Asphalt of Concrete

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Out at our land we have a steep incline for about 200 ft just below the housesite. It has been rocked (3") and we can climb to the housesite in regular weather. However, I don't think we could always get up the slope when wet or with mud on the tires.

So, would asphalt or concrete pavement do best to ensure permanent all-weather access? Asphalt is somewhat cheaper but I hear it degrades more - and maybe faster on a slope. Please comment on asphalt vs. concrete pavements on hillsides per your experiences. Thank you.

-- charles (clb@dixienet.com), September 17, 2001

Answers

Using concrete will force to take a second mortage on the place. Asphalt should be great, If it is a heavy duty mix, and if they mix it right at the plant.

Good luck.

-- bill (bill@bill.com), September 17, 2001.


If you have any kind of icey or snowy precip I would *definitely* think that gravel would be your best bet. Wet could be a problem with anything, but ice will get even a four wheeler. You need the grit factor to get through that. Asphalt that is a rough mix is better than any concrete in wet weather. I agree on the cost of the concrete as well.

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), September 18, 2001.

I agree with Doreen. Gravel's the best for winter traction. If you can get up this steep stretch in summer, it should be EASY in winter, when it's wet. The gravel doesn't break loose as easily when it's wet. Of course, if the gravel's not thick enough to support the vehicle's weight in winter, that's another story. But you want to avoid putting on so much gravel that it just spins off, especially in dry seasons.

I generally put about two inches of 1 1/2" minus for a base, then add an inch or two of 3/4" minus after the first winter, wherever it's needed. However, it all depends on your climate, and your soil type.

JOJ

-- jumpoff joe (jumpoff@ecoweb.net), September 24, 2001.


Charles, I didn't ask you how steep the driveway is. If it's under twelve percent, gravel is excellent. If it's between 12-15%, it's usually ok, if the gravel is a good mix. If it's 15-18%, it will work, but may tend to washboard. If it's over 18%, you'll likely spend a lot of time trying to keep it from bouncing off, and spinning you wheels. I assume yours must be at least less than 18%, since you say it's ok in summer.

JOJ

-- jumpoff joe (jumpoff@ecoweb.net), September 24, 2001.


Any possibility of moving the house site?!? Hillside driveways like you mention are a lifelong hassle, and as most of us aren't getting any younger, you might want to consider future practicalities now *before* you build the house! My husband's parents built way up a steep hill, their driveway is asphalted, but in winter it turns into a sheet of ice. So, they spend the winter with their daughter in Wales. And are talking about selling the dream house they built only about thirteen years ago, and buying a condo.

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), September 24, 2001.


In the "for what it's worth" department, I PREFER mountainous property. I've always bought and built on hillsides, saddles, or hilltops. I like the fact that all mountain properties are unique. Seen one flat property, you've seen them all. Topographically speaking.

In addition, if you have a gravel road, the best possible thing is to have a slope on it of at least 5% or so. Much flatter than that, and you tend to get chuck holes. If you have the room to design a gravel road at 5-8%, you'll almost never have to mess with it, once it's broken it.

JOJ

-- jumpoff joe (jumpoff@ecoweb.net), September 24, 2001.


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