Photo: Ali Pli

Can you seal loose gravel?

As with most things, sealing a gravel driveway with resin or epoxy is ok, but doesn't beat doing the job properly. The joys of a gravel driveway come from its versatility and the way that it reacts. Yes, it requires maintenance, but most people are aware of that before they start.

homelogic.co.uk - Can You Seal A Gravel Driveway? | Home Logic UK

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If you want a great looking driveway, but you're on a budget, a gravel driveway offers a cheaper alternative to some of the more longer-lasting, but more expensive options. However, as anyone will tell you “gravel travels” and this migration of your layer of gravel can lead to a patchy looking driveway. Surely sealing the driveway is the way to stop this? But is it even possible and if so, how well does it work?

Recent studies have indicated that a new driveway can add as much as 10 or even 20% to the value of your home, if it is part of an overall landscaping of your garden. Everyone loves a home that looks great from the road. A lovely driveway is inviting and can really set off the house and garden. However, if you want to make the most of this increase in value and get get the most back from your investment, you want a driveway that will keep its good looks for the long term.

Gravel Driveways: An Overview

Many people love the look of a standard, pebble stone driveway due to its rustic feel and the satisfying crunch as you drive in. it also has a good security aspect as you can always hear anyone walking or driving onto your property. A gravel driveway is also much cheaper than other options and can even be done as a DIY job. Laying a gravel driveway is relatively simple (although it does involve some hard work!). You will need to dig down into the soil to a depth of around 10cm and remove as many weeds as possible. Then add a layer of weed barrier material followed by at least three layers of stone. The largest stones should be at the bottom to allow for good drainage and the smaller stones can be at the top for the attractive finish. Each layer needs to be rolled to ensure it is embedded. While the process is easy, there are a number of drawbacks to having a gravel driveway: ● Gravel can be cheap to buy, but you will need much more than you expect. You need a good depth of gravel and this can add up across a large area like a driveway. ● Some gravel types such as slate chippings can be expensive - although they do look amazing. ● Gravel will start to sink into the earth eventually - especially after rain - and therefore needs to be topped up at least annually. ● Gravel can move around the drive and into the pathways and borders. This can be frustrating as you’ll need to rake it regularly to keep it looking even.

The frustration of moving gravel might be fixed by sealing the driveway, but is it a good idea?

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This method is sometimes called tar sealing and needs to be applied by a professional company. The tar will be hot when applied and the result will be sticky until it has dried. Your driveway will be solid, but may lose the good looks of the gravel and, of course, the satisfying crunchy sound that comes with it!

Can I Seal My Gravel Driveway?

The short answer is yes, however the outcome may not be exactly what you imagined. There are a few methods to turn your current free-flowing gravel driveway into a harder and more stable surface and each has their own drawbacks.

Sealing Solution No.1: Asphalting

Many people choose to pour asphalt over their current gravel driveway - using the gravel as a suitable base. This is ideal if you want an asphalt driveway. However, if the black look of asphalt was what you wanted, you would never have chosen gravel in the first place. Asphalt also has a tendency to crumble and adding it to an existing gravel driveway could make these issues worse. This method is sometimes called tar sealing and needs to be applied by a professional company. The tar will be hot when applied and the result will be sticky until it has dried. Your driveway will be solid, but may lose the good looks of the gravel and of course the satisfying crunchy sound.

Sealing Solution No.2: Resin/Epoxy Sealants

The other option is a range of sealants (usually resin or epoxy-based) that can be used over the existing gravel and pressed into place. These sealants come in a liquid form and are sprinkled over the gravel so that the mix settles into the spaces between the stones. You may need several coats to get enough coverage for your driveway. This will depend on the level of structure and hardness you want. If using this method you need to wait until the driveway has been dry for at least three days and it is completely free of weeds or anything that might prevent the sealant from sticking to the stones. The aim is that the sealant will coat the stones, while also binding them together into one mass. This will prevent movement and keep the stones in one place. The thought is also that the sealant will not prevent water from sinking through the stones, therefore preventing any water-based damage that can occur. If you choose to seal your gravel, you may be setting yourself up from problems that you could have avoided by choosing a hard driveway, such as resin bound, in the first place

Does It Actually Work Well In Practice?

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As with most things, sealing a gravel driveway with resin or epoxy is ok, but doesn’t beat doing the job properly. The joys of a gravel driveway come from its versatility and the way that it reacts. Yes, it requires maintenance, but most people are aware of that before they start. If you choose to seal your gravel, you may be setting yourself up from problems that you could have avoided by choosing a hard driveway such as resin bound in the first place.

So what could go wrong?

● The sealant may settle into the spaces between the gravel and effectively seal it up completely. This will mean that your driveway will no longer be permeable and could be subject to subsidence. ● The sealant may be broken down by sunlight (many cheaper sealants suffer with this problem). This can cause it to discolour and you lose the good looks of your aggregate. ● The sealant may start to break apart over time, but in larger chunks than the individual gravel. You will see true holes, that can’t simply be raked back into place. You will appreciate the good looks that come from a resin driveway (it looks like gravel), but also the fact it lasts for 30 years or more and is easy to maintain!

Resin Bound Surfacing: Signed, Sealed, Delivered

For a driveway that looks like gravel but has all of the hardness and resilience that you want, a resin bound driveway is the perfect choice. These driveways are made using stones that have been premixed with resin - ensuring they are completely coated, yet still individual. This means the mix is permeable and water will soak right through. You will appreciate the good looks that come from a resin driveway (it looks like gravel), but also the fact it lasts for 30 years or more and is easy to maintain. The best thing is that you can opt for any colour gravel that you want and the resin used will ensure that the colour is maintained throughout its life. Just regularly washing with a hose and brush is all that is needed to keep it looking tip top. A halfway house between resin bound and gravel is no choice at all. Choose one or the other depending on your budget. For more expert advice to make your final driveway decision, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team today by calling 0800 1700 636!

homelogic.co.uk - Can You Seal A Gravel Driveway? | Home Logic UK