5 Reasons to Choose Brick Driveway Instead of Concrete or Asphalt
There are several types of material you can use for your driveway, but most homeowners will end up choosing between brick, concrete and asphalt. Each material comes with its own pros and cons, but most homeowners will find themselves better off with a brick driveway, and here are just five reasons why.
1. Able to Withstand the Elements
One reason bricks are used so widely in construction is that they can cope with changes in temperature and humidity without suffering damage. In contrast, materials such as concrete and asphalt don't have a lot of give, so they tend to suffer cracks over time as they expand and contract with the changing weather.
2. Slip and Skid Resistant
Your driveway obviously needs to be as safe as possible to prevent slips and falls; after all, you'll be crossing it after anything from snow to rain. Brick makes a great option because it has a textured surface. When you lay down something like concrete, the smoother surface can prove problematic during adverse weather. Even asphalt can often, over time, create little dips that can trip you up.
3. Fantastic Curb Appeal
One of the best things about brick driveways is just how good they look. You can pick up bricks in a wide range of colours and textures to create the perfect look to suit your home. In fact, many homeowners end up using several different types to create a mosaic effect or adopt an eye-catching design. Beyond colour and texture, you're also free to lay bricks down in a variety of patterns. Since bricks retain their natural colour for years and can be easily pressure washed to get them looking fresh, your driveway can stay looking fantastic well into the future. In contrast, asphalt and concrete drives look a little dull.
4. Easy Repairs
Repairing a driveway is always going to involve some time and money, but brick driveways tend to be the easiest and cheapest to fix. When asphalt or concrete is damaged, you usually need to work on the whole thing or one large section to put the issue right. With brick driveways, you only ever need to remove and replace the damaged bricks. A bricklaying service can do this easily.
5. Eco-Friendliness
You might not think eco-friendliness is something to worry about when it comes to driveway materials, but it's actually well worth considering. Bricks are one of the most eco-friendly options since they don't require any artificial processes or hazardous chemicals. In contrast, a material like asphalt requires the use of petroleum products and the release of harmful hydrocarbons.