Most paving contractors simply dump crushed stone onto the dirt and start paving. A few years later, the driveway is full of ruts and potholes. Why? Because the stone sank into the mud.
The Subgrade Sinking Problem
In the rural areas surrounding Charlottesville and Lynchburg, the soil often has high clay content. When this clay gets wet, it turns to mush. Under the weight of a vehicle, the heavy crushed stone base is pushed down into the soft mud, and the mud is pumped upward. The structural base is destroyed.
The Geotextile Solution
At Blue Ridge Estate Paving, we utilize heavy-duty woven geotextile fabric. This fabric is laid directly over the excavated dirt before any stone is placed. It acts as an impenetrable barrier—water can pass through to drain, but the mud cannot rise up, and the stone cannot sink down.
By bridging soft spots and separating the soil layers, woven geotextile effectively doubles the structural bearing capacity of your driveway.