Geotextile fabric between gravel layers (driveway repair)

[Makc]

I'm preparing to rent a track loader to regrade my gravel driveway and spread new crusher run. I'm considering using geotextile fabric to minimize formation of ruts on the steep parts of the driveway and to control weeds.

Would there be any disadvantage to placing geotextile fabric over the existing crusher run on the driveway after regrading, then spreading a new layer of crusher run? Everything I can find about geotextile involves using it over dirt when building a new drive.

 

[Topzide]

The fabric will rip apart between gravel layers. When used on dirt, provides a cushion for the rock to grab.

 

[Makc]

Even if it rips apart, wouldn't it still help to block weeds and resist the tendency for gravel to move and sink into the dirt?

 

[Rockbadchild]

Their are mix feelings on Geotextile fabric out there, I am a believer being a civil (and mining) tech and having worked in the field. Yes they are design to do exactly what you intend to do and to keep the layers (dirt to gravel) separate so during the thaw or heavy rain the dirt doesn't seep up through the gravel. It will absolutely block weed and stop erosion to the soil layer below the fabric ... The question is will you put enough gravel on it so it doesn't get in the way of future grading... I would personally try to move as much of good material as possible to one side or away, place the geotextile then put some gravel on it so it hold and place and grade back that material on top, and I understand there are a few disadvantage of doing that but that would ensure you have descent amount of materiel on top and your road is uniformly graded to the sub base.

 

[Rustyiron]

You mentioned "ruts" and often that's from a surface drainage issue and has nothing to do with fabric. The fabtic is generally for sub surface soil types (clay) or problems with eventually absorbing your gravel and your never ending need to add to it.
A picture would help but if you have much elevation change you might put your efforts into ditching, pipes and crowning the surface to move the rain water off of the surface to the sides vs washing the long way and creating ruts.

 

[mikester]

It will absolutely block weed and stop erosion to the soil layer below the fabric ...

I absolutely wish it would block weeds...

 

[Alan W.]

One thing to remember is that fabric will work and help immensely in certain situations. But if you have a really soft area that you cant or wont fix the water intrusion then you need to put down a geogrid product like Tensar makes. Its not cheap but way stronger. I have used both the fabric and the geogrid on jobs that were engineered. I still have a few small pieces that Ive stored outside since 06 and they are as strong now as they were new. Very high quality material where the fabric I had left over from the same time is deteriorating.

 

[Rockbadchild]

I absolutely wish it would block weeds...

it dose, but it doesn't stop weeds to eventually grow back on top of it.

 

[mikester]

My experience has been finding roots growing right through the fabric

 

[Rustyiron]

Weeds, they'll grow out of the smallest of cracks in asphalt or concrete driveways.

 

[Rockbadchild]

My experience has been finding roots growing right through the fabric

there are quite a few type of fabric... but at the same time weeds also eventually grow through vaper barrier... everything has a life expectancy

 

[mikester]

Nature finds a way

 

[Handloader109]

Nothing is going to stop weeds growing up. Every rain, every day more trash will get in the rock and in no time, you will have weeds and grass growing in the rock. Spray and kill.

 

[Fixastuff]

My stupid opinion is it will work if you put 3-4 inches of compactable material on top of old gravel but will not work if you only do 1-2” on top of fabric or use something that stays loose. And yes weeds will grow through it eventually as Mike says.

 

[jyoutz]

Nothing is going to stop weeds growing up. Every rain, every day more trash will get in the rock and in no time, you will have weeds and grass growing in the rock. Spray and kill.

Or apply pre-emergent herbicide a couple times a year.

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

Or apply pre-emergent herbicide a couple times a year.

Is that the same as using soil sterilizer?

 

[jyoutz]

Is that the same as using soil sterilizer?

It’s an herbicide product that prevents seeds from germinating. It doesn’t kill existing plants, just prevents seeds from growing.