. . . paving materials for driveways
PERMANENT SURFACES
.CONCRETE laid on a bed of 2 to 3 inches of crushed stone, gravel, or
well-tamped cinders, and reinforced with wire mesh or iron rods, is the
best we can recommend. Concrete strips for wheels only may be laid,
with wear and permanence provided for by use of flagstone, bricks,
concrete blocks, brushed aggregate concrete, or other materials between these tracks. We do not recommend lawn between the strips
because of the constant need for repairs due to oil dripping from the
car, or to wheels running off and gouging the lawn in the center as
well as on the sides of the driveway. All concrete should have a slightly
roughened finish to provide for wet weather traction.
.PAVING BRICK when laid on concrete and well mortared together is
very satisfactory, giving good wear and providing a certain amount of
traction in wet weather. The color of paving brick is usually pleasant,
but its cost is commensurate with its permanence and beauty. If you
could find an old brick road being ripped up, you might get a good buy
on paving bricks. Lay them on 3 inches or more of reinforced concrete
base.
. STONE PAVING BLOCKS may also be obtained second-hand in some
areas. They may be used on a gravel or sand bed, but are better when
laid in concrete. Fitted tightly and set level, they make most interesting
patterns, as can be seen in pictures of driveways, forecourts, and even
in streets in Europe.
. BLACKTOP, although not really permanent, is definitely cheaper than
any of the more permanent paving materials. It will need repair and
maintenance in order to be satisfactory, particularly in frost areas, so
that the cost over the years may amount to as much as permanent
paving. It will heave and crack in zero weather. In summer or hot
weather it may also roll under the weight of cars, as it softens in the
heat. One other factor should be considered if the driveway is adjacent
to the windows of the house. Dark colors absorb heat and, although this
may be desirable in snowy weather, in summer the absorbed heat may
be unpleasant for hours after sundown. Blacktop provides excellent
traction with its rough texture. Should weeds or grass appear in this
rough texture, they can be killed by spraying them with weed killers.
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