Did you know that Oxford English Dictionary indicates that the word “driveway” was first seen in print in 1824 in Norfolk and Norwich, England? Back then, driveways were for horse-drawn carriages heading towards stately homes. By the Victorian era, these private roads were often grand semicircular gravel drives that were trimmed with cobblestones, brick, or other ornamental materials.
Today, driveways are commonplace and functional. They tend to be made of functional materials such as gravel, concrete, and asphalt. However, there are new and innovative approaches to driveway paving as well. Let’s look at some of them.
Green Innovations
A. Permeable coverings that help manage storm water, limit runoff and erosion, and reduce the risk of flooding. Examples include:
· natural stone pavers
· crushed concrete
· porous concrete or asphalt
· sandstone bricks
B. Coverings made from recycled and reclaimed materials limit landfill waste and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. Examples include:
· recycled plastic used in asphalt mixtures or as a bitumen replacement
· recycled glass added to asphalt mixes
· recycled asphalt
· recycled rubber tires added to asphalt
· reclaimed bricks and stone
· recycled concrete aggregate (crushed concrete)
C. Grass pavers and reinforced turf driveways are a system of greenery and interlocking grids that are often made from recycled plastic or concrete. As a result, this paving innovation is truly green. It is also a good combination of the two previous innovations.
D. Solar-powered driveways come in many forms including:
· solar-powered lights along the driveway
· solar tiles or panels imbedded directly into the driveway to generate electricity
· solar-powered EV chargers
Smart Innovations
Kitchener’s driveways have become smart. Both hydronic and electric radiant heat are used for snow and ice management. These heating systems can be turned on manually or automatically based on the driveway’s temperature and moisture level. Heated driveways eliminate the need to shovel, plow, and de-ice the driveway manually (or robotically).
Other technological driveway innovations include the integration of solar lighting systems and EV chargers into smart home technology and energy management systems to automate functioning.
Decorative Innovations
While all the driveway innovations mentioned above have their own aesthetic appeal, other decorative paving solutions are being used in Kitchener too. Recent trends include:
· stamped asphalt and concrete that create patterns and textures and give the look of brick, stone, or tile with a lower price tag
· coloured asphalt and concrete, which generally are various shades of black, grey, and earth tones
· patterns and designs such as:
o borders and edging
o geometric patterns
o circular or curved designs instead of a straight road
o exposed aggregate in concrete or asphalt
Driveway Sealing in Kitchener
Whatever type of driveway you decide to go with, regular maintenance and preventative care can go a long way to extend its lifespan. Pavers, concrete, and asphalt all need to be sealed. The latter should be sealed every 2 to 4 years. Typical professional sealants are either acrylic, or coal, water, or tar based.
To learn more about driveway sealing in Kitchener, call Tri-City Paving Inc. We have over 30 years experience in driveway sealing and asphalt repair and resurfacing.
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