Is Gravel The Best Option or Your Drive?

If you are considering relaying your driveway, now is a good time to do it. The remaining weeks of summer offer a chance for the work to be done in warmer and - comparatively - dry weather, before the surface gets covered in falling leaves, drenched by autumn and winter storms or prone to freeze-thaw when the coldest weather arrives.

However, if you are resurfacing the driveway, a key question to be asked is what material to use.

Gravel is one that comes with a number of pros and cons, so it is worth considering them all before choosing this or an alternative.

The first, simplest pro of gravel is that it comes at a lower cost to other materials, so you may want to factor this in at a time when household budgets have been squeezed by inflation.

However, that would be no use without some practical attributes. The good news is that gravel has many. It is quick and easy to install, low maintenance and aesthetically pleasing, not least in country settings where it may match the local stone. Indeed, there are various different shades and material types to choose from.

In addition to all that, that familiar audible crunching sound on contact will be useful for household security, as intruders will find it harder to sneak around undetected, while it will allow water to seep through easily, preventing puddle formation and replenishing groundwater, something plants on either side will benefit from.

However, there are some possible cons to consider. Although it will not crack like a solid surface, it can develop potholes. It is also more prone to weeds growing on it and the material can be washed away in a storm, especially if the driveway is on a slope, although it is easy enough to replenish.

As ever, it is worth looking at all the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of driveway surface before making a decision, ensuring you are left with an attractive and practical place to drive home to.

For more information on gravel driveways in Telford, contact us today.