Typically, when individuals are considering driveway resurfacing, whether for commercial or residential use, the most common options tend to be asphalt or concrete. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, then you may want to consider a gravel driveway. Granted, it is more labour intensive when it comes to maintenance, but this does not take away from its durability and effectiveness. Nevertheless, installing a gravel driveway is not simply about pouring the gravel willy-nilly. There are a number of mistakes that you should avoid making to ensure the longevity of your gravel driveway.

Laying gravel on a spongy bed

A common mistake made by people installing a gravel driveway is laying the gravel on soft soil. The result is a spongy bed, which leads to the gravel moving around. To prevent this, you need to ensure that the ground you are laying the gravel on is sturdy. This is done by eliminating the top soil, roots, weeds, grass and any other organic matter. Once you have stripped the soil from the ground, you will find a layer of hard rock, which would provide a sturdy surface for the gravel. The soil that you remove can be stored for future construction projects on the property.

Not providing adequate drainage

If your gravel driveway is not levelled properly, it will eventually deteriorate due to water erosion. You may also find that poor drainage will lead to silt collecting in the gravel driveway. This will cause the individual pieces of gravel to eventually lose their friction, decreasing the traction of the driveway. Without proper drainage, it will only be a matter of time before a quagmire engulfs the driveway. To prevent this, you should opt to install a geotextile fabric over your subsoil to create a base layer. This will allow for drainage while preventing your gravel driveway from becoming compromised.

Not installing edging

If you install your gravel driveway without any edges to keep it together, the gravel will eventually begin to spill out from the sides. Over time, you will find that the gravel is becoming sparse and will require routine refilling. In addition, the gravel can become an eyesore as it makes its ways to your garden, on the street, on your sidewalk and more. To prevent this, ensure that you edging made from either concrete or bricks is installed before the gravel is laid.

For more tips on properly laying a gravel driveway, talk to a paving contractor in your area.

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