Driveway Asphalt or Pavers (to live, fence, price)

[masterchef1]

I have pavers and have no problem with snow, yes they have to be installed correctly, I believe they put stone and then stone dust and then placed them, only issue is occasional weed, I keep roundup spray if I see 1 pop up.

[Sunduri]

I live in the northern suburbs of IL, just below the WI boarder. There's lots of snow here in the winter. A few of the homes in my neighborhood have pavers in their driveways, albeit smaller driveways (2-3 cars long by 2 cars wide). I haven't noticed any issues with their driveways over the past couple winters I've lived here. I have an asphalt driveway and it does attract the sun to melt snow quicker tho. The paved driveways sure do look nice.

[davenj08]

Originally Posted by JerseyStrong1

I would do asphalt over pavers regardless of the price. Asphalt melts snow and ice better than pavers. Also, while pavers might look better when new, after some time, I think asphalt looks better. Pavers fade, become uneven, and weeds grow in the cracks. Pavers do last longer if installed well, but asphalt already lasts a very long time, so I don't think this is really an issue.

^^ what he said. Pavers look good but once they grow old and become uneven, shoveling would be a nightmare. And don't even get me started on the weeds going in the cracks. Asphalt is nearly zero maintenance and works well.

[Badfish740]

Originally Posted by davenj08

^^ what he said. Pavers look good but once they grow old and become uneven, shoveling would be a nightmare. And don't even get me started on the weeds going in the cracks. Asphalt is nearly zero maintenance and works well.

I just think it looks nice too-there's something that just looks very neat and clean about a jet black driveway.

[RonaldusMagnus]

Repeat: Seems like a lot of the comments above are from folks who either don't understand how modern paver driveways are installed or are just guessing at the problems. Properly installed paver driveways are the absolute most durable choice over both asphalt or concrete. Clearly there is a price for it though.

[Badfish740]

Originally Posted by RonaldusMagnus

Repeat: Seems like a lot of the comments above are from folks who either don't understand how modern paver driveways are installed or are just guessing at the problems. Properly installed paver driveways are the absolute most durable choice over both asphalt or concrete. Clearly there is a price for it though.

If you could elaborate on how and why that would probably help. I'm not asking this to challenge you, but rather because I'm genuinely curious. I suppose that a lot of the problem of heaving could be alleviated by installing a very generous base of clean stone and provide adequate drainage for it so that there would be no moisture buildup that would freeze in cold temperatures.

[ansky]

My driveway is half concrete and half asphalt. The concrete portion is towards the back of the house near my deck. We were told it was built this way because concrete is cooler and won't give off so much excess heat in the summertime.

[Kracer]

Maybe a third choice...


EcoGrid Gravel Driveway Solution - Environmental Asphalt & Paving Alternative


I'd go for this, especially in towns that restrict non permeable surfaces.

[Sunduri]

How does the EcoGrid Gravel Driveway hold up to snow plows?

[RonaldusMagnus]

Originally Posted by Badfish740

If you could elaborate on how and why that would probably help. I'm not asking this to challenge you, but rather because I'm genuinely curious. I suppose that a lot of the problem of heaving could be alleviated by installing a very generous base of clean stone and provide adequate drainage for it so that there would be no moisture buildup that would freeze in cold temperatures.

Without going too far into the weeds your correct. Pavers 15-20 years ago vs now....they have learned A LOT about proper base prep especially for driveways. Also, today's pavers don't fade like the older ones, especially if sealed properly. The technology has gotten a lot better than some of the comments here seem to suggest. It is still individual preference on cost vs durability and if you have a very long driveway that can become a huge issue. But as far as strict durability in all weather, properly installed pavers will outlast both concrete and asphalt for driveways.