Improperly designed driveways with ineffective drainage system can lead to water accumulation and flooding. To combat these problems, Here are some good drainage solutions.
While planning the exterior of your house, you also need to plan the design of the driveway. No matter how great your driveway design is, you need to make sure that there is a proper driveway drainage system installed. Sometimes improper leveling of the driveway, might lead to accumulation of rainwater in the driveway creating water logging.
Drainage problems like this can be avoided by constructing the driveway in such a way that it slopes away from the house and garage. However, for existing driveways, there are many drainage solutions that you can consider. The type of drainage system you install will depend on the elevation of your property and the amount of rainfall the area receives.
Installing Porous Pavement
One of the best drainage solutions is to install a porous pavement on the driveway. Porous pavements are made of permeable or porous material that allows rainwater to seep in through its surface. It has a stone reservoir underneath that temporarily stores the rainwater, seeping in through the pavement surface.
This water is then gradually absorbed by the sub soil underneath. This keeps the driveway surface dry and water is properly channeled off into the soil by soil drainage. There are many types of permeable or porous pavement available in the market that come with different finishes. Choose one having a good permeability and which best matches the landscape.
Installing Trench Drain
If the elevation of your property is such that the slope is towards the house, then you need to install a trench drain to prevent water from the driveway flooding your basement or garage. A trench drain is a long and narrow drain that intercept and collect surface water from the driveway.
The end point of the trench drain is connected horizontally to a pipe which diverts the water away from your property. The drain is often covered with a metallic grate that keeps it free of leaves, dirt and other debris that might clog it. Installing a trench drain is a very labor-intense and time-taking project. It is best left to professionals.
Installing Drainage Swale
Another effective driveway drain system is a drainage swale. A drainage swale is basically a shallow depression on the ground that is wide but has a lesser depth. If the land surrounding your driveway slopes towards the driveway, then constructing a drainage swale might be the ideal driveway drainage solution.
By installing a drainage swale on either sides of the driveway, water will get diverted into the swales. This will keep your driveway dry and free from any standing water. If the look of open drainage swales does not appeal to you, then you can cover them with rocks or plant small shrubs.
Other good drainage solutions that you can use in conjunction with the drainage systems mentioned dry wells, sump pumps and dry creeks. Installing a proper drainage system in your property is very important if you want to avoid any water logging problems and foundation damage of your home.