Years ago I made it clear my idea of paradise would be a geothermal system that heated our wonderful Wisconsin roads and driveways. I am tired of shoveling mine all winter. I am also willing to concede my dream will never come true. The driveway battle will continue.
We’ve been in this house 16 years this August. Our asphalt driveway has been maintained, but asphalt has limits. When I called Poblocki paving to come by with a sealcoat estimate, they sent along a note explaining they wouldn’t do it. They also included an estimate for replacement.
I concede it’s time.
As a side note, I’m hooked on the idea of using Poblocki because of their effort to replace the parking lot at Fairview South school. Elmbrook wouldn’t even consider it, but Poblocki rose to the occasion. (Laurel Walker wrote an article about it all on March 27, 2007, but the MJS doesn’t want you to see it anymore.) His donation was estimated to be worth about $50,000. Our family has always put supporting the school on our list, too.
While I really like the idea of using Poblocki, I won’t be silly about it. Their estimate looks reasonable, but I’ll get one more. I’m considering calling Merit. Do you all have any other ideas? Complicating this decision is whether or not we should be using concrete instead. I think concrete is harder to clear, and most of the concrete I see in Wisconsin really takes a beating, but I’ll listen to a good argument.
That’s it. The estate demands attention yet again. Does it ever end?
We’ve always had concrete and it’s always been fine. Like anything the key is in the preparation. Here is an article comparing the two types. Hope it helps.
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/5-2-2006-95020.asp
Merit likes to sell driveways. They too give quotes that are for replacing rather than sealing. They pour a lot of driveways – that’s what they do.
If you decide to seal your driveway – they are many good firms that do that.
Agreed – Merit
I would assume the state uses salt/sand to treat the roads in your area. Salt can be tough on concrete over time. I suspect the choice for many comes down to asthetics, black or white ? Or like at the grocery store, paper or plastic ?