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Last modified: 2022-04-28 | Approximate reading time 6 mins
Depending on which type of material you choose, the pavement in a house's entryway could last a very long time. However, sometimes, due to temperature changes or heavy traffic, you may need to redo it.
Here is an overview of all the different types of paving materials; their respective pros and cons; the things you should include in your agreement with the contractor as well as the prepping step before paving.
First of all, you have to choose the material. Usually, asphalt, paver stones and concrete are the ones that are most commonly used. Since their prices can vary by a large measure, your choice will depend not only on your preferences but also on your budget.
Between the three, asphalt is the cheapest material. It can last around 15 years and, with a good granular base, up to 20 years.
Mixed with paver stones (also known as paving stones), it can give a more sophisticated look to the pavement. However, since it cannot be reused, it is one of the least environmentally-friendly options and you’ll have to pay to get rid of it properly.
Paver stones have a longer lifespan than asphalt. They are hard blocks made out of concrete, glass, clay, brick, stones or plastic. They give character to the look of an entrance and can last up to 30 years.
Although their installation costs more than asphalt, with proper maintenance this material can save you money in the long run. Another advantage to paver stones is that you can easily remove and reuse them somewhere else if need.
Concrete comes in different colours, shapes and patterns. You can pour it directly on the ground. Its installation cost and lifespan are similar to those of paver stones. Excluding the cost of excavating the entrance, prices can vary a lot depending on the materials, their characteristics (shape, grade, etc.) and where they are bought. The approximate cost of paving an entrance according to different materials:
Type of paving material | Average price per square foot |
---|---|
Asphalt |
starting at $3,50 per square foot, can go up to $12 |
Concrete |
between $8,50 and $18 per square foot |
Paver stone |
between $14,50 and $24, depending on the type of paving stone |
Regardless of the type of material you choose, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you must have a good drainage system under your paved entryway. The contractor should make sure the pavement has a minimum 2 % incline to ensure that water collects and flows to a lower elevation away from it.
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To ensure that the driveway has a long lifespan, a proper excavation is necessary. It is not recommended to simply cover the existing driveway, but rather to redo it completely. By excavating the ground as it should be done, this gives stronger stability to the driveway's structure, thereby reducing the risk of cracks appearing.
Some cracks may still occur because of changes in temperature. However, if the driveway is well made and well maintained, the number of cracks will remain limited.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Finally, much like the roof, it is best not to do such work when the weather outside is cooler. Ideally, the entrance paving must be redone between June and September.
During the cold season, if you use a snowplough, pay attention to the type of blade you use. Some types of blades may damage the pavement by scratching. Check with your contractor to find out if they have specific recommendations for you.
If you have water accumulation in your entrance, it could mean that there is a problem with the pavement, whether it is with the paver stones or the surface drainage system, which could damage your entrance in the long term.
Also, it is important to specify to your contractor which type of vehicle will pass on your pavement, as there is a chance this will affect the thickness of the material needed for your entryway.
The paving installation process should take place on warm days when the ground is not frozen. Between June and September is the perfect time to work on pavements in Canada. In the winter be careful if you use a snowplough.
Depending on the type of blade, it could damage your pavement. Check with your contractor to see if they have any specific maintenance recommendations to ensure the durability of your pavement. Last but not least, make sure the paving contract fits within legal standards.
To give you a better idea of what the contract should specify, here is what CAA Quebec suggests for asphalt paving:
Further rules and regulations regarding residential paving are province and municipality specific, so make sure to do extensive research before moving forward with your asphalt paving project.
Wanting to know all about the price of your renovation project? Check out our 2020 Home renovation price guide.
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