Scraping a Driveway

[demote]

I've bought a scrapeblade that will slide from side to side and can tilt each end. I'm wondering what steps to take on my driveway which is a slight hill and is washboarded? The blade will also angle and reverse so I assume you would use it reversed as a final step. Should I start by creating a crown? I appreciate your comments. I know this has been covered before but didn't see anything of recent.
Danny

[beenthere]

The techniques haven't changed. When you grade (scrape), get down deep enough (2-3") to be below the washboard. Angle the blade so it isn't parallel with the washboard ridges and valleys, and mix the top gravel with the fines. Then smooth it off (as you said with the blade 'backwards') and drive on it to pack it as firm as possible.

[BigAl]

Ahhh! Gravel driveways ! My favorite thing . As already stated you need to cut out the humps and bumps of the wash boarding or they will just come right back . Place your blade in the cut position (rolled more forward) and slightly angled . After you have cut out the washboards ,potholes or bumps you will need to remix your rock and fines so the gravel will stay in place . I do this by rolling my gravel back and forth a few times to get it remixed.

If you have drainage ditches that also need cleaning or repair ,you need to pull these first before grading the road . Once I have my material windrowed to one side of the road ,I set my blade for the road crown I desire and slightly angled . I then slowly pull the gravel across leaving the desire thickness . With practice you will run out of gravel or leave a very small windrow when you reach the other side . Then pack it down with your tires or a roller for a nice looking finish that will last quite awhile .
Don't forget to wheelroll the ditches if you can . This will help to seal them .
It helps if the gravel has some moisture in it as this will help the rock and fines to stick together .
Remember all roads need a crown ! Standing water is the #1 failure of roads !
Be careful grading in late fall or winter as you can break through the hardpack and end up with a giant mudhole . I usually do my grading in the spring or early fall .
Have Fun,
Big Al

[KennyV]

Only one more thing to add to this… Don’t incorporate any organic material, like grass, leaves or weeds. They will cause problems as they break down.

Road work IS fun... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] KennyV.

[Paddy]

I live in hilly Southern IN, 22 years. The dust will wash over time leaving 'marbles'. I'm in linestone country so we can get line dust at $2.00/ton. plus delivery. I grade a slight slope to my ditch, then call for another load of dust. Drag a cross tie to work it in to the marbles/loose stone. You will think you are on concrete.

Line dust is a common Ag product

Patrick