How to Driveways

You’re looking to have your driveway resurfaced, replaced or new installation, here is The process.

We start by getting measurements of the total distance, width and depth of stone we will need. For new driveways this will also give us the volume of soil needing cut to remove. The next step for a resurfaced driveway, we regrade the subbase which is the exciting stone surface. This creates crown for water runoff. Then we import and install new stone on the new prepared surface. Next we final grade the new stone and compact the stone to prevent erosion. For a replacement or resurface your driveway would be completed. Now for a new installation, after we cut the exciting soil and expose the base. We determine if we need to install road fabric which is a woven synthetic fabric that creates a stable base layer to build the road on or the exciting base is adequate to build the road on without compaction issues. Next step is to import a large rock sub-base 3-4 inches thick. The sub-base gets compacted and we move to the top layer. There are many options for the surface layer and I will describe them below. The surface layer will be imported and graded over the sub-base and compacted leveling a crown in the roadway for water runoff. 

The surface layer

Limestone is the most stable rock used for this layer. The standard rock is 2B limestone this is 1–2-inch stones the compact well and interlock together. For a smooth surface similar to a waling trail 1B limestone1-1/2-inch stone is used this choice does require a 2B middle layer between the base stone and surface stone. 2A limestone this consist of limestone sand to 2-inch rock, this works best for steep grade surfaces do to its ability to be compacted very well. Sandstone is an option, but this should only be used on limited use roadways. Sandstone will break down with heavy traffic and create a sandy mud road. Shale can also be used although shale makes a better base than a surface.

Cross drains for water

The PA state roadway access requires 15” culvert 20’ long. Municipal road accesses have their own requirements. When installing a new driveway or replacing a culvert please contact the local road authorities for the required pipe size. Some townships provide the pipe free of charge, others have a small fee. For any cross-drain culverts taking water from one side to the other. we use a minimum of 12-inch culvert pipe, this allows adequate flow for heaver rain events and larger debris to pass.

Key take aways

Water is the death of your driveway! The key to a long-lasting surface is to keep water off of the road surface. Keep potholes filled, keep ditches cleared. Give the water somewhere to go other than down the roadway. A properly installed driveway should last 10 years before any major rework would be needed. In the spring of every year take a rake or a grading device and pull the edges to the middle filling the tire tracks. 

I hope this information helps you in making decisions on your next driveway project.