When renovating driveways homeowners in Ottawa have 2 choices, interlock and asphalt. Both are very popular choices and both are durable when facing the extreme Ottawa winter. What is the best way to design the front entrance of your home? From aesthetics to cost there are few factors to consider.
The Greatest Curb Appeal is Interlock
When it comes to what looks best there is no debate that a full interlock driveway is the choice to make. Interlock allows you to choose colours that match your house perfectly. The patterns, size and shape of the pavers create a unique look that can be customized to your style. When considering design it is obvious that interlock is better than a black monolith of concrete.
Durability
Interlock and asphalt driveways are only as durable and as good as their foundations. The ground freezes and thaws expands and contracts. A bad foundation means asphalt will crack and interlock will sag. A proper foundation will mitigate these damages in both instances. Interlock is ‘floating’ so it can move with each thaw which does give it a slight advantage, and since damage can be repaired it wins in this category… as for asphalt, if it cracks there is no repair.
Maintenance
Asphalt requires semi-annual sealing to prevent frost from creating large cracks. Sealing can be done for 200-300 dollars. As for interlock, the polymeric sand can erode over time. Having gaps between the stones creates an opportunity for weeds to grow. Replacing polymeric sand requires pressure washing the loose joint and sweeping in new sand. To keep a pristine asphalt driveway you have to seal is every 1-3 years. Compared to interlock there is no maintenance unless you have damaged polymeric sand which can be repaired as needed.
Cost
Hands down asphalt is the cheaper option. A 2 car driveway can be installed in have a day. With interlock, each stone needs to be laid by hand which adds to the labour and cost. Make sure when comparing prices the depth of the foundation is considered. The installation will only last as long as the foundation. Make sure to ask what you are getting.
Some clients choose to offset their costs by installing borders, walkways and driveway extensions. These are great ways to cut costs while including aesthetic design.