A natural stone driveway is a great way to create a distinctive entry to your home. Stone driveways can be created in a number of colors and types of stone to match the exterior or landscape elements of your home.
A stone driveway is a cost effective way to create a drive that will reduce or eliminate rainwater runoff. This creates an inexpensive driveway that is also good for the environment.
Maintenance is an important aspect of owning a stone driveway. Although maintenance is not particularly difficult, it must occur on a regular basis to keep your drive in top shape.
Keep Your Stone Driveway Clear of Plants
You should regularly inspect your stone driveway for grass and weeds. Regular removal of weeds and other plants will keep your driveway looking neat. Don't pull weeds, however. Pulling roots will create holes and depressions in your driveway.
Keep It Level
Fill in any potholes you find. Sharp gravel placed into the pothole should be overfilled, then run over with a vehicle to compact the stone. Fine sand applied before and after the patch will help bind the new stone in place.
Your driveway should have a slight crown away from the middle or to one side to promote proper drainage. A properly sloped stone driveway will keep rainwater from ponding on the drive.
Raking your drive, either by hand or with a weighted frame towed behind a vehicle is an easy way to smooth out high and low spots.
Remove Debris Regularly
Use a blower to remove leaves and other debris from your stone driveway. If leaves are left on the driveway, they will decompose, creating a thin soil that will settle between the stones. This soil is unattractive and creates growing medium for weeds and grass.
 | Your tar driveway is constantly assaulted by the elements. To keep it looking its best, you should seal your driveway periodically. |
 | An asphalt driveway can provide a smooth, solid entry to your home. Asphalt is a durable material that is easy to work with and, if properly installed, will last for decades. |
 | Minor damage to your concrete driveway should be repaired quickly to avoid major problems in the future. Cracks in your driveway provide access for water that can freeze and expand the cracks. Freeze/thaw damage can lead to costly repairs or even the complete replacement of your driveway. |
One of the most common problems with concrete and blacktop driveways is that they tend to crack over a period of time. They can even develop cracks in them long before they should if they're not properly taken care of. |
One reason to seal coat the driveway yourself would be to save on the cost of labor. This would end up saving you anywhere from $300 to $1000. A team of professional seal coaters usually consists of three people that make money based on the quantity of driveways they complete in one day. |
