Driveway Repair & Regrading in Eau Claire, WI
Rebuilding washed-out or rutted driveways to restore drainage and durability
A failing driveway is usually a drainage problem, not a surface problem. Ruts form where water runs. Washouts happen where slopes were never corrected. Low spots soften because the base underneath has shifted or broken down.
Serving West Central Wisconsin, 715 Excavating provides driveway repair and regrading services in Eau Claire, WI, and surrounding communities. We correct grades, rebuild bases where needed, and reshape surfaces so water drains properly and driveways hold up under daily use.
Why Property Owners Choose 715 Excavating
Drainage-Focused Repairs
We fix water flow first so problems don’t return.
Targeted Base Rebuilds
Only failed sections are rebuilt when possible to control cost and disruption.
Equipment Matched to Access
Repairs are performed cleanly without widening or disturbing surrounding areas.
Drive-Ready Results
When finished, the driveway is stable, smooth, and ready for daily use.
Why Driveways Fail Over Time
Most driveway problems don’t happen all at once. They develop gradually as weather, traffic, and water interact with the original construction of the driveway. Poor grading allows water to run down wheel paths instead of shedding away. Over time, base material breaks down or shifts, especially when soft subgrade soil sits beneath the surface. Inadequate slope or crown lets water linger, and seasonal freeze–thaw cycles compound the movement. Simply repairing the surface doesn’t stop this progression. Regrading corrects how the driveway functions, not just how it looks.
What Driveway Repair and Regrading Involves
Grade Correction and Drainage Control
Regrading reshapes the driveway so water moves off the surface instead of through it.
This includes:
- Correcting slope and crown
- Eliminating low spots and ponding areas
- Redirecting surface runoff
- Tying driveway grades into the surrounding ground
Proper drainage is the foundation of a long-lasting repair.
Base Repair and Reinforcement
When the base has failed, surface gravel won’t hold.
This includes:
- Removing soft or unstable material
- Rebuilding base thickness where needed
- Compacting base layers properly
- Stabilizing weak sections
A reinforced base restores load support and prevents recurring ruts.
Surface Reshaping and Gravel Replacement
Once grades and base are corrected, the surface is rebuilt.
This includes:
- Regrading existing gravel
- Adding new gravel where required
- Shaping for smooth transitions
- Compacting for immediate use
The result is a driveway that drains correctly and drives evenly.
When Repair Is Enough, and When It’s Not
Some driveways can be corrected with regrading and base repairs. Others continue to fail because the structure beneath the surface is no longer sound. Before recommending any work, we evaluate how the driveway is built, used, and affected by water and soil conditions.
Base Condition
We look for soft areas, recurring ruts, or sections that never fully dry. When base material has broken down or mixed with soil, surface repairs often don’t last. Base stability is usually the deciding factor between repair and reconstruction.
Drainage Behavior
Water movement causes most driveway problems. We evaluate where water enters the drive, how it flows, and where it exits. In some cases, regrading can correct the issue. In others, the layout itself causes repeated washout.
Soil Conditions
Soil type affects how a driveway settles and holds up over time. Clay-heavy or frost-prone soils can shift even when the surface looks intact. Understanding what’s below helps determine whether repairs will hold.
Traffic Load
Driveways that carry trailers, equipment, or frequent traffic wear differently from light residential access. We factor in use and load to ensure the structure matches how the driveway is actually used.
Length and Slope
Long or sloped driveways face greater erosion and material loss. Slope affects runoff speed and where damage occurs. Sometimes regrading improves performance. Other times, rebuilding is the only lasting fix.
This review allows us to clearly explain whether repair makes sense or if rebuilding part or all of the driveway will prevent ongoing issues.
Our Driveway Repair Process
Site Evaluation
We review slopes, drainage paths, base condition, and traffic patterns.
Grade and Base Correction
Problem areas are reshaped and rebuilt so water drains and support is restored.
Surface Regrading and Finish
Gravel is reshaped or replaced and compacted for consistent driving conditions.
Service Areas
715 Excavating proudly serves the following communities in Western Wisconsin:
- Eau Claire, WI
- Chippewa Falls, WI
- Menomonie, WI
- New Auburn, WI
- Osseo, WI
- Bloomer, WI
- Cadott, WI
- Stanley, WI
- Thorp, WI
- Withee, WI
- Greenwood, WI
- Fall Creek, WI
- Augusta, WI
- Mondovi, WI
- Eleva, WI
- Colfax, WI
- Cornell, WI
- Elk Mound, WI
- Chetek, WI
- Holcombe, WI
What Our Customers Are Saying
Ready to Fix the Driveway?
Ruts and washouts don’t fix themselves. Correct grading and base repair restore performance and prevent repeated maintenance.
If your driveway is soft, uneven, or washing out, we’re ready to review the site and recommend the right repair approach.
Contact 715 Excavating to schedule your driveway evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can regrading fix a driveway that washes out every time it rains?
Yes. Most washouts are caused by incorrect slope or poor drainage. Regrading reshapes the surface so water leaves the driveway instead of cutting through it.
Do you always need to add new gravel during a repair?
Not always. In some cases existing gravel can be reshaped and reused. We only add material when base depth or surface coverage is lacking.
How long does driveway regrading take?
Many repairs can be completed in a single day. Larger or heavily damaged driveways may require additional time for base rebuilding.
Will the driveway be usable right away?
In most cases, yes. Once grading and compaction are complete, the driveway is ready for normal traffic.
How often should a gravel driveway be regraded?
It depends on traffic, drainage, and weather exposure. Proper grading and base construction significantly reduce how often maintenance is needed.