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What are the cons of a gravel driveway?

The Challenges of Gravel Driveways Snow and rain can cause the gravel to move around and even sink, causing ruts and sinkholes. Regular maintenance and top dressing the driveway may be required. Snow and ice removal can also be difficult unless supported by a porous paving system.

How close to my property line can my neighbor build a fence?
How close to my property line can my neighbor build a fence?

Check Rules and Regulations Typically, fences are installed anywhere from 2 to 8 inches from a property line in most areas. Some areas might allow...

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How do I create a 30 label template in Word?
How do I create a 30 label template in Word?

To create a template: Step 1: Click on Options; this opens a dialogue box called Label Options. Step 2: Click on New Label; this opens a dialogue...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

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

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Gravel Driveway Design

When designing the landscaping of a home, one component to consider is the driveway. In non-master-community developments, estates and rural areas, a homeowner is often responsible for the design of the driveway. There are many options to choose from including concrete, asphalt, brick/concrete pavers, porous pavers or a variety of gravel/aggregates. A driveway not only needs to be functional and support a variety of traffic but can also be a part of the initial visual impression of a home.

Gravel Driveway Benefits

Many people opt for a gravel driveway in lieu of traditional concrete, asphalt or non-porous pavers. While cost is often the driving factor, there are other benefits to this choice. Gravel Driveways are quickly and easily installed, and maintenance is minimal. Using aggregates is also a way to create beautiful, individualized landscaping. The colors and materials available are endless so creating a unique driveway can add to the aesthetics of a home. Another significant benefit is that gravel driveways are porous and will mitigate issues caused by heavy rainfall. Creating a more porous surface around a home allows for the water to drain more rapidly and recharge ground water for added environmental benefits. Many cities have begun issuing taxes on non-porous surface areas of homes to encourage homeowners to create more Green spaces.

The Challenges of Gravel Driveways

While there are numerous benefits to choosing a gravel drive, there are issues that can arise. Snow and rain can cause the gravel to move around and even sink, causing ruts and sinkholes. Regular maintenance and top dressing the driveway may be required. Snow and ice removal can also be difficult unless supported by a porous paving system. Another concern that a homeowner may have is because the surface is unstable, the type of traffic that it can support may be limited. Larger vehicles such as emergency or utility vehicles may cause rutting in the drive, while smaller wheels such as bicycles and wheelchairs may be unable to roll over the surface.

A Better Gravel Driveway

An alternative to simply using gravel over the existing soil is to use flexible plastic porous pavers. Porous Pavers are designed to allow organic material such as aggregate or grass to replace traditional hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. By installing these flexible porous pavers over a base course, they stabilize the surface, absorb the weight and provide H-20 loading capacity. Because the structure provides support, the gravel is stabilized and the surface becomes smooth. Small wheels can easily roll over the gravel and the weight of large vehicles weight is easily supported. They also increase the flow rate and allow for water to pass through the gravel at a faster rate.

Gravelpave2 to the Rescue

Invisible Structures, Inc. was the first to introduce pavers for gravel in 1991. Gravelpave2 is a 100% recycled plastic ring-on-grid structure designed to support unlimited traffic. With great flexibility, high compressive strength, and ADA Certification, Gravelpave2 is a practical and sustainable option for any low-speed area. Gravelpave2’s fabric backing acts as a vegetation barrier, a dust inhibitor, provides true containment and will never come off or disintegrate. A 92% void space allows for rapid stormwater drainage and filtration of environmental toxins through bioremediation. Using the US-made steel pins and washers included in every order, one person can install 430-sf of product in forty-five minutes. Our easy-to-install rolls can be trimmed with pruning shears and even slightly bent to create curves and customize layouts making it an ideal Green Solution for any driveway.

Can a half wall be load bearing?
Can a half wall be load bearing?

Is a Partial Wall Load-Bearing? If the wall is a partial wall, meaning it stops short of an adjacent wall, it may or may not be load-bearing. For...

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What are the cons of a Barndominium?
What are the cons of a Barndominium?

List of the Cons of a Barndominium Barndominiums are not immune to corrosion. ... There is still a cost element to consider with barndominiums. ......

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »

How close to the property line Can a shed be?

Accessory structures shall be minimum 5 feet from the rear property line and minimum 2 feet from a side property line. They are not allowed in the front yard.

“Accessory” structures larger than 200 square feet require a building permit before you start construction. Some of their requirements include that “a detached garage 3 feet or closer to the primary structure needs drywall finish on the inside. Structures closer than 5 feet to a property line will have fire rating requirements on the walls and overhangs/eaves. Accessory structures shall be minimum 5 feet from the rear property line and minimum 2 feet from a side property line. They are not allowed in the front yard. Parking access shall be provided from alley where present. Accessory structures shall not combine to be larger than the foot print area of the main house. Accessory structures shall be not taller than 24 feet or the main house, whichever is lower. An Accessory Apartment over the garage or elsewhere on site requires a Conditional Use Permit. And oh boy, after getting one of those I can tell you that’s a costly and time consuming can of worms right there requiring reams of paperwork, neighborhood notices and meetings, a sign in your yard, and a public zoning hearing.

Can I turn my garage into a granny flat?
Can I turn my garage into a granny flat?

To create more liveable space, you can convert your garage to a granny flat. You will need to make modifications to your existing structure to...

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How much is a handicap ramp?
How much is a handicap ramp?

The cost of a wheelchair ramp typically ranges between $1,000 and $2,800. This price encompasses both the materials and labor required. There are...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
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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How close can a shed be to a neighbors house?
How close can a shed be to a neighbors house?

In some areas, you are allowed to build as close as four feet away from your property line. In other places, your LPA may ask you to keep your shed...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »
What are some good passion projects?
What are some good passion projects?

35 Passion Project Ideas to Pursue Start writing short stories or fan fiction. ... Become a reviewer for something you love. ... Learn calligraphy...

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