Access, Stability, and Erosion Control
A driveway needs to be more than just passable—it needs proper grade, stable base material, and drainage that prevents washouts. Retaining walls need to hold back soil, manage elevation changes, and prevent erosion. Herbert Excavating provides driveway preparation and retaining wall construction for residential and commercial properties in Pennsylvania and Florida.
Whether you’re building a new driveway, repairing a washed-out access road, or installing a retaining wall to stabilize a slope, we have the equipment and experience to do it right.
Driveway Services
New Driveway Construction
We excavate, grade, and prepare the roadbed for gravel or paved driveways. This includes clearing the path, shaping the base, and installing drainage where needed.
Driveway Grading & Repair
We regrade driveways that have settled, eroded, or developed drainage problems. Proper grading prevents water from pooling and extends the life of the driveway.
Base Material Installation
We install crushed stone or gravel base layers that provide a stable foundation for asphalt or concrete, or serve as the finished surface for gravel driveways.
Culvert Installation
If your driveway crosses a drainage path, we install culverts that allow water to flow underneath without washing out the roadbed.
Access Road Preparation
For rural properties, farms, or large lots, we prepare access roads that provide reliable year-round access to buildings, fields, or equipment storage areas.
Retaining Wall Services
Erosion Control Walls
We build retaining walls that hold back soil on slopes and prevent erosion from undermining driveways, buildings, or landscaping.
Terracing & Leveling
For properties with steep grades, we create terraced levels with retaining walls that make the land more usable and stable.
Structural Retaining Walls
We construct retaining walls for parking areas, building pads, and commercial sites where elevation changes need to be managed.
Wall Repair & Reinforcement
If an existing retaining wall is failing, leaning, or cracking, we assess the problem and rebuild or reinforce the structure.
Materials We Work With
Concrete Block
Modular concrete blocks that interlock and provide structural strength for walls of various heights.
Stone & Boulders
Natural stone or boulders for a more rustic appearance, often used in residential and aesthetic applications.
Timber
Heavy timber or railroad ties for smaller walls and terracing (common in Pennsylvania).
Riprap
Large stone placed along slopes or drainage channels to prevent erosion.
Why Driveways & Retaining Walls Matter
A poorly built driveway washes out in the rain, develops ruts, and requires constant maintenance. A failing retaining wall allows soil to slide, undermines structures, and creates safety hazards. Both are expensive to fix once they fail.
We build driveways and retaining walls to last. That means proper grading, adequate base material, effective drainage, and walls designed to handle the load they’re retaining. We’ve done this work long enough to know what holds up and what doesn’t.
Service Areas
We provide driveway and retaining wall services in northeastern Pennsylvania, including Kingsley, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and surrounding communities. We’re also offering these services in central Florida, where sandy soils and heavy rainfall create unique challenges in the Orlando, Clermont, Spring Hill, and Jacksonville regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new driveway cost?
It depends on the length, width, slope, and whether you want gravel or a paved surface. A gravel driveway is more affordable and can be installed relatively quickly. Paving requires additional base prep and costs more. We’ll provide a detailed estimate based on your property and preferences.
Can you fix a driveway that keeps washing out?
Yes. Washouts are usually caused by poor drainage or inadequate base material. We’ll assess what’s causing the problem and recommend solutions, which might include regrading, installing culverts, or adding more base material.
How long does a gravel driveway last?
With proper maintenance, a well-built gravel driveway can last many years. You’ll need to add gravel periodically to replace what gets displaced, but the base should remain stable.
Do retaining walls need drainage?
Yes. Without proper drainage, water pressure builds up behind the wall and causes it to fail. We install drainage pipes, gravel backfill, and weep holes to relieve water pressure and extend the life of the wall.
How tall of a retaining wall can you build?
Most residential retaining walls are 3-6 feet tall. Taller walls often require engineering and more robust construction methods. If you need a wall over 4 feet, we’ll discuss whether engineering is required.
Can you build a retaining wall on a steep slope?
Yes, but steep slopes require more careful design and construction. We may need to terrace the slope with multiple shorter walls rather than one tall wall, depending on the site conditions.
What if my existing retaining wall is leaning or cracking?
That’s a sign of failure. Walls fail when the soil behind them shifts, drainage is inadequate, or the foundation wasn’t built correctly. We’ll assess the damage and determine whether the wall can be reinforced or needs to be rebuilt.
Build It Right the First Time
If you need a driveway built, an access road prepared, or a retaining wall installed, let’s talk. We’ll assess the site, discuss your needs, and provide a clear estimate for the work.
📞(570) 702-7679
📧 [email protected]
Free estimates. Solid construction.