Why Gravel Is A Good Driveway Choice For Winter

Homeowners who are planning on getting a new drive installed before winter sets in should consider a gravel driveway, as this is one of the best materials against snow and ice. 

Among the many reasons for having a gravel driveway is that when snow melts and freezes again, it can make other types of drives, such as paving, very slippery to drive on. 

However, there is a lower risk of this happening to gravel during freeze-thaw cycles, which means drivers do not have to worry about their path being too icy when the temperature drops below freezing. 

Its coarse texture also provides traction, making it easier to drive on when it is wet outside, so it is a safer choice during rainy days, which can often feel like everyday in the colder months. 

As the UK is so wet and rainy, it is also worth noting that gravel can help with water drainage so homeowners are not left with puddles on their drive, which will turn to ice when the temperature dips below 0C.

Gravel driveways are also growing in popularity for other reasons, including their durability. The UK is known for its varying weather conditions, dipping to a historic low temperature of -27.2C and a record high of 40.3C. 

Therefore, it is important to choose a material that is safe to drive on during cold periods and does not swell or wear away when there are heatwaves.

Gravel is very durable, with driveways being able to last up to 100 years if they are properly maintained. This simply involves topping it up with a new layer if the original supply starts to wear away. 

Another reason why gravel is a firm choice is it is less expensive than other types of driveway, while at the same time being highly durable and resistant to damage.