How long does a gravel foundation last?

You can expect a gravel driveway to last 4 to 10 years, and an average of 5 years, before requiring repair and refreshing of gravel.

howtolookatahouse.com - What is the average life expectancy of a gravel driveway or walkway?

How do I know what drill bit to use for an anchor?

The diameter of the hole you drill should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw. So, for example, if you're using a 3.5 mm screw, use...

Last updated Jul 22, 2021

Can I live in a mobile home in my garden?

A mobile home can be used in a garden without planning but you will need to justify how the use of the caravan supports the use of the house and...

Last updated Mar 20, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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How long does a gravel driveway or walkway last?

You can expect a gravel driveway to last 4 to 10 years, and an average of 5 years, before requiring repair and refreshing of gravel. A gravel walkway will survive a little longer, 5 to 12 years and an average of 7. Theoretically a gravel surface can last indefinitely if installed correctly and updated regularly. The key to a long-lasting gravel surface starts with a base of either limerock or rock, compacted and covered with a geotextile sheet. Edging is also necessary, and an herbicide application to keep down weeds. Here’s a bar graph comparing the life expectancy of gravel to other paving surfaces.

Go to our blog post What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house? for rating of other house components. To understand the basis, potential use, and limitations of lifespan ratings, see How accurate are the average life expectancy ratings of home components? Are they actually useful?

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about a home’s SITE:

• Why do so many more sinkholes open up after a hurricane?

• Should I seal the pavers at my patio and driveway or not?

• What is a flag lot?

• How much is the ground required to slope away from a house?

• What is a chimney sinkhole? • How do I recognize structural problems in a retaining wall?

• What are the warning signs of a sinkhole?

• What causes sinkholes? • How can homebuyers protect themselves against buying a house over a sinkhole?

• What should I do about a tree with roots running under my house?

• Will the electric company trim branches rubbing against the overhead service lines to my house?

• How can trees damage a house?

• What causes cracks in a driveway?

• What is my chance of buying a Florida home over a sinkhole?

• Which trees are most likely to fall over on your house in a hurricane?

Visit our SITE page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. NOTE: These life expectancies are based on data provided by InterNACHI, NAHB, FannieMae, and our own professional experience. Because of the numerous variables that can affect a lifespan, they should be used as rough guidelines only, and not relied upon as a warranty or guarantee of future performance.

How can I get free power?

Generating Electricity at Home Residential Solar Panels. Every ray of sunshine that lands on your roof is free electricity for the taking. ... Wind...

Last updated Oct 8, 2022

Can you nail without anchor?

No problem! The best way to hang things without a wall anchor is by securing the item to a stud. This can be as simple as driving a screw straight...

Last updated May 9, 2020

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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Can I use plastic sheeting as a moisture barrier?

Plastic, specifically 6-mil polyethylene plastic, is the most commonly used vapor barrier. Plastic has a very low permeability rating, which means water, in its gaseous or liquid state, does not travel through it.

homeguides.sfgate.com - How to Use Plastic As a Vapor Barrier in the Walls - Home Guides

Six-mil polyethylene plastic comes in rolls of various dimensions. Purchase plastic in dimensions that limit the number of seams between plastic sheets. Install the plastic sheeting only after the insulation, wiring and plumbing have been completed. Stretch the plastic sheet tightly across the top of the wall and staple it to the studs and plates with a hammer-tacker, a tool designed to install staples quickly and efficiently. Staple the plastic by working from the top plate across and down to the bottom plate. Staple the plastic on each stud and across each plate every 12 to 18 inches. Be very careful not to break the plastic during installation. If you do, either replace the entire plastic sheet for large holes, or tape the smaller breaks with nonpermeable plastic tape.

Are prefab metal garages any good?

Overall, if you need something cost-effective and convenient, metal prefab garages are a good choice. The more construction you can do yourself,...

Last updated Feb 18, 2019

How big is an oversized 2 car garage?

In short, the minimum dimensions for a 2 car garage should be 20'x20′ and to make extra space to get in and out of the car, it is recommended to go...

Last updated Jul 16, 2021

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

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How much weight can a roof overhang hold?

How Much Weight Can A Flat Roof Hold? California building code sets minimum standards for roof load-bearing capacity. At minimum, any roof which...

Last updated Sep 9, 2022

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

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What do you put under EPDM?

EPDM should be bonded over 5/8" plywood, 5/8" OSB board, or polyisocyanurate board with a fiberglass backing.

Last updated Jul 5, 2019