So, you’re thinking of replacing your asphalt driveway. Or perhaps you want to install a brand-new patio for your home in Ottawa.
When you’re in the planning stage of your project, selecting the material to be used is a key consideration. There are many different materials you can use with many different features. Our blog takes a closer look at the most common choices.
Types of Paving Materials
When looking at paving contractors for your project, you need to consider what material you want to use. The most common materials a paving company will use are:
Asphalt
Asphalt is the most common material used by paving contractors. It is also the most affordable and has a relatively short installation process.
Concrete
Concrete is recommended for streets with heavy traffic, as it is much stronger than asphalt and less prone to shifting and deforming under the weight of buses or trucks.
Pavers/Paving Stones
Interlocking paving stones are a great way to add a bit of class to your driveway. They can provide a warm and welcoming driveway, walkway, or patio.
Advantages and Considerations
Each material comes with different advantages and drawbacks. It would help if you considered what your unique situation and what your needs are.
Asphalt – An Affordable Option
Asphalt’s affordability and adaptability make it a great material for new driveway paving, whether replacing an existing one or installing a brand-new one. Asphalt is also very durable and very easy to maintain.
However, asphalt paving also tends to deform under heavy weight, such as the weight of a bus. For most applications, this doesn’t occur, but for infrastructure such as bus stops and stations, concrete bus pads are usually needed.
Concrete – Strength Incarnate
Concrete is a more expensive option than asphalt, but the trade-off is that it lasts much longer and is much more durable. In fact, in many places, concrete may even have a lower life cycle cost than asphalt. High early-strength concrete can even allow you to return to the site within only a few hours of paving.
Paving Stones – For a Warm Welcome
Paving stones boast many benefits, such as high durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. Compared to asphalt or concrete, they are highly stable in a variety of climate conditions, which means you don’t need to worry about resurfacing periodically.
Pavers are also very cost-effective. They don’t need resealing to function or look good, so they’ll look great for years to come without extra costs. Finally, they are also usable the moment they’re installed. You don’t have to wait for them to cure, like you do with asphalt or concrete.
Conclusion
At JND Paving Inc., we provide a reliable paving contractor for projects in Ottawa and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking for an asphalt driveway, a concrete walkway, or paving stones for your patio, you can count on us. Call today for a quote.