Best Ways to Prevent Gravel Roadways From Becoming Dirty
When building or repairing gravel roadways, it is essential to understand how to prevent dust from forming. Excessive dust can be dangerous to those who breathe in it, and can cause structural damage to vehicles, people, and property. There are many ways to prevent dust from settling on gravel roads. These include using water, windbreaks, and salt.
One of the best ways to control dust on a dirt road is by reducing the traffic. Agricultural and industrial equipment has been steadily increasing in size and horsepower, causing more and more damage to gravel roadways. Lowering the speed limit can also reduce dust production. You can also install absorbent shrubs on the side of the road to help prevent runoff channels.
Watering a gravel road can be a convenient, inexpensive solution for reducing dust. However, this is only practical if there is a water truck available. In some dry climates, it may not be possible to water your gravel road, but there are other options to help with dust control.
The most effective way to reduce dust on a gravel road is to apply magnesium chloride. This is a less toxic product, and will last for weeks if applied correctly. It is also an environmentally friendly option, as it is not as toxic to plants or waterways.
Other dust control solutions include lignin sulfonate. This material has been shown to bind gravel particles and keep them damp. Unlike other products, lignin sulfonate is not corrosive to vehicle or equipment.
Salts are one of the most effective methods of reducing dust on a gravel driveway. Decomposed Granite However, they can be a bit messy to clean up, so you may want to consider a different dust control method. Fortunately, there are several other non-toxic, biodegradable, and chemical-free methods of controlling dust on a gravel road.
If your gravel roadway is in poor condition, you may need to rebuild it. A professional dust control crew can help you do this. Contact Rasevic Companies in the Mid-Atlantic region for more information. They can also provide advice on how to rebuild a gravel road.
Other common solutions for preventing dust from forming on a gravel road are permeable pavers and windbreaks. Permeable pavers can be expensive, but can eliminate standing water and make dust control easy. Windbreaks are simple and effective, as long as they are constructed properly.
Another alternative is to use a road sealant. Road sealant is nontoxic for plants, and does not pollute waterways during runoff. For the best results, sealant should not be applied to the road itself. Spraying petroleum-based oil products can pollute ponds, and may destroy plants growing next to the road.
Another alternative is to use geotextile fabrics to prevent muddy conditions. These materials are being used in more and more areas, and offer a cost-effective, permanent, and natural solution. Geotextile fabrics have a high tensile strength, and can be installed in a variety of ways.
For a longer driveway, you can use a sprinkler system. You can use a hose or a sprinkler timer to ensure that water is evenly distributed across the roadway.