When homeowners consider paving their driveway or patio, they often look for something that is stylish and functional. You have many different materials to choose from, each with benefits and drawbacks. You can create a unique look for your suburban property and get the best of both worlds with swales in function and style.
If you’re thinking about paving your driveway or patio, Prime Asphalt has the advice on making your property both stylish and functional in this blog post.
Suburban paving refers to the process of paving a residential or commercial property. Many different materials can be used for suburban paving, but one of the most popular options is asphalt. The goal is to make it both attractive and functional.
When it comes to paving your suburban property, there are many factors to consider.
An important decision you need to make is whether or not to include swales in your design. Swales are a great way to add visual interest and functionality to your streetscape, and they can also help create a sense of community.
Reasons to Include Swales in Your Suburban Paving
If you’re not able to decide whether you should include swales in your project, the following reasons may convince you to give them a try:
- Swales can add beauty and function to your streetscape.
- Swales are a great way to add visual interest to your streetscape.
- The combination of swales and ranch-style homes can produce an attractive and cohesive streetscape for suburban paving.
- Swales are often used in landscaping to control stormwater runoff.
- When paired with ranch homes, they create a rustic and refined look.
- If you’re thinking of paving your neighborhood streets, consider using this pairing to create a unique and memorable look.
- Swales can be used to define pedestrian walkways while also adding greenery and texture to the landscape. With their simple lines and natural materials, ranch homes provide a perfect backdrop for this type of landscape design.
When planning your neighborhood paving project, be sure to consider the use of swales. It adds beauty to your streetscape while also creating a sense of community.
At Prime Asphalt in Waco, TX, we specialize in designing beautiful and functional landscapes. Our team helps in creating a unique streetscape perfect for your neighborhood. We have years of experience designing and installing landscapes that incorporate swales, so you can be sure that your project will be aesthetic.
Our team of experienced and top industry experts is aware of the latest pavement technologies and asphalt pavement maintenance. For your parking lot, driveway, commercial or industrial pavement, we provide high-quality asphalt and concrete paving, seal coating, tar & chip paving, and striping services at low cost. Road and parking lot upkeep and asphalt repairs are available at a reasonable price under our maintenance services.
You can request your estimate now!
Design choices that make a neighborhood look finished
Good-looking suburban paving usually comes down to a few simple, consistent details:
- Consistent edges: straight, supported pavement edges, curbs or ribbon curbs look cleaner and stop crumbling at the sides.
- Matching driveway approaches where they meet the street.
- A uniform surface: a fresh sealcoat evens out the patchwork look of old repairs.
- Clear markings on amenity center lots, mailbox areas and pool parking.
- The right surface for the setting: on acreage lots and rural-style subdivisions, tar and chip gives a natural, country look that fits better than plain black asphalt.
Swales and drainage on Blackland clay
Swales look good, but they also have a job: moving water. That matters on the clay soils around Waco, Temple and south DFW, which swell when wet. Water that stands next to pavement softens the base and breaks down the edges.
- Slope the pavement toward the swale, and the swale away from homes.
- Keep the swale grassed and mowed so it doesn’t erode, but don’t let it grow up and hold water.
- Check driveway culverts after big storms for debris or crushed ends.
- If an approach or culvert needs work, check with your city or county; many require a permit for driveway approaches and culverts.
A simple checklist for HOA boards
- Inventory what the HOA owns: private streets, parking areas, trails and amenity lots.
- Have the pavement looked at and ranked by condition.
- Plan sealcoating every 2 to 3 years and crack sealing in mild weather.
- Budget for larger repairs or resurfacing a few years ahead.
- Phase the work and notify residents well before any street closure.
Our HOA and subdivision work covers new streets as well as ongoing road maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a swale?
A shallow, grassy channel that carries rainwater away from streets and homes. It is a gentler, better-looking alternative to a deep ditch.
Can swales damage pavement?
Only if water sits in them right beside the pavement. With the right slope, they protect it by carrying water away.
Can a neighborhood use both asphalt and tar and chip?
Yes. Some communities use asphalt on main streets and chip seal on lower-traffic lanes or long private drives.
How often should HOA streets be sealcoated?
Every 2 to 3 years is typical for private asphalt streets. Public streets are usually maintained by the city or county.
Get a free estimate. Planning neighborhood paving or upkeep? Contact us for a free estimate.
