You are going to create a driveway and you know that there are things to know and factors to consider before you start. As in many cases, poorly preparing your layout and not anticipating by thinking about the overall project can then cause problems. So do everything right the first time. Do you think that after all, building a driveway means coming with a big truck and spreading gravel on the surface? But that would really be too simple. In the case of a gravel driveway, there are several layers to consider, from the most functional to the most aesthetic. Here is an overview of the X common mistakes made when laying a driveway.
1 – Not planning
You are enthusiastic about this driveway design project and, as often, you want to go for it. Perhaps you tell yourself that planning has a boring side. Yet it is essential if you want to save both time and money. For example, have you thought about finding out whether or not there are pipes or cables in the ground at the location of the area you have planned to develop? So rather than getting carried away by the excitement of the project, try to establish what your expectations are, and list the different stages. Because these actions are key elements of the process.
2 – Not providing deep enough foundations
Another factor to consider is how deep to dig to accommodate the different layers you will be using. Not leaving enough room for a proper foundation is a major cause of problems later on. Failure to dig deep enough means that you risk your driveway sinking, cracking, or becoming non-level over time, regardless of the type of surfacing material you choose. Excavating to the right depth and choosing the right substrate as your base material will give you a good foundation to create a driveway that will remain level and stable for years to come.
3 – Not choosing the right geotextile fabric
Geotextile fabrics are a synthetic material to be used in landscaping and construction projects to achieve, among other things, separation from the ground, its stabilization and drainage. Choosing a good geotextile fabric involves preventing the sinking of your driveway from properly distributing the load as vehicles drive over the surface.
4 – Ignore potential drainage problems
If you think you don’t have to worry about drainage, you might regret it. Because to create a perfect driveway, drainage is a real challenge. Inadequate drainage can cause flooding, accumulations. For example, if you choose a gravel driveway, if it is poorly drained, a whole part can be eliminated. Your driveway may end up with a few potholes. This will mean an additional investment of time and money to fix it. With inadequate drainage, after the rain, you will probably have to lay down a new layer of gravel. This can be costly in the long run. Hence the importance of planning well.
5 – Do not act against weeds
Imagine investing time and money in a driveway and then it gets overgrown with weeds. Weeds can weaken the integrity of your surface and create problems. When digging, make sure weed roots are removed. It is also recommended to apply a textile fabric specifically used to help prevent weed growth.
6 – Do not worry about the border
Edging is an important element to consider in building your driveway. If you choose to lay out a gravel driveway, edging keeps the gravel where you want it to stay, while providing added curb appeal and style. If you don’t plan on edging, your gravel can shift and you’ll end up with rocks under your lawnmower blades getting catapulted through the air, which can harm both people and cars. So make sure you don’t overlook curbs when planning your driveway.
7 – Choose a material that is too slippery
It is better to opt for safety than for aesthetics. You don’t want to break your leg or sprain your ankle skidding on your driveway. So make sure the material you choose is weather-treated. Make sure it is non-slip. Check the quality of your product, whether it is gravel, pavers, wood, tiles, etc.
8 – Being too impatient
A common mistake is to tell yourself your driveway is just finished: come on, let’s drive on it, try it out and see how it feels. That is to say, do not wait for the last stages and drive a big, heavy car there, even before your surface is compacted or everything is properly settled. Depending on the type of surface, you will need to be patient and wait the required amount of time before allowing anyone to use your new driveway.