What is a Brick Driveway
A brick driveway is exactly what it sounds like it would be , a concrete or stone surface with bricks laid in between the stones to create a decorative look. Just like most things in life, a brick driveway has many pros and many cons to consider before deciding to have this be the type of design you want to have installed on your property. This style is completely a preference as there are very redeeming qualities and also qualities that may be below your standards. Brick driveways can be seen in a variety of colors and sizes, allowing homeowners to have the most customized look possible.
As for cost, a brick driveway is right on par with most other driveway surfaces ranging from $5 to $10 per square foot. This is very similar to the costs of concrete, asphalt, and gravel, which are some of the most popular surface materials seen in driveways.
To help you fully understand if a brick driveway is good for you, this article will go over the main pros and cons seen in the lifespan, the maintenance, look, and use.
Pros of Brick Driveway
When looking at a brick driveway the first pro is very evident. It is the overall aesthetic that is the first and major pro for a brick driveway. It is easy to see that a brick driveway has a much more appealing look and an overall luster that other surfaces such as concrete and asphalt cannot replicate. One of the best things about the use of brick when constructing a driveway is the ability to make any pattern or design you choose with the bricks. One can go with a much more simplistic approach or one that is extreme artistic.
Another pro of a brick driveway may come as a surprise to some, but after installation, a brick driveway can actually have a very smooth finish. Unlike other surface materials such as gravel, cobblestone, and others, bricks tend to line up with another much more flush which allows for a smooth feeling surface for your driveway. Although there is spacing for the filler to set in between each brick, under car tires this is near impossible to notice.
This surface also allows for heavy use and traffic without major problems arising. A properly installed brick driveway can support cars and others vehicles just as good as many other surfaces. Paired with the price of brick driveways being very reasonable, the longevity turns this style into a great option for driveways of all uses.
Cons of Brick Driveway
There is really only one major cons for brick driveways and that can be the high levels of maintenance needed to keep the driveway functioning how it should. Most of the pros mentioned about brick driveways can be completely void if there is no regular maintenance done. The maintenance required includes regular cleaning, and resealing. Without performing these tasks on a regular interval you may notice faster deterioration in the surface of your driveway.
It is no secret that clay bricks can have porous surface textures which can provide some issues if not taken care of. When sand, dirt, water, and other debris finds their way into the pores of the brick, this allows for faster erosion, and freezing and expanding of water that can be extremely harmful to the brick material. In order to prevent the deterioration it is extremely important to regularly clean the surface of your driveway.
On top of this, once cleaned, the brick and filler should be resealed at least twice a year. This can seem tedious but is the best way to ensure that the surface of the driveway does not allow more debris into the pores of the bricks. Regular washing and resealing can prevent flaking, cracks, and peeling that could turn your beautiful driveway into a not so pleasing sight.
Brick Driveway and the Environment
Brick driveways are also one of the more eco-friendly driveway designs one can have installed on their property. One of the most redeeming quality of bricks is that with proper care, the brick driveway can last about 25 years. This allows for major construction and the consumption of materials to be kept at bay.
However it is good to remember that the clay itself for bricks is typically mined. Mining in general can be harmful for the environment, so it is important to evaluate your stances before making a decision.
Another major factor in the environmental impact this style of driveway has is seen in the filler used to hold the pieces together. When not sealed correctly, this filler can break down fast and be carried away by water run off caused by weather. To avoid potentially harmful materials from running off, there are two options. The first option is to make sure you seal regularly. The second option is to use a natural filler such as sand. Using a natural filler between your bricks will lower the environmental impact caused by water runoff to be at a minimum. Materials such as sand and other small minerals are common for street and runoff and will pose very little of an environmental impact.
