses tar.

Each material has its pros and cons, and it can be hard to know which is best for your unique situation. Climate, appearance, and budget are all varying factors in deciding which material to go with. Read More →

10 Sep

Tips to Prepare Your Driveway for Winter

Tips to Prepare Your Driveway for WinterTips to Prepare Your Driveway for Winter

Cold weather is right around the corner, so now is the best time to prepare your driveway for winter. We’re no strangers to snow and ice here in Seattle, and both can wreak havoc on an asphalt or concrete driveway already battered from the summer heat.

During the fall, be sure to follow these tips to prepare your driveway for winter: Read More →