I'm facing a challenging situation with my steep, gravel driveway in rural NE, especially during winter when it becomes icy. My father used to manage it for us, but since he passed last year, my elderly mother has had a tough time getting in and out with her car, especially when the heating oil delivery was blocked due to ice. We recently got a quote to pave the steepest part of the driveway with 2.5 inches of binder asphalt at about $12k, with an additional topcoat costing $5k. The paving company also mentioned a $150 service for salting before big storms and noted some ongoing maintenance costs like resealing. I'm looking for advice on whether paving would be significantly better than our current gravel setup regarding ice and safety, especially for my mother. Has anyone had similar experiences? What other options should I consider?
3 Answers
Have you thought about installing a heating system to keep the driveway clear? A simple heated loop using PEX and hot water could work wonders!
You might want to think about putting in a parking spot near the road for those pesky days when the driveway gets too icy. Instead of paving, consider using compacted millings; spray with tar and sand for a sturdy grip. It's a bit cheaper and allows for easier snow blowing, but you can't plow it. Might be a good compromise until winter gets really wild!
I can relate! I live in rural NE as well, and I have a paved driveway with several steep sections. Trust me, a paved driveway makes a huge difference in the winter. It's much easier to keep clear of snow and ice, especially if you use salt or sand. Sunlight also helps with melting, even in colder weather. I can’t imagine managing a gravel driveway in these conditions!