A driveway will usually make a statement in front of your home. Since your driveway will make a first impression to your visitors, you need to ensure that it is constructed perfectly. Therefore, whether you are choosing interlocking pavers, asphalt, or concrete, consider the following when planning for a new driveway installation or construction.
Find Out Any Rules/Guidelines Concerning Driveway Construction
Since most driveways usually extend to the roads, there may be construction regulations or guidelines that you need to follow. Therefore, find out from your local council any local codes, restrictions, or construction guidelines that you require. Do this before the design is completed to avoid inconveniences.
Plan Well For Drainage
When installing a new driveway, one of the most important thing you need to keep in mind is the water drainage of the surface. Regardless of the driveway surface that you select, poor drainage or excess pooling of water on the surface will deteriorate your driveway at a faster rate. If you don't plan well for drainage, your driveway will be susceptible to damage and erosion by water. In the worst cases, poor drainage can make your driveway a mud hole especially when the silt from below finds its way into the gravel. When fine silt is forced up to the gravel, it can make the pieces of gravel to lose friction, leading to separation and weakening. Therefore, when evaluating the drainage properties, remember to plan for the installation of a geotextile fabric layer between the bottom layer of the gravel and your subsoil.
Choose the Weather Carefully
When planning for a driveway construction, keep in mind the prevailing weather conditions. The moisture levels as well as the outdoor temperatures are some of the things that you should consider when evaluating the weather conditions. Preferable weather conditions are important for the preparation of the sub-grade. Therefore, for effective sub-grade preparation, schedule your construction when the climate is moderate. That is, it should be neither too cold nor too wet such as in autumn. The structural integrity of your driveway will be compromised if it's constructed when the moisture is too much.
Consider the Width
Make sure your driveway is constructed following the maximum guidelines for width. This will make it easy for one to step out of the car without stepping into the planter areas or your lawn. Therefore, allow for some spacing adjacent to your driveway before the pilaster areas to leave enough room for a vehicle's door swing.
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