When considering investing in a new driveway, you might wonder, “What is driveway grading?” We’ll tell you all about this process, why it’s important, and how you can grade and maintain your gravel driveway yourself.
What is Driveway Grading?
Have you ever parked your car in a gravel driveway or parking lot and you’re surrounded by rain puddles that you have to maneuver? If so, you’ve encountered an area that hasn’t been properly graded.
Grading is the process of implementing a level base during the construction of a driveway. When installing a gravel driveway, grading is the most crucial aspect of the process because it provides you with the best foundation possible for your driveway and sets you up for success.
Why Is Grading a Driveway Important?
Over time, gravel driveways, roads, and parking lots shift and degrade over time – it’s only natural. When the driveway isn’t level and properly graded, you can encounter a lot of issues.
If you don’t grade your driveway, you may experience the following:
- Water run and washouts during heavy rain
- Washboard ruts
- Potholes
- Compaction of the dirt or gravel
When these issues arise, they can cause long-term damage to your driveway and vehicles driving over it. Ruts and potholes can wreak havoc on your suspension or bend your rims. Plus, the more washouts you have during rain storms, the more likely you’ll have to re-gravel your driveway.
Can You Grade a Gravel Driveway by Yourself?
You can grade and maintain a gravel driveway, including grading by hand, using a driveway grader, and using a tractor. If your driveway has just a couple of potholes and you’re trying to save money, grading by hand is a valid solution (though it isn’t usually a long-term solution).
If you’re re-grading your driveway by hand, you’ll want to focus on the compaction of the pothole surface. First, you’ll loosen up the hole with a shovel or rake. Then, add new gravel slowly and compact the materials as you go. You can use a five-gallon bucket to help with compaction or drive over it with your vehicle.
Invest in the Driveway Scraper To Maintain Your Gravel Driveway Yourself
If you constantly find yourself needing to grade a driveway, parking lot, or other dirt or gravel surface, investing in high-quality equipment to help you do it more efficiently is a good idea.
We invite you to take a look at our Driveway Scraper. Available in three different sizes and with a couple of optional accessories, it’s a versatile tool that can help you get the job done quickly and effectively.
The Driveway Scraper quickly and easily hooks up to your tractor and allows you to smooth out and recondition your dirt or gravel driveway, path, or lot. Interested in learning more? Contact our team today, and they’d be happy to answer any questions you have!