Driveway Grading, Drainage & Base Prep

Where good driveways start

Nobody sees the base, but it's the part of a driveway that carries every load. In the East Mountains we deal with expansive clay in the valley, rocky ground in the foothills, steep grades, and summer storms that move serious water. Getting the groundwork right is what makes the asphalt on top last.

Groundwork services

• Excavation. Removing topsoil, roots, debris and unsuitable soils down to firm ground.
• Soft-spot repair. Digging out clay pockets and wet areas and replacing them with compacted material.
• Grading and shaping. Setting slopes, crowns and cross-slopes so water moves off the surface and away from buildings.
• Culverts and drainage. Installing culverts at road ditches and wash crossings, and swales or rundowns where water concentrates.
• Aggregate base course. Placing and compacting crushed base in lifts, watered and rolled to proper density.
• Gravel driveway regrading. Not ready to pave? We'll regrade, re-crown and add base to bring a worn gravel drive back.

Why compaction matters

Base material placed loose will keep settling under traffic, and every inch of settlement shows up as a dip or crack in the asphalt. We place base in lifts, add water to reach the right moisture, and compact each lift before adding the next. It's slower than dumping and spreading, and it's the difference you'll notice ten winters from now.

Getting water off and away

Water is the main enemy of pavement here. During your estimate we look at where water comes from (uphill lots, roofs, the road), where it currently goes, and where it should go. A driveway that sheds water toward a safe outlet will outlast one that's thicker but traps it.

Frequently asked questions

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