Looking forward to installing new pavement in front of your house? If yes, then you should consider these nine things before starting construction.

Building pavement in front of your house is a great way to improve curb appeal and add value to your property. However, it’s important to remember that these projects require careful planning and execution.

Before you start digging, take some time to plan out your project. If you are building a pavement, ensure that there is enough space. Also, check with local codes to ensure you don’t have any problems.

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1. Make a plan

Before beginning any project, ensure you clearly understand what you want to accomplish. This includes knowing how much money you have available, what materials you need, and what tools you will use. Additionally, it is helpful to know the project's total cost.

If you live in the suburbs, chances are you've seen a new driveway or sidewalk being built in front of the house. The completion of these projects typically takes months, and they are not cheap. The average price tag for a driveway ranges from $10,000 to $20,000.

2. Determine what kind of surface you need

Before starting construction, you should determine whether you need asphalt, concrete, or another material. Pavement surfaces such as parking lots, sidewalks, and roads are usually made from asphalt. 

Concrete is often used for driveways, patios, walkways, and other paved areas. Other options include brick pavers, natural stone, and wood chips are good too. Although both concrete and asphalt have many advantages, each has some disadvantages. Concrete requires more maintenance than asphalt, but it is more durable.

If you plan to use the driveway as an entrance into your home, you will likely need to seal the surface with a sealant every few years. Doing so will prevent the driveway from being damaged by water. However, Using the RAP Base Course  will be easier to maintain because it does not require sealing. It also lasts longer than concrete.

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3. Decide whether you want a smooth or rough finish

Before building your pavement, you should decide whether you want a smooth or rough finish. Homeowners usually prefer a smooth finish because it looks nicer and is less prone to cracking. However, rough finishes last longer and are more durable.

Based on your preference, you can choose between smooth and rough finishes. For example, if you prefer a sleek appearance, you might opt for a smooth finish. On the other hand, if you like a natural look, you might go for a rough finish.

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4. Think about how much traffic will pass through your driveway

If you plan to use your driveway as a parking lot, you need to consider how much traffic will go through it. If many cars are coming and going, you might want to build a paved area instead of a gravel driveway.

Gravel driveways are generally suitable for low-traffic paths or walkways. Gravel driveways are usually installed over concrete slabs. The gravel is compacted down into the top layer of the slab. 

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5. Sweep sand into the joints

If you live in a cold climate, you probably already know that snow and ice build up on sidewalks and driveways over time. This causes cracks and gaps between the concrete blocks, allowing water to seep through and freeze. When this happens, it creates a slippery surface that makes walking hazardous.

To prevent these problems, sweep sand into the joints before you begin. This will help avoid cracks and other issues later on. You should also make sure there is no gap between the pavement blocks.

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6. The Depth of the Paving Required

You should also ensure that the depth of the paving matches the curb cut's height. If you need to build a sidewalk, you should use a 4-inch thick slab. However, if you only need to pave a driveway, you should use 2 inches of concrete.

Asphalt pavements are generally thicker than concrete pavements. They also provide better traction and are less likely to crack. If you want to add a new driveway or sidewalk, you should consider using asphalt instead of concrete.  Asphalt pavements are typically found on roads or highways.

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7. The Width of the Paving Required

The width of the pavement required depends on the size of the curb cut. It will vary based on how much space there is between the curb and the edge of the road.

Asphalt requires less space than concrete roads because they are laid over existing surfaces. This means that asphalt roads can be built faster and at a lower cost than concrete roads.

Asphalt roads are less expensive than concrete roads. Moreover, they are more durable and provide better traction. In addition, asphalt roads are easier to repair and maintain. Wherein, concrete requires heavy maintenance and high cost.

8. Put down a layer of sand

When building your pavement, you should always check the floor before starting your project. Unless you do, you might end up ripping the whole thing out. 

Concrete pavement is very durable and long-lasting. They also look great and are relatively expensive. But they are also prone to cracking over time. The problem is that concrete is porous and absorbs moisture from the air. A concrete crack occurs when humidity rises, causing the concrete to expand and contract.

To prevent these cracks from forming, you should lay a thin layer of fine sand between the concrete and the subfloor. This will act as a barrier and stop the concrete from absorbing too much moisture. The countertop needs to fit your kitchen.

Conclusion

When it comes to building pavement, several factors must be taken into consideration. The cost of building pavement varies depending on the size of the project and whether you want to pave over existing concrete or asphalt. 

Most importantly, heavy equipment is used by the contractor, so you should always be extra careful about the cost of building pavement in front of your home.

Also, you should weigh the pros and cons of paving over an asphalt surface versus laying down new concrete. I hope the tips in this article will guide you in building your next pavement project.