Driveway fabric has become a popular solution for protecting gravel driveways from issues such as sinking, shifting, and weed growth. However, driveway fabric isn’t flawless and it has its own set of problems. Understanding the concerns is the key to making an informed decision about your driveway’s durability and aesthetics.
Understanding Driveway Fabric: A Brief Overview
To better understand the problems associated with driveway fabric, it’s important to first familiarize ourselves with what driveway fabric is and how it works. Driveway fabric, also known as geotextile fabric or landscape fabric, is a synthetic material designed to provide stability and longevity to a gravel driveway.
The Function of Driveway Fabric
The driveway fabric serves as a barrier between the gravel layer and the underlying soil. When installed, the fabric is unrolled onto the excavated driveway area, and then covered with gravel. This method aims to solve two main problems inherent in traditional gravel driveways:
Prevention of Inter-mixing
The primary purpose of driveway fabric is to prevent the gravel and the underlying soil from intermixing. In traditional gravel driveways without fabric, the weight of vehicles can push the gravel into the softer subsoil. This can cause the gravel to sink which makes the driveway uneven and in need of regular re-graveling. By providing a barrier, the fabric helps keep the gravel layer separate and intact.
Weed Control
Driveway fabric also functions as a weed barrier. Weeds can be a significant problem in gravel driveways because they can grow through the spaces between the gravel. The fabric prevents weeds from emerging through the gravel by providing a physical barrier.
The Installation Process
The installation of driveway fabric requires careful planning and labor:
- After excavating the driveway area, contractors must ensure the ground is even and free from sharp objects that might tear the fabric.
- Roll the fabric out on the driveway.
- Add the gravel layer.
It’s important to ensure that a sufficient depth of gravel is maintained above the fabric. Too little gravel can result in exposure of the fabric to UV rays, which can degrade it over time. Conversely, too much gravel can make it difficult for the fabric to function effectively as a weed barrier.
The Downside to Driveway Fabric
Despite the fabric’s benefits in maintaining the structural integrity of the driveway and controlling weed growth, the system is not without its limitations. Issues can start appearing over time, ranging from gravel loss and water drainage problems to durability concerns – all of which are critical factors for any homeowner to consider when choosing the right driveway solution.
However, there are several drawbacks to using driveway fabric:
Loose Gravel
The gravel on driveway fabric is loose, which can lead to shifting and scattering over time. It can result in an uneven surface and potential loss of gravel, and may require additional maintenance and regular replenishment.
Surface Water Drainage
Depending on the type and manufacturer, driveway fabric is not always a permeable solution. It can prevent soil erosion to some extent, but surface water can’t drain through the fabric. This can lead to water pooling on the driveway surface, which can cause potential damage and slipping hazards.
Durability Concerns
Driveway fabric can tear during installation, especially on uneven ground or areas with sharp rocks. Once damaged, the fabric can lose its effectiveness, which can lead to sinking and shifting of the gravel.
Despite its popularity, the downsides of driveway fabric highlight the need for a more robust and efficient solution. TRUEGRID® permeable pavers easily provide significant advantages over driveway fabric.
TRUEGRID® Permeable Pavers: A Superior Solution
The TRUEGRID® permeable paver system is a more efficient, eco-friendly, and durable solution to using traditional driveway fabric alone. TRUEGRID® Permeable Pavers are a grid structure that holds the gravel in place to ensure a smooth and even surface.
Why Choose TRUEGRID®?
Stable Gravel
Unlike driveway fabric, the gravel in TRUEGRID® pavers stays locked in place within the grid structure. This prevents shifting or scattering, which reduces maintenance requirements and provides a consistently smooth surface.
Excellent Water Drainage
TRUEGRID® pavers are permeable, which allows surface water to drain directly through the system and into the ground below. This effectively prevents water pooling, to help reduce slip hazards and potential driveway damage.
High Durability
Made from 100% recycled plastic, TRUEGRID® pavers are highly durable and resistant to cracking or breaking, even under heavy loads. The interlocking system also allows for easy installation on any ground surface, which reduces the risk of damage during the installation process.
TRUEGRID® Offers Two Solutions That Work with Gravel
TRUEGRID® PRO LITE® – A Great Fit for Light Commercial and Residential Use
TRUEGRID® PRO LITE® is a specialized permeable paver that has been engineered to be porous while also able to withstand medium vehicular weights and traffic, to help ensure safety for both pedestrians and cyclists. It is built for durability and has a green-friendly design with superior compression resilience and adaptability.
The PRO LITE® paving option is a tough paver that provides a cost-efficient solution, which makes it a superb selection for gravel or grass-based overflow parking spaces, driveways, fire access lanes, and a variety of other paving needs.
TRUEGRID® PRO PLUS® – For Commercial Traffic
In the realm of paving, TRUEGRID® PRO PLUS® stands out as the best permeable paver for commercial use. It’s the preferred choice among engineers due to its full permeable surface, and it is capable of effectively handling stormwater and water detention.
With a proven track record in covering millions of square feet in high-traffic commercial parking zones, its reliability is unquestionable. Its ease of installation and almost zero maintenance add to its appeal. The PRO PLUS® paver is also fully compatible with all accessories under the TRUEGRID® brand, including the SuperSpot® parking markers.
Introducing TRUEGRID® Grass Permeable Pavers
In addition to traditional permeable pavers, TRUEGRID® also offers grass permeable pavers. TRUEGRID ROOT™ grass permeable pavers have several benefits:
Eco-friendly
Grass permeable pavers contribute to a greener environment by reducing stormwater runoff and promoting natural groundwater replenishment. They also absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen to enhance air quality.
Heat Reduction
Unlike traditional pavement or concrete, grass permeable pavers help reduce the urban heat island effect by maintaining a cooler surface temperature.
Aesthetics
Grass permeable pavers provide an attractive, natural look for driveways, parking lots, and outdoor spaces, and can easily blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscaping.
Low-Maintenance
TRUEGRID® permeable pavers are designed for longevity and resilience. They require minimal maintenance compared to traditional grass lawns, which can be prone to patchiness, weeds, and damage from traffic.
The potential applications for this product are extensive, from residential driveways to commercial parking lots, fire lanes, and more.
Upgrade Your Driveway with TRUEGRID® Pavers: A Superior Alternative to Driveway Fabric
Don’t let your driveway be a source of worry and hassle. Upgrade to TRUEGRID® permeable pavers for a superior alternative to driveway fabric alone. TRUEGRID® Permeable Pavers give you the option to lock in the gravel, or allow the grass to keep growing, all while providing enhanced water drainage capabilities, and unrivaled durability.
Contact us today for more information and a free quote!
