This isn't truly an "old house" topic, but thought you guys might have some tips.
Our driveway is currently in really rough shape. It's asphalt, with tree roots buckling it at one end, and deep ruts with mud and gravel at the other.
Any tips on how to fix it very cost effectively? It looks terrible. I imagine it hasn't been "fixed" since sometime in the 60's.
Driveways
Moderators: oldhouse, TinaB, Don M, Schag
Re: Driveways
I know this might seem like a dumb question, but I really am looking for answers! 
Right now everyone (no formal quotes) keeps telling us it will be 10k+ to get it fixed and looking half decent. I'm just positive there has to be a more cost effective solution.
Right now everyone (no formal quotes) keeps telling us it will be 10k+ to get it fixed and looking half decent. I'm just positive there has to be a more cost effective solution.
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mooseracing
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2010 3:56 pm
Re: Driveways
Without any pictures it would be hard to say.
The first thing would be taking care of any trees near the driveway, they should be removed, otherwise you will get buckling down the road again. There are some products, or fabrication techniques that keep the roots from traveling but then you should keep the tree to pruned to dwarf stature to keep from toppling in a windy rain storm.
I don't know how it has held up over the years but you can cut in sections of asphalt just like doing sections of concrete. Then maybe you can keep some good sections that don't need replaced (not partial width like a pothole replacement). Then put a fresh coat of sealer on the older stuff to make it look better.
10K seems a little steep assuming they are coming in removing driveway, cutting and laying a new base, including removal of problem tree roots, then the pavement.
This is all assumption though without seeing it or having measurements. Look at the costs for you to rent a bobcat type toy and a dumpster that will take asphalt. DIY, then maybe take care of the tree problem.yourself. I would leave base/pad buildup for them as an experienced person could do it quickly. Maybe see what a quote is after that?
The first thing would be taking care of any trees near the driveway, they should be removed, otherwise you will get buckling down the road again. There are some products, or fabrication techniques that keep the roots from traveling but then you should keep the tree to pruned to dwarf stature to keep from toppling in a windy rain storm.
I don't know how it has held up over the years but you can cut in sections of asphalt just like doing sections of concrete. Then maybe you can keep some good sections that don't need replaced (not partial width like a pothole replacement). Then put a fresh coat of sealer on the older stuff to make it look better.
10K seems a little steep assuming they are coming in removing driveway, cutting and laying a new base, including removal of problem tree roots, then the pavement.
This is all assumption though without seeing it or having measurements. Look at the costs for you to rent a bobcat type toy and a dumpster that will take asphalt. DIY, then maybe take care of the tree problem.yourself. I would leave base/pad buildup for them as an experienced person could do it quickly. Maybe see what a quote is after that?
Re: Driveways
10K sounds a lot of an asphalt driveway but about right for a good concrete driveway.
The key in a drive way is the prep. You got to dig deep and put crashed stones etc under to make sure that there is good drainage no roots etc. If you do not prep correctly you will have problems again just after one winter.
If you could prep yourself by renting the equipment (a small back hoe type of machine) then the price of the new asphalt or concrete should be reasonable as most of the expense is the prep.
The key in a drive way is the prep. You got to dig deep and put crashed stones etc under to make sure that there is good drainage no roots etc. If you do not prep correctly you will have problems again just after one winter.
If you could prep yourself by renting the equipment (a small back hoe type of machine) then the price of the new asphalt or concrete should be reasonable as most of the expense is the prep.
1902 Shingle
Designed by Wales&Holt for Mr and Mrs W. A. Cary
Re: Driveways
I'd like to keep the tree... I wonder what a gravel drive would be like? Excavate the old one and put in gravel? Then the tree roots can do what they want.
Bad idea? Gravel would suit the house - small little Ontario cottage style gothic revival with cottage style gardens.
Anyone have experience with gravel?
Thanks for the tips this far! I don't think there's any parts that are salvageable, unfortunately.
Bad idea? Gravel would suit the house - small little Ontario cottage style gothic revival with cottage style gardens.
Anyone have experience with gravel?
Thanks for the tips this far! I don't think there's any parts that are salvageable, unfortunately.
Re: Driveways
[edited cause RioG loves trees just like me. 
]
Would you consider a permeable surface instead of asphalt? They make plastic grids now that you put on top of your sand level, and then you can plant grass in the grid holes and have a green grass driveway!
Or if you're not that nuts, you could just go with pavers for the tires, and grass or moss in the middle. Tell me this doesn't look beautiful:
]Would you consider a permeable surface instead of asphalt? They make plastic grids now that you put on top of your sand level, and then you can plant grass in the grid holes and have a green grass driveway!
Or if you're not that nuts, you could just go with pavers for the tires, and grass or moss in the middle. Tell me this doesn't look beautiful:
c. 1907 Shingle Victorian/Craftsman
House history still being researched!
Re: Driveways
oh, that IS beautiful KristenS!! I would love to have something like that!! Would totally suit the house, and our drive leads up to an old garage like that (though not with the gorgeous doors).
Our drive is fairly long and wide though... two cars can park side by side at the top (by the garage) and then 2 more can fit behind them lengthwise.
I have old photos of my house on here... I'll see if I can find them.
Our drive is fairly long and wide though... two cars can park side by side at the top (by the garage) and then 2 more can fit behind them lengthwise.
I have old photos of my house on here... I'll see if I can find them.
Re: Driveways
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=11713&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
Not great... but you can kind of see the driveway. For reference I was standing on the sidewalk/road taking that photo.
Not great... but you can kind of see the driveway. For reference I was standing on the sidewalk/road taking that photo.
Re: Driveways
Oh, RioG, your house is lovely!
And your driveway is indeed large! That would probably mean a lot lot lot of pavers. And I know they can get expensive.
Gravel must be cheaper. But people say that it gets EVERYWHERE. Especially when you're driving in and out on it.
Maybe decomposed granite - in a red rock color- instead of the pavers? With the grass/moss still between?
Here are a few more pictures of things that I imagine could look great. Some version must be cost effective AND gorgeous!
And your driveway is indeed large! That would probably mean a lot lot lot of pavers. And I know they can get expensive.
Gravel must be cheaper. But people say that it gets EVERYWHERE. Especially when you're driving in and out on it.
Maybe decomposed granite - in a red rock color- instead of the pavers? With the grass/moss still between?
Here are a few more pictures of things that I imagine could look great. Some version must be cost effective AND gorgeous!
c. 1907 Shingle Victorian/Craftsman
House history still being researched!
Re: Driveways
Cons of a gravel: your snowblower will toss it onto the lawn if you're not careful at the beginning of winter, water can wash it away if your driveway is not properly crowned or you get a big rain storm, and you can't do sweet burnouts without shooting rocks all over your neighbours house.
Pros of gravel: never cracks or looks ugly unless you let weeds grow on it, easy to rake back into place, much less water runoff than pave, and you can do sweet burnouts while shooting rocks all over your neighbours house.
Pros of gravel: never cracks or looks ugly unless you let weeds grow on it, easy to rake back into place, much less water runoff than pave, and you can do sweet burnouts while shooting rocks all over your neighbours house.