Drainage on your concrete: Should Your Driveway be slanted for better Drainage?

A concrete driveway is a common installation for homeowners to have an adequate parking space as well as area in which to pull into the garage of a home. When having a concrete driveway installed, it is important to note the drainage position of the driveway placement, including slope. When a driveway is installed improperly, drainage can turn into a major issue. When it rains, water can easily enter the home and cause flooding when driveway drainage is not taken into consideration. Below are a few key points involving the placement and slope of a concrete driveway so you can see why such considerations are important.

Effective Methods to avoid Drainage Problems

One of the most effective ways to avoid drainage problems within the home when installing a concrete driveway involves slope and placement of the driveway. When a new driveway is installed, the property you own should be evaluated and the area where the driveway will go should be viewed as a spot for excellent drainage.

A driveway should not be placed in a low-lying area or a place where water flows during storms. The driveway should actually have a gentle slope moving away from the home. This will ensure that any water flow will wash away from the home rather than towards the dwelling. Time and time again, homeowners have found that when they work with shoddy contractors, these factors were not considered and the home is subject to flooding due to drainage problems.

It may be necessary to include a grading process during the installation of the new driveway to ensure the right slope is achieved. If your property has a steep slope, landscaping may be needed in order to avoid any drainage problems. It is recommended that you speak to your contractor before a driveway installation and ensure that your property will be cared for by way of slope and placement to ensure no water damage issues in the future due to improper slanting.

Driveway Drains

Sometimes the property is situated below street level and it can be difficult to solve draining issues when dealing with a concrete driveway installation. Aside from slope and placement, a drain will need to be installed. Known as a trench drain, the unique drain is installed within the driveway and is long and narrow in size. The drain should run the width of the driveway and have a metal grate to keep debris from clogging the drainage pipe.

This is an ideal option for rainy climates and something to consider depending on the type of property you have plus with slope and placement consideration. Decorative options can be added to make the driveway look nice as well as function properly with the drain in place.

Overall, it is important to ensure that any new driveway will have this consideration. You want your driveway to be free of pooling water as well as causing a problem within your home due to flooding. Be sure to speak with your contractor about drainage issues to ensure this topic will be covered.