Most people do not give their driveway aprons a second thought – or may not even know what exactly a driveway apron is. Despite its relative obscurity, the driveway apron is rather important part of the curb appeal of the house. Read on to learn what a driveway apron is and ways to keep your apron beautiful and functional.

What Are Driveway Aprons?

A driveway apron is the part of the driveway closest to the road. Oftentimes, the apron extends from the road to the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, the apron is simply the initial eight to fifteen feet of the driveway.

The driveway apron, also called the approach, is important because it is the most used portion of the driveway. The apron experiences the most traffic; from visitors to wayward drivers who need a point to turn around at. It also is exposed to the elements the most. The proximity to the gutter means that the apron is vulnerable to flooding. The flooding often brings along trash and dirt with it, so even the most durable of materials is often worn away.

The apron is at the very front of the driveway. This means that it is an important part of the visual first impression and an essential part of the physical one. A cracked, buckled, or crumbling apron will leave guests with a rather rough introduction to a home.

Cutting Curbs – Not Corners

In order to install the apron, it is necessary to cut away the existing curb. Curb cutting is trickier than it may initially seem. The series of curbs and gutters in a neighborhood is carefully planned and designed to get water off the street and avoid flooding.

Cutting the curbs can impact how water flows off the street. If curb cutting it done improperly, it can lead to flooding, both in the street and on the homeowner’s driveway. The curb impacts street drainage so heavily that many cities and towns actually regulate how much curbs can be cut on any one street.

Curb cutting is one of the primary reasons that driveway apron installation must be done by a professional. If it is done wrong it has dire consequences for both the homeowners and their neighbors.

When Do I Need To Be Concerned About My Driveway Apron?

It should be easy to check your driveway apron with a quick visual once over. Inspect the edges for crumbling, and go over all of the apron for cracks or buckling. Make sure that all debris is removed, and the area is clean.

It is most important to check on this area of your driveway after extreme environmental events. Major snowstorms or thunderstorms can lead to additional stress on the area with extra weight or flooding. A good sealant should reduce your worry and cost of repair if you live where extreme weather is common.

If you have a driveway that needs to be sealed, it is important to check the approach before you reseal it. Repair any cracks or smooth an uneven edge before you reseal for a longer lasting protectant.