Definitely true that compacting makes a huge difference—learned that myself the hard way. If I had to start over, I'd also consider adding some permeable paving options. Little pricier upfront, but saves headaches later and great for drainage too.
Permeable paving's a solid idea, wish I'd thought of that earlier. Curious though, did you find it tricky to maintain over time? I've heard mixed things about weeds and debris getting stuck in there...
I've had permeable paving in my driveway for about four years now. Here's what I've noticed:
- Weeds do pop up occasionally, especially after rainy seasons, but honestly they're pretty easy to pull out.
- Debris buildup can be an issue if you're near trees (leaves and twigs get stuck), but a quick sweep or leaf blower every couple weeks keeps it manageable.
- Overall, maintenance hasn't been too bad—definitely easier than I expected. The drainage benefits outweigh the minor upkeep hassles for me.
Interesting observations, thanks for sharing. I've been considering permeable paving for a new project, but I'm still on the fence about how it holds up long-term. Have you noticed any shifting or settling issues over the years? I know drainage is a big plus, but I'm curious if you've had to deal with uneven spots or needed repairs yet. Also wondering if you've noticed any impact on snow removal—does it handle shoveling or snowblowers okay without damaging the surface? I've heard mixed things about that from others who've tried it...
I've been hesitant about permeable paving myself. A neighbor installed it a few years back, and while drainage is impressive, they've definitely had to deal with some uneven settling. Snow removal seems okay, but heavier snowblowers sometimes catch edges... something to consider.
