Geotextile
When installing an asphalt driveway, what’s underneath the pavement matters just as much as the asphalt itself. One tool that may be used on specific projects is a geotextile fabric, a heavy‑duty material installed below the driveway to help create a stronger, more stable base.
While you may never see it once the job is complete, geotextile fabric can play an important role in how well your driveway holds up over time.
What is Geotextile Fabric?
Geotextile fabric is a strong, permeable fabric placed between the natural soil and the base material beneath an asphalt driveway. Its job is simple: keep the ground stable and prevent materials from mixing together.
Without geotextile, soft soil can blend with gravel or base rock over time. When that happens, the driveway base weakens, which can lead to sinking, rutting, or premature cracking.
Why Geotextile Is Used Under Asphalt Driveways
Not every asphalt driveway needs geotextile fabric, but in the right conditions, it can make a big difference.
Geotextile is commonly used when:
• The soil is soft, sandy, or clay‑based
• The area has poor drainage
• The driveway will see heavier vehicles
• There is a history of settling or base failure
By separating the soil from the base material, geotextile helps the driveway stay level and supported over time.
How Geotextile Helps Your Driveway Last Longer
Using geotextile fabric beneath an asphalt driveway can help:
• Improve base stability by keeping gravel from sinking into the soil
• Reduce future settling and uneven areas
• Allow water to drain naturally instead of becoming trapped
• Protect your investment by reducing long‑term repair issues
In simple terms, geotextile helps the asphalt you see perform better because the foundation underneath it is stronger.
What About Gravel Driveways?
Geotextile fabric is also sometimes used for gravel driveways, especially in areas with soft ground or recurring washouts.
For gravel driveways, geotextile helps:
• Prevent gravel from disappearing into the soil
• Keep the surface firm and even
• Reduce the need for frequent re‑graveling
Is Geotextile Always Necessary?
No. Geotextile fabric is used only when site conditions call for it. If the soil is stable and drains well, it may not be needed. If the ground is weak or prone to movement, geotextile can be a smart addition.
This decision is made after evaluating the site, not by default.
A Simple Way To Think About It
Geotextile fabric is like an insurance layer for your driveway base. You may never see it, but it helps everything above it perform the way it should.
Get A Professional Opinion On Your Driveway Base
If you are planning a new asphalt driveway or dealing with settling, soft ground, or drainage issues, the right base makes all the difference. A site evaluation can determine whether geotextile fabric is needed and which approach will yield the best long-term results.
