What are Some Tips to Fix a Gravel Driveway?

Gravel driveways offer numerous benefits that make them a popular choice in the UK. In addition to their durability and cost-effectiveness, they are also an environmentally friendly surfacing option. However, even when you strive to keep your driveway in top shape, constant usage, heavy storms, and other natural events can still cause problems such as potholes, gravel depletion, and erosion.

In this guide, we provide you with useful steps to get your driveway back in good shape without breaking the bank. These practical tips have proven to be very effective in repairing gravel driveways and preventing further damage. If you are unable to carry them out by yourself, we encourage you to reach out to us for professional driveway repair.

But before we get into it, let's talk about maintenance.

Essential Maintenance Tips for a Gravel Driveway

When it comes to maintenance, regular inspection is key. You must keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear, such as small potholes, uneven surfaces etc. By addressing these issues promptly, you can prevent them from escalating and becoming more challenging to fix. Here's what you can do to extend the lifespan of your gravel drive:

• Periodically rake the gravel to redistribute it evenly and fill in any low spots or uneven areas.

• Fill in any potholes or depressions in the driveway with additional gravel.

• Keep weeds and vegetation under control by removing them regularly.

• Ensure proper drainage by keeping gutters and downspouts clear of debris to prevent water from pooling or running onto the driveway

Maintenance of Gravel Driveways

Gravel driveways offer a unique alternative to traditional loose gravel driveways. They are constructed by bonding gravel stones with a resin binder, resulting in a more stable and durable surface. However they require a different approach to maintenance.

To maintain a resin gravel surface, follow these essential tips:

• Sweep the surface regularly to remove loose debris, leaves, or dirt. This can be done using a stiff brush or a leaf blower.

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the surface. Only use a mild detergent or a specialised resin-bound cleaner to remove stains from your resin gravel drive.

• Check regularly for any weed growth and remove them promptly. This can be done manually or using a weed killer specifically formulated for resin bound surfaces.

• Avoid using pressure washers at high pressure directly on the resin bound gravel surface. High-pressure water can dislodge the aggregates and compromise the integrity of the installation.

• Periodic Resealing: For some resin bound driveway types, periodic resealing may be required. This resealing helps to protect the surface and restore its appearance. Consult with the manufacturer or you can reach out to us for professional guidance.

Want to know more about resin bound driveways? Call us today to get in touch with a professional.

5 Top Tips for Fixing A Gravel Driveway

Here are some tips to get your gravel driveway looking good as new:

1. Alway Prepare the Site: Before beginning any work, it's important to ensure that the area is completely levelled. Additionally, make sure the driveway is clear of debris, weeds, and leaves. Take the time to remove any weeds or vegetation growing around the edges of your driveway. This will provide a clean and suitable surface for your driveway improvement project.

2. Resurface the Site: Dig out the entire area around the pothole and fill out the area with fresh gravel. For every layer you add, ensure it is compacted. You can use a mechanical compactor such as a plate tamp machine or jumping jack to get it as compact as possible. If the problem is loose gravel, you use a crushed limestone base material as an overlay. This helps to tighten the gravel, reduce spaces and amount of water that is sucked into the driveway.

   If you are working on a soft gravel driveway, you may need to remove the gravel layer and work on the sub base, the sand upon which the gravel is laid on. A soft subgrade can be resurfaced using clay or powdered lime, which is blended, wetted, compacted, and graded. Additionally, you can use a geotechnical fabric underlayment to further stabilise a soft gravel driveway.

   

3. Crowning Your Driveway: When fixing your drive, take appropriate steps to prevent water from pooling and creating potholes. You do this by making the centre of your driveway higher than the sides. This is known as crowning and ensures that water runs down the sides and away from the drive. If water is pooling around the edges, you may need additional drainage trenches to help direct water away from your property.

4. Check for Drainage Problems: Ensure that there are no blockages, as poor drainage can make your driveway messy and even make the gravel stones mobile. Depending on the nature of your driveway and your property, you may need to install a ditch or swale around the perimeter of your driveway to collect rainwater which will then run off into existing drainages without creating puddles or flooding your property.

5. Use Pavers to Create Stability: Stabilizing your gravel driveway with pavers involves the strategic placement of pavers within the gravel surface. This creates a more secure and durable foundation that helps to prevent the shifting and displacement of the loose gravel e.g around edges or borders to prevent gravel from migrating. This technique enhances the overall stability, providing a smoother and more even surface.

Upgrade Your Driveway with Durable Resin

If you desire a more stable, durable driveway that requires less maintenance while being permeable, choosing to replace your existing gravel with a resin bound driveway alternative is the best investment you can make.

At YourResinDriveway, we have expert installers with years of experience in installing gravel driveway in the UK. With their wealth of experience, you can be sure that nothing will go wrong if you hire us for your next driveway project.

Our phone lines 0808 273 7505 are always open to receive your calls while you can also fill out our online forms to get in touch with us.