5 Tips for Paving a Steep Driveway
Whether it slopes down toward your garage or down to the street, a steep driveway can be a challenge to pave. Asphalt is the material of choice in steep areas, as it's easy to work with and quite durable. Drainage and erosion are the main enemies of a steep drive, but there are some paving tips and tricks that will help prevent issues.
1. Stabilize the Base
A stable base beneath the paving is key to avoiding problems later on. A standard asphalt base consists of layers of compacted gravel and sand, which is sufficient to stabilize the paving. On a steep slope, though, rebar or concrete headers must be installed at intervals within the base. These will anchor the base materials and prevent them from shifting under the forces of gravity.
2. Prevent Edge Erosion
Problems can also occur along the edges of the driveway due to water sheeting off the slope and washing away the soil. Stabilizing the landscaping along the edge of the paving solves this problem. This can be done by adding concrete edging along the sides of the asphalt paving. If you prefer a lawn or garden bed framing the driveway, then installing permeable plastic grids in the soil along the edges will prevent erosion.
3. Add Drainage
Most sloped driveways have a dip that collects water at the lowest point, which is typically right in front of the garage door or at the junction between driveway and sidewalk depending on the direction of your slope. This is the weakest area where potholes and damage are most likely to occur. Your paving company can install a trench drain in this location, covered with a grate so you can drive over it. The drain will route the collected water safely away from your driveway.
4. Improve Grip
Slickness can be an issue, especially if you live in a snowy, icy, or wet climate. Fortunately, it is quite simple to improve the traction on your sloped driveway. Ask your paver to add additional aggregate to the top layer of asphalt. The aggregate, or gravel, creates a textured surface that provides better grip compared to perfectly smooth paving, even if the drive is covered in ice.
5. Seal Regularly
Never forget that excess moisture sheeting down the sloped drive can lead to quicker environmental wear and tear. Sealcoating every couple of years will protect against this aging process. A sealcoat is made of protective epoxy sealers and a thin asphalt mix. It's designed to protect against UV damage and the ravages of moisture on asphalt.
Contact a residential asphalt paving service to get a quote on your steep driveway paving project.