The Advantages of Brick Driveways

Aesthetics

• Driveway bricks look more interesting than the more utilitarian surfaces of asphalt or gravel. The detail of the work shows that someone took the time and effort to lay each brick in place, unlike stamped concrete driveways. Bricks come standard in the old-fashioned red color, but there are plenty of other colors available, or you can order special colors to match your home. Consider using old bricks from demolished homes for an antique look.

Permeability

• Runoff can often create an evironmental hazzard, but a driveway created with brick has plenty of cracks through which the water will flow downwards, filtering out impurities. The sand between the bricks will only help to filter runoff, keeping it from washing out the substrate below. Of course, the life of a brick driveway is only as permanent as the foundation below the brick.

Repair

• Repairing a brick driveway is as simple as pulling up the problem bricks and replacing them with new bricks. Common problems like oil spills are not an issue since you can simply rotate bricks and place the bad side down. If you need to run wiring or plumbing under the driveway, you can easily pull up the brick, run your conduit or pipe, and replace the brick.

Solid Surface

• Although bricks drives are permeable, they are still easy to clean and are safe for elderly people or toddlers who might struggle with the rougher surface of gravel. Strollers and wagons roll easily over bricks, even with the slight indentations between the bricks.