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Maintaining a driveway depends on its material. For concrete and asphalt, it's best to clean the surface thoroughly twice a year with a stiff broom and a pressure washer to remove accumulated dirt and debris. Sealing the driveway is crucial to protect it from water damage and freeze-thaw cycles. Before applying a sealant, pressure wash the surface to remove any loose sealant, dirt, or stains, as sealing over them will trap them. Any cracks or expansion joints should be filled with a flexible polyurethane caulk or asphalt sealer. In colder climates, use sand instead of salt for de-icing. Sand helps melt snow and ice without accelerating the freeze-thaw process, which can cause cracks.

When asphalt cures, it typically changes from a very dark black hue to a lighter, more matte gray color. Cured asphalt also won’t be tacky or sticky to the touch or emit any odors from the asphalt mix. Additionally, the surface of fully cured asphalt won’t deform under any pressure.

There’s no single best asphalt grade—it all comes down to where and how it’s used. Highways and heavy-traffic roads need something tough, like polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) or Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA). Local roads and parking lots rely on the Performance Graded (PG) system, chosen based on climate. A PG 64-28 mix, for example, handles a broad temperature range while simpler, more cost-effective mixes are typically enough for residential driveways. The best grade of asphalt depends on traffic, weather, and your budget, which is why a professional’s input is always a smart move before making a decision.

Interlocking pavers offer a number of advantages over regular pavers. For instance, they’re more durable, more resistant to shifting, and easier to repair. There are also permeable options that allow for drainage. However, interlocking pavers are more often more expensive than regular pavers and are prone to growing weeds over time.