The Challenge
The property had an existing gravel driveway and motor court that had become a maintenance burden — regrading twice yearly, significant dust in summer, and gravel tracked into the garage and onto the street. The Petaluma clay soil required special attention before any paving could be done.
Our Approach
We excavated the full driveway and motor court to a depth of 10 inches to account for the expansive clay subgrade. A geotextile separation fabric was installed to prevent clay migration into the aggregate base, followed by 6 inches of Class II aggregate base compacted to 95% density. Hot mix asphalt was placed at 3 inches compacted depth — heavier than standard residential spec given the motor court turning loads. A decorative brushed concrete border was installed at the property entrance per the owner's request.