Category Archives: Driveways

The Best Materials for a Driveway?

The type of driveway that will be best for your home will depend on a variety of factors such as weather, traffic, size, and aesthetic preferences. Here in Seattle, the cold, wet weather presents its own challenges to paving contractors. Any material chosen must be able to stand up heavy weights, frigid temperatures, and constant moisture. The best materials for a driveway will also determine how often you must clean, maintain, and replace it. Some of the best materials to use here in the Pacific Northwest are:

• Asphalt

Asphalt remains the standard for areas that experience frequent freezing and thawing. Asphalt is an oil-based material that is more flexible than some driveway materials, making it ideal for the contracting and expanding that is necessary for cold climates. Read More →

Should You Repair or Replace Your Driveway?

Is your driveway cracked, pitted, or just really stained? You might think you can save money by making repairs, but you might be better off getting it replaced altogether. Here are the signs that you need to replace your driveway and when a simple repair or sealant might suffice.

Stained concrete

Do you like to work on cars in your spare time, either as a hobby or as a side gig? If so, you probably have a pretty stained driveway. You could replace it with asphalt, but there are definitely downsides to that, too. Thankfully, there are some sealants or coatings for concrete driveways that cover up the current stains and provide you with a stain resistant surface.

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Prepare Your Driveway for Winter

It is no secret that winter is very hard on concrete, asphalt, and other driveway materials. If you want to avoid costly repairs in Spring and Summer, you will want to prepare your driveway for the winter months. Here are some ways that you can prepare your driveway for winter so that you can avoid future costly repairs.

Repair Your Driveway

If your driveway has cracks or holes, you will want to get those repaired before the cold months hit. Cracks and holes can fill with water and freeze, causing the concrete or asphalt to continue to crack under pressure. Small cracks and holes that seem like a minor nuisance can quickly become pitfalls for your vehicle that can cause problems with tires and alignment. Repair these minor problems while the weather is still warm.

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Three Reasons Not to Put Off Replacing Your Driveway

Replacing your driveway may not be high on your list of priorities. Often, people let the outside of their home slide in favor of making sure that the home is safe and comfortable, yet it is important that you maintain your driveway for a number of reasons. Here’s why you shouldn’t be putting it off.

Weather Causes More Damage

If you have pits, holes, or severe cracks in your driveway, the weather can worsen these problems. Summer can sometimes be a very wet season, and the more rain and hail that hit your driveway, the more likely it will be that additional damage will be caused. In addition, the summer heat itself can cause concrete or asphalt to expand, making cracks and holes more prominent.

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Why You Should Repair Your Driveway This Spring

Spring is a great time of year for a number of construction projects, and repairing or replacing your driveway is no exception. Your driveway needs to be in top condition, especially when the heat of summer and the cold of next winter come to pass. Extreme temperatures can greatly affect the concrete or asphalt of your driveway, and repairing during the spring months is generally recommended.

When You Need Repair or Replacement

The winter months are hard on a driveway. If you started with any mild cracks in your driveway, chances are after the precipitation and cold weather of the winter months those cracks have become large crevices. As water seeps into the concrete or asphalt and freezes, it expands, causing the driveway to buckle and cracks to become quite large.

In some cases, your driveway can be fixed from such cracks. If the cracks have become holes and the structure of the driveway is compromised, you may need a replacement. Fixing or replacing your driveway during the spring months offers the best weather for the job.

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Four Things to Know About Driveway Installation

Your driveway is just as important to the appearance of your house as any interior decoration. It’s true that your driveway quality, size, shape, and overall condition greatly contribute to your home’s curb appeal. This is why you should make sure you understand the main principles of driveway installation before you begin any renovation or new construction.

Find Professional Help You Can Trust

Scam salesmen favor the asphalt industry because it’s all too easy to trick unsuspecting homeowners. Scam contractors often use cheap materials to start projects that they quickly abandon after receiving deposits. The best way to avoid this is to carefully look over any asphalt contractor’s reviews and work portfolio before agreeing to any terms. Read More →

Three Important Reasons to Sealcoat Your Driveway or Parking Lot

It’s no secret that Washington’s winter weather brings harsh conditions. Winter snow and ice don’t just give your shovel extra work; they also threaten the integrity of your asphalt driveway. Take this time before the winter season arrives to sealcoat your driveway for extra protection. If you’re not sure why sealcoating is a worthy investment, these three reasons will make it clear.

Save Money!

Sealcoating is a preventative measure meant to save you money in the long run. It costs significantly less than new asphalt and asphalt repairs. Since it helps protect asphalt against damage, it’s a wise investment that helps to avoid larger future costs. A regularly maintained and sealed asphalt surface also offers an extended lifetime of use compared to one that is not seal coated, which of course saves money over time. Read More →

Don’t Ignore Warning Signs from Your Driveway

When your stomach begins to grumble, you know your body is telling you to eat. When your brakes start to screech at every red light, you know your car is telling you it’s time for new brakes. But do you listen as carefully to the signs that your driveway sends you? If you pay close attention, you will notice certain signs and symptoms that indicate exactly what type of attention your driveway needs to continue looking its best. Read More →

Elements of a Great Driveway Design

Your driveway makes a major statement about your property and plays a significant role in the first impression that visitors will make of your home. Even the most beautiful home can be undercut by a shoddily produced driveway. Whether you are building a new house or planning renovations to your current property, these design ideas can help you build a driveway that complements your house while remaining durable and functional. Read More →