Category: Ashburn VA

Remarkable Ashburn VA Driveways

Designing a driveway requires careful planning. The driveway is one of the first things that people see and it is a major element of your landscape and the curb appeal of your Ashburn VA home.

The driveway will need to fit into the style of your landscaping and your home. A gravel driveway leading to a large mansion will look out of place, but beautiful stone pavers will ‘fit’ better with the home and landscaping.

The driveway for a house with a brick facade can be constructed of brick pavers for a classic look.

Some of the popular paving types for driveways are:

Concrete
This is the most popular material for driveways. Concrete can be poured or stamped. Stamped concrete can recreate the look of many other materials like natural stone, cobblestone, slate or brick – for a lower cost than the ‘real’ material. Stamped concrete can be colored, it’s easy to maintain and quite tough and long-lasting. One disadvantage is that concrete can crack.

Asphalt
Asphalt offers high durability and low cost. There are some color options for asphalt available now.

Gravel
Gravel is one of the lowest cost driveways available. If installed properly, gravel driveways will serve you well for may years. A few disadvantages of gravel are: a heavy rain can wash the gravel away (if not properly maintained), and gravel can sink into the ground over time.

Pavers
Driveway pavers offer durability and lots of styling options. Initial cost is slightly higher, but repairs can be made easily if needed.

If you have any questions or concerns about what material you should use for your driveway, give us a call. We will be glad to help you decide what is the best driveway for your home.

Ashburn VA Homeowners: Consider Paver Walkways

If you own a home in Ashburn VA, and don’t have a way to connect your front, back, and side yards, you should consider having paver walkways installed. Why?

  • Cohesiveness – when the hardscaping (driveway, patio, deck, etc) and the landscaping aren’t connected through walkways, the entire outside of your home comes off as disjointed.

  • Upkeep – the places where people walk becomes muddy, the grass dies, and those dirt paths always look sketchy and unkempt.

  • Safety – when there is no hard surface to walk on, people and animals can be injured by stepping in mud and/or holes, and they can slip and fall.

    Walkways created with pavers connect sections of your yard; you will have a tidy, cohesive style of landscaping. People will walk safely where they are supposed to, and feel as if they are going to a special destination.

Pavers are really versatile, and can be used to create a simple path, dress up a garden, or create a formal walkway. With pavers, you are only limited by your imagination – they come in many shapes, colors and textures and can be laid in a variety of patterns – even multiple patterns.

Unlike other surfaces, you don’t have to worry about cracks and costly repairs. Pavers are  typically placed over a bed of compacted soil and gravel, and individual pavers can be replaced without needing to tear up the entire walkway.

For more information on Ashburn VA paver walkways, please contact Premier Paving. Established in 1987, Premier Paving & Planting, Inc. provides free estimates, and delivers a full compliment of high quality landscape services, including concrete work and lawn and garden services, along with installation of permeable and non-porous paver and hardscape surfaces and structures. NCMA and ICPI certified, Premier Paving is licensed and insured, and carries an A+ rating from Angie’s List.

Caring For Your Ashburn VA Brick Paver Driveway In Winter

November brings cool weather and the fierce cold of winter is quickly approaching. An Ashburn VA winter also brings something else –  snow! How can you properly care for your Ashburn VA brick pavers during the winter months?

Caution should be used when applying any de-icing chemicals and excessive use should be avoided. Here is a list of some common de-icers:

  • Sodium Chloride – Can actually be safely used throughout your property – including on your pavers. Although rock salt is generally effective, be wary of temperatures below 15-20 degrees. Rock Salt can become ineffective at these temperatures and seep into the pores of the pavers. If the temperature drops low enough and the ‘brine’ that has seeped into the pavers refreezes, spalling and cracking could result. Always be very aware of the low temperatures before using.
  • Calcium Chloride – Many prefer using calcium chloride ice melting products due to it’s ability to resist ‘tracking’ into the home. This is good for several reasons: the ice melt will remain on your pavers not come indoors with foot traffic and when the chemical does not stick to your feet, it is less likely to be forced into the gaps between pavers. This can lead to some discoloration and be difficult to remove. Calcium chloride is an effective de-icer on pavers in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit, reducing the risk of spalling and cracking.
  • Calcium Magnesium Acetate – Another great solution for pavers is a calcium chloride rock salt that has been coated with calcium magnesium acetate.It works well in low temperatures, and is safer for children, pets and the environment.

Have additional concerns about your brick pavers? Contact Premier Paving today – before the snow starts…