5 Ways To Improve Drainage On A Concrete Driveway
Your concrete drive can develop cracks and potholes from standing water, and poor drainage near the driveway can erode the base beneath. Ensuring good driveway drainage begins at construction, although there are some tactics that can be used to improve drainage on existing driveways as well.
1. Regrade the Slope
Ideally, your driveway will be graded away from the house so it slopes toward the street and the nearest storm drain. If the grade is too slight or worse, it slopes toward the house or dips to a low point before rising again, then water will pool upon and damage the concrete. Regrading means installing a new concrete driveway with a built-up base that slopes at the correct angle.
2. Choose Permeable Paving
Permeable concrete, which is designed to allow some water to infiltrate through, is an excellent way to improve drainage without compromising appearances. This concrete contains stone aggregate, which creates pores to allow moisture to slowly seep through without causing damage to the driveway paving. There are several options in permeable paving, and your concrete contractor can recommend one best suited for your needs.
3. Use Combination Paving
Combination paving uses two or more paving materials to improve drainage. For example, you can pour a driveway using a series of square pads, then install gravel in the spaces between the pads. This provides the structural integrity and appearance of concrete, but the gravel sections allow excess water to easily drain off after heavy rain.
4. Add Interior Drains
Low areas in the driveway can be fixed with interior drains in some cases, which means you won't have to fully rebuild the driveway. A common problem is a driveway that slopes toward the street properly, but then has a slight depression where the sidewalk passes over the driveway apron. Your concrete contractor can cut into the concrete and install an interior drain at low spots, which prevents water from accumulating.
5. Install Perimeter Drainage
If water flows onto the driveway from the surrounding landscape, then perimeter drains can prevent the water from ever making its way onto the concrete. These are trench drains, sometimes called french drains, that are placed in the ground on either side of the driveway. They prevent water from eroding the edge of the driveway base, a problem that can destroy the paving.
Contact a concrete driveway service for more help if you are experiencing drainage issues with your concrete drive.
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