Does Your Driveway Need Attention?

Here are some handy tips to help make your driveway last.

• Check your drainage
  Water is one of the biggest causes of driveway damage. Make sure water can drain away and isn’t sitting on the surface.
• Fix potholes early
  Don’t just fill a pothole with loose gravel. The damaged area may need to be reshaped and compacted before adding new material.
• Check the base
  If the driveway has soft or boggy areas, these may need to be repaired before adding a new surface. A good base is essential for a long-lasting driveway.
• Maintain the correct shape
  A driveway needs the right camber and fall to shed water. Over time, traffic can create ruts and flatten the surface.
• Use the right aggregate
  Different materials are suited to different applications. Choosing the correct aggregate for your ground conditions and the amount of traffic your driveway receives is important.
• Don’t just keep adding material
  If your driveway is continually getting higher, rutted or uneven, simply adding more gravel may not solve the underlying problem.
• Compact the surface properly
  Proper compaction helps lock the aggregate together and creates a stronger, more durable surface.
• Consider the traffic
  A driveway regularly used by trucks, trailers or heavy machinery needs a different approach from one used only by cars.
• Keep an eye on it
  Dealing with small problems early can help prevent them becoming expensive repairs later.