Geotextile Fabric

Is there a certain type used for driveways?

How much should this stuff cost if I buy 500 feet x 9 feet wide.

Is it the same stuff as house wrap (Tyvek)?

Yes there are many types and strengths.

First there is the woven stabilization or separation fabric. This is what you want. It comes in light weight; med weight; and heavy weight. The med is what they use on highways. Most likely the easiest to find but light weight would work for a drive. It is made from a woven yarn of polypropylene. Very tough and must be cut as it does not tear easily. I have only seen it in roll 12' wide or wider.

Then there is the non woven filtration type. This kind tears a lot easier and is made to be used as a filtration fabric. Such as a barrier between a drain pipe and the dirt above. Prevents the mud from getting into the pipe. This is the kind that looks like a piece of flannel.

Then there is the woven filtration type. This is used in heavy filtration separation such as bulk heads and under rip rap.

There are others but no need going into them.

This is nothing like house wrap. It cost a good bit but is cheaper to do it right the first time than to have to add more rocks later.

Making a drive is NOT just putting down a fabric then some rocks. You need to start at the bottom and do not move up till that layer is correct. Fabric will keep the rocks from filtering into the mud but does nothing to correct base problems. You need to start with a good compacted base. With the lack of a compactor you need to let the rain and traffic compact it well. If you have a undisturbed area that is dry that should be good enough but you can not add non compacted fill and expect it not to settle under the fabric. Good drainage is next. You need it so water can get away from the drive. Usually with the fabric set on ground level then the drive built up from there is good enough but you need to look at your situation as to a low spots or valleys between two hills. Next is the fabric. Just roll it out. Then you need a good rock fill. One size does not work. You need a combination of small and large rocks so it can compact. The small rocks fill the voids in the big rocks. If you only have one size rock it will always be like a fresh drive and very loose. We use limestone that has from 1 1/2" down to sand in the mix. I have also seen some that put down a concrete rock mix and add some clay to it. The clay fills the voids.

Geotextile fabric is NOT a cure all that some make it out to be but if done right your drive will out last your grand kids.

I have used geotextile fabric in my driveway. I had one area (about 450 ft long) that was particularly unstable in the Springtime and would become essentially impassable for a while. Instead of massive excavation and replacement of soil, I used a geotextile fabric, about 4" of 1-1/2" crushed stone on top of it and then about 3" or 4" of crushed bank run gravel. That was about eight years ago and I have not had a problem. the stuff works slick. I am a firm believer.

I bought mine at Waste, Inc. in N.H. They supply municipal and utility supplies for roadway and septic construction. You should have a similar supplier near you. Try your yellow pages.

There are several types. See here for some general information. The stuff I used was specifically for road stabilization and is a woven fabric with a very fine mesh - and strong.

When I bought mine in 1998 it was about $1 per foot. I bought a 500' roll x 12' wide for $498.00.

It is NOT the same stuff as Tyvek or any other housewrap material.

Rod