Posted 19^th December 2024 Back to Blog

The Best Driveway Materials For Cold Weather

Choosing the right driveway material is essential for ensuring durability, safety and ease of maintenance during cold weather months.

This article will explore the best materials designed to withstand the challenges of colder climates so you can consider which option is best suited to keep your driveway functional and resilient.

Resin Bound

Resin-bound driveways are made by mixing natural aggregates within a clear resin binder to create a smooth, seamless surface resistant to weeds and slipping. This slip-resistant design provides traction to reduce the risk of falling in icy or wet conditions, maximising safety for people of all abilities as well as for vehicles to drive and park on. As Resin Surfacing durable and permeable, not only does it allow rainwater to drain through the surface, preventing flooding and forming of ice, but it's also resistant to cracking, making it a popular choice for many who require a material that is, long-lasting and low maintenance all year round. Additionally, with many colour options, its aesthetic can enhance your property’s kerb appeal, potentially adding value to your home. Alongside block paving, it is the best material to withstand a harsh winter.

Block Paving

Block paving is commonly made of cement and aggregate. Its incredibly versatile and fade-resistant properties allow you to choose any colours, patterns and designs that complement not only your home’s architectural design but also your personality with long-lasting effects. Another appeal of block paving is its minimal upkeep and durability. While it is easy to repair, as damaged blocks can be replaced individually, it can withstand heavy loads and remain in good condition for many years despite exposure to the elements, like frost. Just like resin bound, block paving absorbs rainwater, and its surface can also provide excellent grip, reducing the risk of slipping in wet and icy conditions.

Porcelain Paver

Porcelain paver is a mixture of feldspar, kaolin, quartz sand and clay that looks like mud. This mixture is pressed and baked at an extremely high heat to create a dense, durable, smooth, non-porous surface material. As a result, porcelain paver is favourable for driveways in colder climates as it can resist water absorption, preventing freeze-thaw damage that can lead to cracks. It also provides excellent traction, minimising any icy or wet conditions accidents while requiring minimal ice and snow removal effort.

Asphalt

Asphalt is made of crushed rock, sand, tar and gravel. Its smooth, dark-coloured surface not only ensures a uniform appearance, boosting kerb appeal, but can also help absorb heat from sunlight, aiding in the melting process of snow and ice. This flexible material can adapt to the freeze-thaw cycle without cracking, making it highly durable. While it may need occasional seal coating to enhance its performance during winter, it's relatively low maintenance. This type of driveway should be graded with a slight slope away from your property to allow water to run off safely towards drainage channels and ensure effective drainage. Ultimately, this installation will prevent pooling and damage to the asphalt surface.

Tarmac

Often compared to asphalt, tarmac is a material that combines crushed stone with tar. It is quick to install, for it can be poured over a surface and spread evenly with specialised equipment within a single day, making it a swift turnaround and relatively more cost-effective than materials like block paving of a resin. Its smooth, hardened surface provides a safe and stable base for heavy vehicles and easy access on foot, making it ideal for a versatile driveway. As it can withstand freezing conditions without significant damage, tarmac remains a practical and efficient choice if you require a long-lasting driveway in cold climates.

Gravel

Gravel is made up of small, loose stones or rock fragments, typically limestone, granite, quartz or sandstone. Like tarmac, a gravel driveway can be installed quickly. When installed efficiently, it can be maintenance-free, providing excellent drainage that prevents pooling and freezing on the surface. Additionally, its loose, textured surface can be customised in various sizes and colours to give your kerb appeal a rustic aesthetic while also enhancing traction, making it a safe driveway choice for homes that experience snowy or icy conditions.

Cobblestone

Cobblestones are renowned for their long-lasting, low maintenance and historic elegance, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like driveways, enhancing kerb appeal and increasing property value. Their naturally permeable nature ensures the driveway is not at work of any puddles or flooding from heavy rainfalls, while the irregular surface of the cobblestones provides enough traction to reduce the risk of accidents during snowfall. Installation can be more costly than other materials. However, its versatility in design and timeless charm can make it a worthwhile investment, especially as it can be used in conjunction with different surface materials like tarmac as a border between the driveway and green space, creating a seamless and visually appealing transition. Overall, this driveway material is conducive to cold weather.

About the Author

Felix Connor is the owner of Armoured Drives, a premier driveway and patio installation company based in Nottinghamshire. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Felix has established himself as a leading expert in bespoke outdoor surface solutions. His commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction has earned Armoured Drives a strong reputation throughout the East Midlands. Felix's innovative approach to design and dedication to using only high-quality materials ensure that every project undertaken by Armoured Drives not only meets but exceeds client expectations, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary outdoor havens.