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A well-constructed farm road is key for the smooth running of your agricultural operations. Having a well surfaced farm road means you can transport your livestock, heavy machinery, and produce without damage, and without hampering your day-to-day operations. 

When your internal farm road has pot hole after pot hole, you know it is time for serious farm road construction.

Your best solution for farm road resurfacing is to hire a professional company with the expertise to guide you on the process and execution. 

That’s where we come in. The team at LSL Surfacing understands the challenges that come with rural roadways, especially when it comes to durability and drainage, and we’re here to help you achieve the results you’re looking for.

In this article, we’ll explore the process of farm road repairs and farm road construction in more detail.

What Counts as a Farm Road?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of road resurfacing, let’s clarify what counts as a farm road. 

A farm road is any internal roadway that has been constructed within your farm’s boundaries specifically for agricultural purposes. Only the roads within your land are classed as farm roads - the approach road to your gate or boundary is not. 

Farm roads are planned and constructed to allow you to easily transport everything from livestock and produce to heavy machinery. Based on how you intend to use them, you’ll need to plan your roadways carefully before you start the farm road construction.

Permits, Planning, and Preparation For Farm Roads in the UK

In the UK, minor farm road construction or farm road repairs don’t require you to obtain approval from your local authority. However, you will require permission if your farm road construction specification changes the landscape of the area or causes disruption to the general public. You’ll also need permission if your project involves significant digging. 

That said, once you have a plan for the road work in place, we recommend consulting with your local authority or agricultural advisor anyway. This is so you can check that you won’t end up with issues like drainage problems or soil erosion after the farm road construction is complete. 

Your road resurfacing plans should also consider your existing terrain, soil type, and anticipated usage. For example, if only livestock and produce will be transported using the roadways, your plans and quality of roads should reflect that.

Drainage and Soil Considerations When Constructing Farm Roads

Farm soil is unlike the regular soil over which roads are typically laid. If your farm has clay-heavy soils, they’ll offer poor natural drainage and are prone to waterlogging. This can cause your road to become unstable and impact the longevity of your farm road. 

The good news is that there’s a simple solution to this problem: enforcing proper drainage. With proper drainage, you can preserve the structural integrity of your private roads and prevent issues like potholes and erosion.

There are several drainage solutions you can consider. For example, you might reinforce the soil structures by making sub-base layers from aggregates, surfacing materials, or geotextile fabrics. You could also place ditches, culverts, or soakaway systems to prevent water from accumulating near the road surface. 

Choosing Between Gravel and Asphalt For Farm Roads

If you can’t decide which material to use for your road resurfacing, we recommend choosing either gravel or asphalt.

Gravel is a traditional favourite because of its lower initial cost and its easy installation. You’ll probably save a lot of money and time by choosing gravel, but gravel surfaces require a lot of regular maintenance for issues like potholes, rutting, and dust accumulation.

Asphalt is a comparatively more expensive option and also requires multiple layers. Paved asphalt surfaces are highly durable and low-maintenance, which makes them great for farms that transport a lot of heavy machinery. Asphalt also offers enhanced safety by offering better traction in wet conditions.

Before you begin your farm road construction, we strongly recommend consulting an expert like LSL Surfacing to suggest the best road surfacing for you.

Our SDM asphalt is specially designed for agricultural applications. It’s resistant to acids from animal waste and silage and easy to clean, making it perfect for farm operations.

How Many Layers of Asphalt Resurfacing Is Needed for Farm Roads?

When you’re building a farm road with asphalt, multiple layers are needed for the road’s strength and durability. 

The first layer contains native soil, which is compacted to create a solid foundation. This is followed by a sub-base layer made of coarse aggregates, which helps improve the load-bearing capacity and drainage of the road. 

The third layer is known as binder asphalt, which adds to the structural strength and stability of the farm road. Finally, the top layer is made from finer asphalt, giving your farm road a smooth finish and making it a safe driving surface. 

These four layers, with their unique properties, should help you safely use your road for years with minimal need for farm road repairs.

Maintaining Your Farm Road for Long-Term Use

Once your farm road is built, your job doesn’t end there. Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your road in good working condition. When you conduct periodic inspections, you’ll be able to address minor issues before they turn into major farm road repairs.

We also recommend investing in regular surface dressing treatments, which will help reduce wear and tear caused by weather and traffic. Make sure to clear vegetation from the road edges to prevent root intrusion, which can damage your road.

Contact LSL Surfacing to Resurface Your Farm Roads

LSL Surfacing has over 25 years of experience in the road surfacing industry, and we understand the demands of farm road construction. Our specialised SDM asphalt is a high-quality solution designed for agricultural road problems. 

The impermeable nature of SDM asphalt ensures that it can withstand substances like silage effluent and livestock waste. The finish is also gentle on your livestock’s hooves, making it animal-friendly.

After you contact us for your farm road resurfacing, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your farm’s specific needs and then tailor our surfacing solutions based on your needs. 

Contact LSL Surfacing today on 01223 420369 or 07899 756373 to discuss how we can support your farm’s resurfacing requirements.