To some, a sloping driveway would seem to preclude the use of gravel, with its tendency to migrate, shift and disperse. There may also be concerns about the gravel getting washed downhill in heavy rain.
But if the sloped driveway in question has a gradient of no more than 1:5 (20 per cent) and a superior gravel retention grid system is installed, then gravel, with its plethora of colours, textures and sizes, can be the perfect choice of surface finish for many properties and these concerns can be brushed away.
Laying a gravel retention system
A gravel retention grid system, such as Growtivation’s Gravelrings from the Product That Works range of professional landscaping products, will help to hold the gravel in place and prevent pitting, even on 1:5 slopes. The gravel grids also allow the creation of a fully permeable surface finish, helping to reduce pressure on overtaxed drainage systems.
Installing a gravel grid system on a sloped surface requires flexibility from the system in order to be able to lay it according to the contours of the surface. With a lower profile (25mm) than other grid systems, Gravelrings gravel grids have the flexibility to follow the contours of the land and can be easily cut to specific size requirements and shaped around trees, shrubs, corners and curves.
Ensuring SuDS compliance
In 2008 the rules governing driveways were changed, following serious flooding in 2007. Non-porous driveways were said to have contributed to the flooding by not allowing surface water to seep into the ground, instead causing it to flow into storm drains where the system became overwhelmed.
A gravel driveway installed using Gravelrings will produce a fully permeable gravel retention system and ensure SuDS compliance.
Creating a stable gravel driveway
Regardless of whether you are installing a gravel retention system on a flat or sloped surface, securing the system in place is a key step, but even more crucial on a sloped driveway. While Gravelrings gravel grid panels are easily joined using an interlocking clip mechanism, the grids should also be secured to the sub-base to prevent movement. Gravelrings Fixing Pins, spiralled and 250mm long, are designed exclusively for use with Gravelrings gravel panels and hold them securely in place.
However, if you wish to stabilise the foundations of your driveway fully, you should also lay a specialist driveway geotextile membrane, such as Draintex or Drivetex, prior to laying the compacted stone sub-base.
Gravelrings is only recommended for use on sloped surfaces with a maximum gradient of 1:5 (20 per cent). If the driveway in question is has a gradient greater than that then an alternative surface finish is recommended.
With 20 years’ experience in the landscape industry, Growtivation understands the needs of landscaping professionals and has concentrated on providing high performance solutions with our Product That Works range.
Find out more about the Growtivation Product That Works range by downloading our Product Guide and your free copy of our Landscaping That Works guide to weed control and geotextile fabrics.
To find out where you can buy Growtivation products visit our online Where to Buy facility or contact the friendly team at Growtivation for advice on 0800 197 8885 or email sales@growtivation.com.
