Homeowners who are drawn to the classic charm of a gravel driveway but fear the difficulty of related maintenance tasks sHomeowners who are drawn to the classic charm of a gravel driveway but fear the difficulty of related maintenance tasks should consider chip sealing. This process yields a driveway that combines the aesthetic appeal of gravel with the durability of paved surfaces, and makes tasks such as snow-removal much easier. Read our guide below for tips on how to create a low-maintenance, all-gravel driveway that can handle the rigors of everyday use.
Understanding the Benefits of Gravel Driveways
Gravel driveways are cost-effective, offer excellent drainage, prevent pooling water, and reduce the risk of ice formation in colder climates. They are also environmentally friendly, allow rainwater to penetrate ground, replenish groundwater supplies, and reduce runoff. You can get gravel in various textures and colors to match any home’s exterior, and it won’t crack under pressure the way concrete can.
Types of Gravel for Driveways
Take time to understand the different types of gravel available. Each type has unique characteristics and benefits, and some are more suitable for specific applications than others.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is popular for decorative driveways, and consists of small, rounded stones that have a diameter of up to 3/8 inch. It’s smooth, comfortable to walk on, provides excellent drainage, and comes in a variety of colors. It can shift, though, and you might need to replenish it more frequently than other types of gravel.
Crushed Stone
Crushed stone adds a rugged texture and an angular shape to driveways. Its pieces can interlock to create especially stable surfaces, and it’s less likely to shift than gravel, which makes it ideal for areas with lots of traffic or steep inclines. This gravel type comes in various sizes that range from 3/4–1 1/2 inches.
River Rock
River rock features smooth, rounded stones that homeowners use to create decorative borders or unique touches for garden beds or water features. It’s not the most durable choice for driveways, as it can shift and roll.
Preparing the Site for Your Gravel Driveway
Start preparing your gravel driveway installation site by removing any existing vegetation and topsoil from the area. Grade the site so that it slopes away from the building and can drain properly. Create a crown in the center to prevent pooling water, and install a geotextile fabric to prevent the gravel from mixing with underlying soil.
You should also survey the area and note any drainage issues. Attend to these before you lay down the gravel. You can extend the life of your driveway and reduce long-term maintenance needs by making sure the base of the driveway is solid.
The Chip Seal Technique: A Game-Changer for Gravel Driveways
Homeowners who seek the look of a gravel driveway with improved durability should consider the chip seal technique. This combines the best aspects of both gravel and paved surfaces, resulting in a durable, low-maintenance driveway that can withstand winter plowing.
What Is Chip Sealing?
Chip sealing is a paving technique that involves applying a layer of a hot, tar-like substance called bitumen to an existing asphalt surface, followed by a layer of small, uniform stones. The stones compact into the bitumen, and create a durable, textured surface that looks like a gravel driveway.
Advantages of Chip Sealing
Chip sealing offers several advantages over traditional gravel driveways:
- Aesthetic appeal: Maintains the look of a gravel driveway with added functionality
- Affordability: Less expensive than full asphalt paving, and provides similar durability
- Improved stability: Stones less likely to shift
- Reduced maintenance: No need for annual raking or replenishment of stones
- Snow plow compatibility: Can withstand plowing
Chip sealing also extends the life of your driveway, and reduces the need for repairs and resurfacing. For homeowners who frequently deal with driveway issues, investing in a quality home warranty might provide coverage for related systems that connect to your driveway, such as drainage systems or attached garages.
Step-by-Step Guide To Chip Seal Your Driveway
Chip sealing requires specialized equipment and materials, and is not typically a do-it-yourself job. Understanding the process is still helpful, though, and can help you to hire the most qualified professional paving crew. Below is an overview of the chip-sealing process:
Apply the Bitumen
First, remove any weeds, and sweep the driveway with a broom. The paving contractor will schedule work for a dry day because hot tar can’t stick to wet pavement. The crew will apply an even, 1/4-inch coat of MC3000 bitumen that’s heated to 190 degrees F, according to landscape contractor Roger Cook.
Dump and Spread the Stone
After crew members apply the bitumen, they’ll dump dry stone from a dump truck onto the hot tar. They’ll proceed to use wooden lutes to spread the stone over the tar, making a layer that’s about a 1/2-inch thick. The crew must work quickly so that the tar does not cool before they’re finished.
Roll the Surface
Finally, the crew will drive a multi-tire pneumatic roller machine over the stones to press them firmly into the bitumen, according to Cook. Once this is done, the driveway is finally ready for use.
Essential Tools and Equipment for Chip Sealing
Homeowners should familiarize themselves with the equipment required for chip sealing, though they probably won’t be performing the task themselves.
- Bitumen sprayer: For applying the hot bitumen evenly
- Dump truck: For transporting and delivering stone
- Pneumatic roller: For compacting the stone into the bitumen
- Wheelbarrows: For moving stone from the truck to the driveway
- Wooden lutes: For spreading the stone evenly
Maintenance Tips for Your Chip-Sealed Gravel Driveway
A chip-sealed gravel driveway requires little maintenance, but homeowners should still perform occasional care to extend the life of their driveways. Regularly inspecting the driveway and addressing minor issues promptly can prevent larger problems down the line.
Snow Removal Techniques
You can plow chip-sealed surfaces, but you must still be very careful to avoid damaging the surface. Set the plow blade slightly higher than you would for a traditional paved surface. If you’re using snowblowers, use models with rubber-edged augers to minimize the risk of catching and lifting the embedded stones. Using a plastic snow shovel instead of a metal one can further protect the integrity of the surface during manual snow removal.
Addressing Wear and Tear
You may notice some loose stones on your driveway’s surface. This is normal, and doesn’t require immediate action. However, if you notice significant loss of stone, or areas around which underlying bitumen is exposed, consult with a paving professional about touch-ups or resealing. Regularly sweeping can also help you to maintain your driveway’s appearance, and remove debris that might cause wear or damage.
Cost Considerations: Gravel vs. Other Driveway Materials
You must consider both initial installation costs and long-term maintenance expenses when comparing driveway materials. Below are general comparisons between materials:
- Asphalt: $3 to $7 per square foot
- Chip-sealed gravel: $2 to $5 per square foot
- Concrete: $4 to $8 per square foot
- Traditional gravel: $1 to $3 per square foot
*Cost data in this article sourced from Angi.
Chip-sealed gravel may have a higher upfront cost than traditional gravel, but it requires less maintenance, so it’s more cost-effective in the long run. It’s also usually less expensive than full asphalt or concrete paving, but offers similar durability.
Environmental Impact of Gravel Driveways
Gravel driveways are usually more environmentally friendly than impermeable surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. They allow for better water infiltration, reduce runoff, and help to recharge groundwater supplies. This can be particularly beneficial in areas that are prone to flooding or water scarcity.
Gravel driveways also require less energy-intensive manufacturing processes. The low-maintenance gravel driveway approach reduces the need for frequent replenishment of materials.
Enhancing the Aesthetics of Your Gravel Driveway
There are several ways to enhance the aesthetics of your chip-sealed gravel driveway. Thoughtful design can make your driveway a notable feature of your property, adding curb appeal and value.
Edging Options
Adding edging to your driveway can create a polished look, help to contain the gravel, and complement your home’s architectural style. Options include the following:
- Brick
- Concrete curbing
- Metal edging
- Stone pavers
- Timber
Landscaping Ideas
The right landscape techniques can make your gravel driveway more visually appealing. Consider the following:
- Create a grand entrance with decorative gates or pillars.
- Install landscape lighting to illuminate the driveway at night.
- Plant low-growing shrubs or ornamental grasses along the edges.
- Use contrasting materials for walkways or parking areas.
Common Challenges and Solutions for Gravel Driveways
Gravel driveways come with many benefits, but homeowners should still consider their challenges too. Read about potential issues below.
- Dust: Chip-sealed surfaces produce significantly less dust than traditional gravel, but you may have to water surfaces to keep dust down in arid climates.
- Erosion on slopes: Install water bars or French drains along steep driveways to divert water and prevent erosion.
- Potholes: Potholes are rare in chip-sealed driveways, but may occur. Fill them in as soon as you see them to prevent further damage.
- Weed growth: Weed growth is not common in chip-sealed driveways, but weeds can appear. Use a weed barrier fabric during installation to prevent this, and spot-treat any weeds that emerge.
If you prepare yourself to confront these potential challenges, you can more successfully maintain the beauty and functionality of your all-gravel driveway for years to come.
Our Conclusion
Installing an all-gravel driveway using the chip seal technique gives homeowners the classic look of gravel with the strength of paved surfaces. This means homeowners won’t have to deal with the typical hassles that come with gravel driveways, such as frequent raking, stone displacement, and difficulties with snow removal.
The initial installation requires professional expertise and specialized equipment, but the long-term benefits of reduced maintenance, improved durability, and visual appeal make it worthwhile for many homeowners.
