This is the time of year to get ready for prepping rural driveways for winter access.
Small urban driveways are simple and need little, if any, maintenance. With large rural driveways, itB次元官网网址檚 wise to address their condition and drainage for the rainy season, winter and spring run-off. Not to mention snow plowing and all the fun that goes along with having a long and winding road that leads to your door over the late fall, winter and early spring months.
When a large amount of precipitation washes over or along the sides of a driveway that is on even a slight grade, material is removed. This also causes material to loosen and makes it easy for potholes and ruts to appear. The sides of a driveway need to be retained no matter what the surface is. If a sufficient amount of material from the sides of the driveway is removed, serious erosion can occur and washouts can take place, making the driveway impassable or possibly damaging to your vehicle.
A good preventive measure for erosion from the side of a driveway is 3- to 6-inch pieces of clear-crushed rock, laid a few stones thick and 18 to 24 inches wide. This will prevent any side erosion and retain the side without fear of the stones washing away, due to their weight and shape that causes them to lock into each other. It also makes a great side marker for the disorienting, moonless dark nights.
The surface washouts need to have material replaced, raked, levelled and compacted if they are a loose material. This is a yearly exercise.
Hot asphalt, concrete and recycled asphalt do not have any surface washout concerns. They stay solid. It is just retainment of the sides that is concerning.
RELATED READING: If your driveway needs help, RAP it up!
Snow plowing a driveway is simple if you remember to have the blade half-inch above the road and do not plow uphill.
The condition of the driveway going into the rainy season dictates the repairs needed to keep it passable throughout the following six months and at the start of spring. Now would be a good time to address any issues you may have with your driveway.
Getting ready for a safe and inviting driveway is as easy as a phone call, text or email to a business that works with rural driveways.
To learn more about the possibilities of recycled asphalt for your rural driveway, contact Robert Henry at
