
Stop Fighting Potholes and Washouts
Professional driveway installation and repair services in Salem, Alabama and surrounding areas that address grading and drainage issues from the start.
If your driveway washes out after heavy rain or develops potholes that seem to reappear no matter how many times you fill them, the problem usually comes down to grading. You need a surface that sheds water instead of holding it, and that means working with the natural slope of your property rather than against it. DT Dirtworks handles both new driveway installation and repair work for properties where access matters and drainage cannot be ignored.
This service includes proper grading to prevent washouts and potholes, gravel installation and reshaping for long-term use, and repair of existing driveways that have deteriorated due to poor drainage or settling. The work is suitable for rural properties and long access drives where standard paving is not practical or necessary. You end up with a driveway that improves access, appearance, and drainage without requiring constant maintenance.
If your current driveway is no longer doing its job, reach out to discuss what a properly graded installation or repair can do for your property.
Why grading matters more than surface material
The work starts with evaluating the existing grade and identifying where water currently flows during rain. You might see ruts along the edges or standing water in low spots, and those areas tell us where the surface needs to be reshaped. DT Dirtworks uses grading equipment to establish a consistent slope that moves water off the driveway and into ditches or natural runoff areas, then applies gravel in layers that compact properly under weight.
After the grading is corrected and the gravel is installed, you will notice that rain no longer pools in the same spots and the surface stays firm even after wet weather. Proper grading to prevent washouts and potholes means the driveway holds up under regular vehicle traffic without breaking apart or forming soft patches.
The gravel used is sized to lock together under compaction, which keeps it from shifting or spreading into the edges. For existing driveways, the repair process may involve stripping away failed material, regrading the base, and adding fresh gravel in a way that corrects the original drainage problem. This approach works particularly well for long access drives and rural properties where resurfacing every few years is not realistic or cost-effective.
Homeowners often want to know how long the work takes, what kind of gravel is used, and whether the repair will last longer than previous attempts. These questions come up because many driveways fail repeatedly when the underlying grading issue is never addressed.
Questions people ask before scheduling driveway work
DT Dirtworks works with property owners who need driveways that hold up under real conditions, including heavy rain, frequent use, and long distances from the main road. If your driveway needs grading correction or a full installation, get in touch to talk through what the property requires and how the work will be structured.