The Best Driveway Materials for Sloped Driveway
- Driveways, Landscaping
- driveway, driveways, landscaping, tarmac, tarmac driveway, tarmac driveways
- December 15, 2021
So, you have a nice piece of property, but the downside is that it has a sloping driveway. Don’t worry as it’s not the end of the world. Although a sloped driveway presents a significant challenge, you still have a handful of options.
In this article, you will learn about the things that you need to consider and your options for the best driveway material for a sloped driveway.
Key Consideration
Contents
Before this article covers different kinds of viable materials for a sloped driveway, you should know what factors you should seriously consider.
Drainage
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When it comes to the key considerations, drainage is perhaps the most crucial one to think about. The reason for this is that run-off water can cause a lot of problems that will affect the driveway condition. Pooling water will not only slowly erode your driveway, but it can be a huge hazard when it freezes.
Your driveway should have drainage that is directed to the sides and channeled towards a drain.
Safety
Since the driveway is on a slope, the car must have enough traction with the driveway to prevent slipping-related problems. Generally, the steeper the slope, the more traction you will need.
Aesthetics
Usually, a driveway is one of the first things that people will see when visiting your home. Hence, it’s essential that your driveway look good. If you choose the wrong material in relation to the situation, it may immediately start to develop cracks, holes, or other aesthetic-related issues. Hence, you’ll likely be going to re-do the entire thing, which will cost you more time and money. Thus, it’s crucial that you do it right the first time.
So What Is The Best Driveway Materials?
Gravel
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At first glance, gravel may be the worst option if you have a sloping driveway. However, with a bit of know-how, it is possible. In most cases, the best way of doing it is to use gravel stones of different sizes.
You start with the large stones as your bottom layer. Then, the stones gradually become smaller and smaller as you go up. Using this approach, your driveway will have excellent drainage. You can also use a plastic grid construction, which compartmentalizes the gravel and helps the gravel to stay in place.
Keep in mind that although gravel may work, but it’s only applicable if the slope is gentle. If the slope is steep, you may have to look for another option as the gravel can easily slide down and pile at the bottom area.
The excellent thing about gravel is that it’s readily available, economical, and easy to install. Hence, it’s not also something you’d want to discount immediately.
Asphalt Or Concrete
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Concrete or asphalt is another option open to you if you have a sloped driveway. Both materials are similar in a way that they both require a similar base. Keep in mind that these materials require good drainage.
The good thing about asphalt concrete is that you can use them in most sloping driveways. As long as the material doesn’t slip while it is curing, these materials are applicable.
Even for the challenging driveways, a contractor can employ strategies to make these materials work. For example, the contractor can split the driveways into multiple sections, which can help tackle the sloping problem.
You need to keep a few things in mind if you choose asphalt or concrete. Both materials tend to become slippery. Such an instance is especially true if there are dips in the driveway that water can then pool. Ice sheets running down the driveway are also another potential problem.
Paving Stones
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Paving stones is perhaps one of the most excellent options for a sloped driveway. However, they can be costly compared to other materials. Paving stones solves a lot of the problems that are related to the sloping issue. For example, paving stones does not slip, assuming the contractor is experienced. And, if you choose a textured paving stone, you’ll have the grip that you need and reduce the slipping hazard significantly.
The only real issue with paving stone is that it’s just costlier. It’s also labor-intensive and takes longer to install compared to other materials.
Resin-Bound Surfacing
If you are just looking for the shortest answer for the question of “what is the best material for a sloped driveway?” then perhaps the best answer is the resin-bound surfacing. This kind of material is a mixture of resin and stone.
Generally, an aggregate stone is first set on the bottom-most layer as this will provide excellent drainage. Then an asphalt layer is set on top of that. Finally, the resin-bound surfacing material is pressed on top of the asphalt layer. With this setup, you have a driveway with excellent drainage and grip.
The beauty of resin-bound driveways is that it’s usually porous. This allows water to seep through the material, preventing ice formation. Typically, this freezing and melting process will cause most driveways material to erode. But thanks to the resin, the sub-based is protected from this erosion process. If you add drainage to the edges, your driveway can effectively deter water-build up even if the driveway is very steep.
Another excellent thing about resin-bound driveways is that you have the option of choosing the aggregate size. If you need more grip because the driveway is steep, you can go for a larger aggregate size.
The construction process of resin-bound surfacing driveways has to be laid continuously. As a result, there will be no cracking. No cracks will mean it won’t be prone to slipping, and it will also be aesthetically pleasing.
Lastly, resin-bound surfacing scores high in terms of longevity. Generally, it would last for around 30 years. Yes, this type of driveway can be costly. However, if you consider how long they will last, this type of driveway is actually very cost-efficient.
Wrapping It All Up
Having a driveway that is sloped presents a couple of challenges. As a result, you have fewer options when it comes to driveway material. Thankfully, you still have a couple of options, such as gravel, asphalt, concrete, paving stones, or resin-bound surfacing.
Keep in mind that each material has its own sets of pros and cons. Hence, it’s up to you to decide which one will work best for your situation.
While you’re here why not read some other articles we have produced such as 15 Reasons New Tarmac Drive Can Still Be Soft Even After Installation and Popular Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Uses!
