Tools and Materials
Materials
Gravel
- Water
5 Steps to Repair a Pothole in Your Gravel Driveway
The first step in your gravel driveway pothole repair is to thoroughly clean out the area. Shovel out loose gravel, dirt and other debris from the pothole. Dig deep enough to reach a solid, compacted base, but be careful not to dig too much, as this could weaken the surrounding area. This will help you fix potholes in gravel driveway and keep the problem from coming back as quickly.
Avoid digging too deep and remove only the loose gravel.
Once the pothole is empty, it’s time to fill it with fresh gravel. Start by covering the bottom of the pothole with a layer of gravel. The gravel should be a little higher than the rest of your driveway to allow for settlement over time.
To create a solid foundation that can withstand the weight of cars and other elements, make sure the gravel is uniformly spread throughout the pothole.
The gravel you use should match the one in your driveway. It will allow the repair to blend in more accurately with its surroundings.
The next important step is to compact the gravel added to the pothole. Proper compaction is essential for a repair to last. Start packing the gravel down using a tamper or some other heavy object. Pack it tightly, starting with the edges and swiftly moving towards the center.
The gravel will only emerge less frequently if compacted and your driveway will look smoother and more integrated.
If your driveway is small and you don't have a tamper, simply drive the car over the repaired area a few times to pack that gravel down.
Once the gravel is compacted well, dust the surface lightly with water to assist in settling the gravel. The moisture will help in binding the gravel particles firmly together to the long last and create a more stable surface.
If the gravel settles excessively and forms a dip after being watered, refill the gravel and compact it once more until the surface is level with the rest of your driveway.
Avoid overwatering the area since it can erode some of the gravel and make a muddy mess. Water is simply necessary to help in the gravel's settling without causing erosion.
Your gravel driveway pothole repair is finally done now. But It’s important to check on it every couple of weeks after you fix the pothole. If the gravel settles some more, add a little more and compact it again. Consistently monitoring and maintaining your driveway can help in future-proofing from new potholes.
A gravel driveway pothole is easy to fill and will save you money down the road. By following these five simple actions, you can maintain a smooth driveway. Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent future holes.