When building a new gravel driveway – or – repairing an existing gravel driveway the most important consideration is the contractor. How experienced is your contractor – has your contractor had any civil engineering training? Can you see examples of work that the contractor has done?
Each driveway has it’s own criteria to consider. However, they all share common goals. The main objective is to create a surface that will support the vehicular traffic and remain free of potholes, ruts, wash-boarding, erosion and other deterioration as long as possible.
The GRAVEL DOCTOR® is the industry’s most innovative provider of gravel and unpaved surface restoration.
Drainage must be the main priority in driveway design – the driveway may look great – but- if your basement floods every time it rains I’m sure you won’t be happy! The longevity of your driveway depends on proper drainage and choosing the right type and quantity of material to suit your individual situation.
When repairing an existing driveway the goals are the same – but with one additional factor to be considered. You must determine why the driveway failed in the first place. Was it a lack of material? Improper drainage? Not the right material? All of these causes are able to be identified by properly trained contractors. To determine the correct type and quantity of material the contractor must understand the theory of weight dissipation. The dissipation of weight can be accomplished by choosing the correct type – or – types of material and the use of an additional support material such as geo-textile fabric. The geo-textile material has both an active and passive resistance to surface deterioration and can be utilized very effectively by contractors trained to install it.
Damage to granular surfaces can be predicted by trained contractors. By understanding granular surface deterioration they can be pre-emptive in their approach to creating a surface that will last as long as possible – given the following: All granular surfaces have a life span that is impacted upon by: Type and amount of material used, drainage ( or lack thereof ) weather, and traffic type and frequency. Some residential driveways were built improperly in the first place. To overcome their short comings it may be more prudent to excavate them and start from scratch. Be sure to ask about your contractor’s safety record and their proof of insurance. There are several potential safety considerations associated with driveway installation and repair.
The GRAVEL DOCTOR Inc. has been in business for over 25 years and all GRAVEL DOCTORS must pass the required courses and demonstrate their competence in engineering, design, machine operation and safety.
Please visit: www.graveldoctor.com to see samples of our work and contact the GRAVEL DOCTOR nearest you for your personal quote.