Get matched with top paving pros in Bellevue, WI

Think of the street as a way to capture all the elements on either side of the road, including the road—a street encompasses the homes or other buildings, the trees, and the road of a given area as defined by the beginning and end of the street on a map. A roadway, however, is the component of the street where cars travel.

Paving is a part of hardscaping, so all paving is hardscaping, but not all hardscaping is paving. Paving involves laying down concrete or asphalt, while hardscaping can also include the use of paving stones, bricks, gravel, wood, and more. Hardscape features that involve paving are considered permanent and will increase your property taxes, while some other hardscaping features—like those involving bricks, gravel, and paving stones—will not affect property taxes. Paving also typically requires a permit, while hardscaping features considered temporary will not.

Building a road on a slope requires careful planning and will normally require a drainage system underneath to prevent flooding and damage to the road over time. Your professional may lengthen your road to create switchbacks if the slope directly to your home is too steep, as there are regulations for maximum road slope. The drainage system will help prevent runoff from the higher side of the slope from damaging the asphalt or concrete. Keep in mind that building a road on a slope isn’t a good DIY project, as a lot can go wrong.

A driveway's lifespan varies by material. Asphalt driveways typically last 15 to 30 years, while concrete driveways last longer, between 20 and 50 years. The longevity of any driveway is affected by factors like extreme temperatures, heavy traffic, and the quality of maintenance. Regular upkeep, such as filling cracks, resealing the surface, and ensuring proper drainage, can help extend its life. For gravel driveways, regrading to fill in uneven areas every year or two is recommended.