Maintenance Tips for Gravel

Gravel driveways are more common for homes that are located outside of the city. While they require more maintenance than an asphalt driveway, gravel driveways also have many benefits.

It’s important to make sure your gravel driveway stays in good condition, especially before the winter snow hits.

Here is our list of suggestions for properly maintaining your gravel driveway.

Rake Your Driveway regularly

Raking your gravel driveway is the best way to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris that may get lodged in between the rocks. Over time, your rocks can become impacted as wind and rain drive them further into the ground. This can cause your driveway to look unkempt.

Not only is this terrible for your curb appeal, but it can also make it more difficult to safely drive and walk on your driveway. Taking the time to rake your driveway occasionally can help to protect your investment.

Monitor for Drainage Issues

Water issues are a major concern for homeowners with gravel driveways. If you notice an excessive amount of water flooding or pooling in certain areas after a downpour, there may be a problem with your drainage. 

If this is the case, you should add more gravel to your driveway to ensure that it remains higher than the surrounding ground. This will help to prevent water runoff, which can cause damage over time.

Repair Potholes

There’s nothing worse for your tires, wheel rims, and steering system than repeatedly driving over potholes. If your gravel driveway contains potholes, you should move quickly to get them repaired before any further damage is done to your vehicle. 

The experts at Tigard Sand and Gravel have the tools and machinery to properly lay your gravel so that it doesn’t develop weak spots and leave you with potholes. You should note that shoveling more gravel into a pothole is not always enough to fix the problem. 

Hire a team of professionals for assistance with repairing the damage once and for all so that you don’t have to worry about potholes reappearing in the future. 

Shovel Your Driveway to Remove Snow

If you need to remove snow from your gravel driveway, it’s best to use a shovel or a snow blower. You may prefer the convenience of a snowplow service, but snowplow blades can do more harm than good. 

Blades push gravel out from your driveway, which means that when the snow finally melts, you’ll be responsible for figuring out how to put it back where it belongs. 

Tigard Sand and Gravel has more expert advice on ways that you can care for your gravel driveway. Contact us today for a free consultation!