GRAVEL DRIVEWAY

Patio flagstones (slabs), concrete flags, stone flags including yorkstone and imported flagstones.
Post Reply
JASCHAN
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2004 5:03 pm

Post: # 3310Post JASCHAN

I am going to gravel an area to be used as a small carpark.
it consists of a newly dug area and an existing old tarmaced area, i know what i need to do to the new dug area , but do i need to prep the the old tarmaced area or can i just put the gravel on top?

84-1093879891

Post: # 3313Post 84-1093879891

Putting gravel on top of bitmac, or any other solid surface, is asking for trouble. There is no way the gravel can bind into the hard surface of the bitmac, and so you end up with what we call the "Ball-bearing effect".

Gravel should only ever be laid over a flexible sub-base, so that it can 'bed' itself in and provide a degree of stability. Using a loose gravel over bitmac in a car park will result in bald patches where the tyres scuff off the dreessing, and, quite possibly, a few twisted ankles and sore backsides as folk fall on the treacherous surface you've provided. :(

Even using a self-binding gravel is less than stisfactory, as it tends to dry out in summer and become saturated in winter.

Get rid of the bitmac - regulate and re-grade the sub-bas ebeneath, and then place your gravel.

Post Reply