A home in the picturesque Perth Hills makes for the perfect rural retreat, often boasting incredible city skyline views. As spectacular as a home atop the hill is, the area poses some unique challenges when it comes to constructing an uphill driveway.
A superior choice in safety, visual appeal and cost effectiveness, asphalt is the ideal surfacing material for a creating a driveway on a hill that serves as the grand entrance to your Perth Hills home. Read ahead to explore the most important considerations when planning an asphalt uphill driveway, and to learn how the experts at NK asphalt can assist in asphalt installation at your Perth Hills property.
Selecting the Optimal Uphill Driveway Design
It’s important to choose the right design when installing a driveway for a hillside property to ensure that personal and commercial vehicles alike can safely and easily access your home. Depending on the steepness of the hill’s incline, an uphill driveway in a straight line to the house can be difficult for vehicles to travel up, even becoming dangerous in wet weather conditions. Unlike the intimidating appearance of a steep, straight driveway, there are several solutions that can diminish a sharp slope while creating an inviting appearance.
One such solution is to construct a driveway so that it curves gently up the hill, reducing the angle of the driveway and boosting ease of access. For a particularly steep driveway, experts may even recommend building switchbacks. Switchbacks can solve the problem of a severely steep incline by extending the driveway in a zig-zag shape, dramatically reducing the incline of a driveway on a hill. Alternatively, it may be possible to create a ridge by digging into the side of the hill and constructing retaining walls so the driveway can run across the hillside instead of directly upwards. Consult with an expert at NK Asphalt to find out which method is most appropriate for your Perth Hills property.
Asphalt can be laid effectively at up to a 10º incline (approx. 1 in 6). If a steeper gradient is required, concrete may be the only option.
Consider Safety Barriers Lining
To further maximise the safety of a driveway on a hill, it is a good idea to consider lining it with a visual barrier. The Perth Hills area can be susceptible to some impressive downpours during the wet season, putting vehicles and pedestrians at risk of slipping and sliding. Adding a barrier to your uphill driveway, such as kerbing, grants you the peace of mind to know you will be protected in the event of a skid. Additionally, kerbing can help prevent drivers from manoeuvring their vehicle too close to the edge of the asphalt, which may be less stable than the middle and more prone to damage. At NK Asphalt, we recommend concrete for kerbing due to its durable and dynamic nature that can withstand the harsh elements of the Perth Hills and use only a 32mpa ready-mixed concrete.
New uphill driveway in the perth hills by NK Asphalt.
Choosing the Correct Dimensions
When designing a driveway for a hillside, it’s vital to consider the usage of your driveway to determine the ideal sizing and accessibility. Some factors to ponder include turn around space, the types of vehicles that may need to gain access to your property, and if passing room for two vehicles is required. The standard size to accommodate large vehicles is 3.0 to 4.0 metres on straight stretches, and expands to over 4.0 metres for curves. An adequate turnaround space must be at least 4 metres by 6 metres, although it’s important to consider if extra space for parking is necessary. It’s best to consult a professional asphalt contractor, like the experts at NK Asphalt, who will provide design recommendations based on your land’s layout and your personal needs.
Ensuring Proper Drainage
Water is the worst enemy of an asphalt uphill driveway, leading to an array of issues including cracks, potholes, moss and weakening of the surface if not correctly diverted. A driveway on a hillside is especially prone to water-induced damage as water will pool in the lowest-lying area of the driveway, instead of spreading evenly as it does on flatter driveways. To avoid water damage, it is vital that a driveway on a hill has proper drainage. There are several drainage solutions that can be installed including pipes, trenches, channels or soakwells, however it’s best to speak to a professional to discern which option is best suited to your Perth Hills property, especially if the lowest point is the house or garage.
Perth Specialists in Asphalt Uphill Driveways
Nobody knows the ins and outs of installing asphalt driveways in the sloping Perth Hills quite like the experts at NK Asphalt. That’s why we’re one of the most reputable asphalt contractors in Perth, and have been committed to delivering professional asphalt installations since 1989.
If you’re interested in installing an asphalt driveway at your Perth hills property, get in touch with our friendly team at NK Asphalt today to receive a free no-obligation measure and quote.
