The driveway is often a part of the property that’s taken for granted as a utilitarian feature. A poorly designed and built driveway, or one that has deteriorated, can be a nuisance if not a nightmare. Before you get caught in a bad situation with your driveway, consider starting over from scratch as a way to ensure a driveway that will stand the test of time. Excavating contractors offer these tips for a new driveway in the Peterborough and Bedford, NH area.
Related: WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR DRIVEWAY EXCAVATION AND INSTALLATION IN THE AMHERST AND MILFORD, NH, AREAS?
Know the Landscape
An experienced excavating contractor will analyze the landscape where the driveway is going to be located, to identify soil types, assess drainage issues, and accurately locate buried or overhead utility lines that could interfere with the project.
Choose the Best Path
The route for your driveway may not be in a straight line from the road to the house. A perfectly straight route may cut through hillsides, which could invite erosion and soil shifting - not to mention, cutting across a hillside will destroy the aesthetics of the landscape in the process. Instead, excavating contractors will recommend that a driveway follow the path of least resistance. The path needs to have curves that are wide enough for a car to safely traverse any slopes and turns without carving too much out of the hillside. The longer path may seem like it would cost more, but it could result in lower excavation costs, reduced reliance on retaining walls, and less erosion.
Thorough Preparation
To correct a poorly built driveway or cut the path for a new one, your excavating contractor will grade and shape the land to ensure proper drainage. The result will be a driveway that’s a pleasure to drive, with no awkward off-camber turns or shifting soil.
A Strong Sub-Structure
The base of the driveway you use is a crucial element for the longevity of your driveway, whether you ultimately choose asphalt, poured concrete, or driveway pavers. Before any base materials are laid, the earth is thoroughly compacted so that it can withstand the pressures of moving vehicles.
One base option is “road fabric,” a base that is made of synthetic fibers. It holds the compacted earth in place while also dispersing uneven pressures that may push on the masonry surfaces. This extra strong layer will make the driveway even stronger and more secure.
The next layer in the driveway is gravel. Pea gravel or other aggregates will act as a buffer layer between the driveway masonry and the earth below. It will also absorb lots of the shock of vehicles driving across as well as any sort of slight shifting that may happen below the earth. Once this layer is laid on the driveway site, another round of earth compacting begins.
An experienced excavating contractor won’t skimp on these behind-the-scenes steps to ensure a long-lasting driveway.
Repelling Water
Excess water can be damaging to a driveway, so preventative measures need to be taken in the design. A solid-surface driveway (asphalt or poured concrete) needs to divert water from its surface, either by sloping the driveway away from the home, or slightly elevating the center of the driveway. Your excavating contractor may recommend permeable pavers with a driveway heating (snowmelt) system, which will reduce the need for plowing and will allow surface water to disperse more slowly into the earth below.
