The driveway apron is an important part of any home or commercial property. It serves as the transition between the street and the driveway, and provides a smooth surface for vehicles to travel on to protect your property from potential damage. Traditional concrete aprons are not without their problems – potholes, puddles, and cracks can all be common issues with these surfaces.
That’s why many homeowners are now turning to alternative options such as TRUEGRID permeable pavers for their driveways. In this article we will explore how TRUEGRID pavers provide superior water management capabilities while also offering design customization options that make them great for grass driveways too!
What is a Driveway Apron?
The section of the driveway that is nearest to the road is called the driveway apron or approach. It is usually constructed with the same material as the rest of the driveway. The main function of the driveway apron is to provide a seamless connection between the street and the driveway, to allow vehicles to enter and exit smoothly.
The apron typically spans from eight to 15 feet in length and matches the width of the driveway. If there are sidewalks, the apron extends to the edge of the closest sidewalk to the house. The apron and driveway connect seamlessly, which can make it challenging to differentiate between the two.
Materials used for driveway aprons can vary, but the most common are:
- Concrete
- Asphalt
- Pavers
Some Common Issues with Concrete Driveways/Aprons
Concrete driveway aprons, which are the portion of the driveway closest to the road, can present a variety of common issues or problems:
Cracking
Concrete can crack due to a variety of factors such as weather conditions (freeze-thaw cycles), the weight of vehicles, poor installation practices, or inadequate thickness. Cracks can allow water to seep into the concrete, which can potentially cause further damage.
Spalling or Surface Deterioration
This happens when the top layer of the concrete starts to flake off or peel away. This can be due to exposure to deicing salts, freeze-thaw cycles, or an improperly mixed or applied concrete surface.
Settlement/Sinking
This is usually caused by a poorly compacted or insufficiently prepared base. Over time, the soil beneath the concrete may settle, and cause the apron to sink. This can lead to uneven surfaces and potential water pooling.
Discoloration
Concrete can become discolored over time due to various factors including weathering, staining from vehicles, or inconsistencies in the mix of the concrete.
Erosion
If the apron isn’t properly sloped to drain water into the gutter, water can erode the concrete over time. This can lead to cracking and other forms of damage.
Regulatory Non-Compliance
As the aprons are regulated by local building codes, they must conform to certain standards regarding dimensions, slope, materials, and thickness. If these regulations aren’t followed, the homeowner may face fines or the need for costly rework.
Cost
Depending on the local rates, materials used, and whether professional installation is required, the cost of repairing or replacing a concrete driveway apron can be high.
Maintenance
Homeowners may be responsible for maintaining the apron portion of their driveway, including removing snow and repairing any damage. Failure to do so could result in fines or the city carrying out the repairs and billing the homeowner.
Addressing these common issues usually requires the expertise of a professional contractor. Homeowners who decide to tackle the project themselves must carefully adhere to local building regulations and prepare the project area thoroughly to ensure a long-lasting, high-quality result.
TRUEGRID Permeable Pavers: An Eco-Friendly Solution
TRUEGRID pavers are a sustainable and unique paving solution that can absorb stormwater without any runoff, which helps eliminate problems like potholes, puddles, and cracks. They are also modular, for easy and fast installation, which makes them a great choice for a wide range of projects.
Their permeability allows them to function as a natural water filter, an environmentally-friendly paving solution that conserves land and reduces costs when compared to traditional concrete and asphalt. The use of TRUEGRID permeable pavers also eliminates the need for detention ponds, which are typically required for managing stormwater runoff, hence reducing instances of flooding.
TRUEGRID pavers function well in all types of climates and soils. They offer a 100% permeable cover with an impressive 1000+ inches/hour infiltration rate and a 0.0 – 0.05 runoff coefficient.
The Benefits of a TRUEGRID Driveway
TRUEGRID driveways are a sustainable and functional alternative to traditional concrete or asphalt driveways. They provide several benefits, some of which are:
- Aesthetic
- Environmental
- Practical
Aesthetic Benefits
When used to create grass driveways, TRUEGRID adds an element of natural beauty that concrete or asphalt driveways lack. By integrating vegetation, they can contribute to a more serene and visually pleasing environment, for a unique way to incorporate greenery into an area typically void of nature. They also offer the flexibility to shape around existing plants, trees, and natural elements, in order to preserve the pre-existing ecosystem of a landscape.
Environmental Benefits
Grass driveways made with TRUEGRID pavers are an environmentally friendly option. They allow stormwater runoff to be absorbed back into the ground, which filters out pollutants and rehydrates the soil. This natural drainage system can help prevent localized flooding, which is a common issue with traditional driveway materials that can’t absorb water.
In addition, TRUEGRID driveways help maintain a healthy local ecosystem by keeping the soil moisture balanced. They also have a sub-base layer that helps hold water and reduces the risk of flooding. This water management feature may boost property value and qualify for tax benefits related to pervious cover in specific locations.
Practical Benefits
From a practical standpoint, TRUEGRID driveways have several advantages over traditional paved driveways.
They provide a stable surface that remains solid even during heavy rain and can be used to stabilize front lawns, backyards, and other muddy areas. This can prevent ruts in the lawn caused by cars or heavy foot traffic and make the surface safer to traverse in wet conditions.
Additionally, the installation of TRUEGRID driveways is relatively simple and quick compared to traditional concrete installations, which require curing time and perfect weather conditions. The plastic grids of the TRUEGRID system interlock like building blocks, for immediate use once installed.
Enhance Your Property with a Low-Maintenance TRUEGRID Driveway
Take the first step toward an improved driveway experience with the TRUEGRID permeable paver system. Whether your application is residential, or commercial, we have a driveway solution for every application.
Invest in your property today and enjoy a low-maintenance, beautiful driveway that adds value to your property and withstands the test of time. Contact us today for a free estimate!
