Mountain Driveways (Morgantown, Bridgeport: home, service, buy)

[Kathleen]

Anxious to return to the beautiful WV mountains, we're looking at a new home on a pretty steep lot. The builder plans to provide a finished rock drive (which is very steep). Does anyone out there have any opinions on that type of drive versus asphalt for slick winter driving?

[dcattrell]

I'm not sure what "finished rock" is? Is it just a gravel driveway? If that is true then that is a much better bet than anything with a smooth finish such as asphalt or concrete. You'll at least get some traction with a gravel/rock driveway. It also sounds like you better get a four wheel drive ;-)

[Triplewillow]

If it ices on it or snows much on it.. you will be glad you got the rock. Asphalt is slicker than owl snot when it's wet or icy.

[David Kennedy]

If its done correctly, your mountainside goat path will have a base of 3 to 5 inch crushed limestone to a thickness of 6 inches. On top of that should be a finish topping of what is called '57' or 'crush or run stone. 3/4 " to dust. This finer top coat will seep down into the larger stone and compact to a solid base. It should be finished with a stone roller.
The saddest thing is buying a new home and walking up the drive in the winter time...my guess is you are near Bridgeport or Morgantown...
If your planning to live in the home for several years consider a heated loop in a year or two under a concrete surface and have your builder add the extra ampage (about 60/80 amps) to your electrical service now.

[Kathleen]

Yes, gravel. And most definitely at least one 4wd, especially after reading the posts! Thank you so very much.

[snorpus]

And either a small tractor or a large riding mower, big enough to be fitted with a plow.