If you are looking into building a driveway, one of the most important considerations is having a drainage system. This is because water that sits on your driveway can lead to flooding and create an unsafe environment for pedestrians. The good news is there are many ways to design driveway drainage systems so it doesn't have to be expensive or complicated!
Your driveway drainage system can be a complex and confusing topic. But it doesn't have to be! Here, we will walk you through the things to consider before designing and installing your own driveway drainage system so that you are confident in choosing the right materials for your unique situation.
If you're ready, let's get to it! But first, let's discuss what a driveway drainage system is.
What is a driveway drainage system?
The arrangement of pipes, gutters, and other components that remove water from your driveway is known as a driveway drainage system. It's a critical feature to consider if you want to keep your driveway dry and avoid flooding!
Why do I need to plan my driveway drainage system?
The main reason why it's so important to plan your driveway drainage system is that it's an important part of preventing flooding and water accumulation that can lead to mould. Not only will installing a driveway drainage system help to keep the area dry but also any potential damage from water runoff or erosion should be avoided as much as possible.
In summary, having a poor driveway drainage system can lead to one or more of the following:
#1 Flooding on your property
When a driveway drainage system is not installed, it will lead to problems with water accumulating on the surface and potentially flooding your property. This can be due to rain runoff or simply by degradation of your driveway's natural ability to drain itself.
#2 You'll notice standing water on your driveway.
If water is not properly drained off the driveway it will lead to standing puddles on your property, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other bugs.
In addition, if you are using your driveway as an extension of your lawn or garden then this can cause additional problems such as erosion in that area due to soil loss from the saturation.
#3 Long term damage to your driveway
Water can get through cracks and freeze during autumn and winter. When this happens, it can lead to cracks and potholes.
Potholes in your driveway can be very dangerous and will likely lead to more damage if they aren't treated.
Driveway Drainage System: Why A Wet Driveway is an Issue?
The vast majority of people do not become aware of the potential dangers posed by rainwater until it is too late. Even on driveways, large volumes of water can cause major problems that require expensive repairs if they are not addressed.
Taking precautions to ensure that there is adequate driveway drainage system is the most effective strategy to forestall the occurrence of any issues. Your driveway will not be damaged and will dry considerably more quickly following stormy weather if you have the appropriate driveway drainage system installed.
Below are the following issues you encounter with wet driveways:
DAMAGE TO THE FOUNDATION
Water can get close to the house if there is not a concrete driveway drain, and it is then conceivable for water to seep into the foundation. The foundation may start to crumble, the soil beneath it may begin to deteriorate, and water may even begin to seep into the wooden building above it, which can lead to rot and mould problems
CONCRETE EROSION
Concrete, stone, and asphalt are impermeable to water absorption, in contrast to soil and grass. Puddles form when there is nowhere for the water to go and the ground does not slope in any direction because this causes the water to pool. The presence of standing water makes it more difficult for a surface to dry up and, over time, can create erosion. Erosion can lead to cracks, potholes, and other types of damage that can be potentially hazardous and expensive.
STRUCTURAL AND SIDING DAMAGE
In the same way that the absence of a driveway drainage system can cause damage to the foundation of your home, it can also cause damage to the siding of your house. The water can make its way through the siding and the house wrap, where it can cause mould and decay, which are both detrimental to the real construction of the property. There are a few varieties of home siding that are susceptible to harm when exposed to an excessive amount of water.
How do I plan for my driveway drainage system?
There are a couple of things to consider when planning for your driveway drainage system. Here are some of them:
#1 It should have an aesthetically pleasing design.
When your home is an extension of your identity and personality, it's important to make sure your driveway drainage system remains aesthetically pleasing. Use durable and aesthetically-pleasing accessories such as galvanised driveway grates. Choose designs that are discreet and best match the exterior of your home.
#2 It should be easy to maintain.
Paying for a driveway drainage system that is easily maintained will save you money in the long run. It can last longer without needing repairs or replacements. Make sure your new driveway drainage system has parts that are made from durable and rustproof materials such as driveway grates galvanised steel so it's less likely to break.
#3 Your driveway drainage system must be safe.
It's important that your system's design and functionality is proven safe for everyone. To make sure it's safe, people shouldn't trip as they walk on the drain. People in wheelchairs, bikes, walkers, skateboards and other similar design should be able to pass over the system with ease. This decreases your chances of injuries and liabilities.
#4 It must have a long life expectancy.
Opting for a smaller and cheaper channel is undeniably tempting. However, these systems may not last long enough. Some of the channels may break soon after installation or only last a few years. This can cause you to have to repair or spend more money on replacing your driveway drainage system. This is especially true when you expect a lot of vehicular traffic to test the grates and trenches.
#5 They must have enough water capacity.
The grates and trenches must be able to handle heavy rainfall or snow. Water should not stagnate or pool on the surface of the driveway if the channels have a good slope angle.
#6 The channels must have a good slope.
The channels should have a certain degree of slope or the water will pool on the surface and create puddles which can cause slippery surfaces.
#7 The drainage system must use quality materials.
It is also important to make sure that you are using the galvanized driveway grates, PVC pipes, concrete channel grates, trenches made from reinforced polymer/plastic materials instead of old-fashioned cast iron drainage systems. This is due to the fact that all of these other options last longer than their counterparts and cost less in the long run! It's an investment worth making if you're trying to get your driveway drainage system designed right from the start.
These are the thing to consider when getting a driveway drainage system. Maintain open lines of communication with your material supplier and installer. That way, they can effectively meet your goals and provide you with an effective driveway drainage system.
Drainage Grate Replacement Services: How Driveway Drainage System Can Help?
Finding the right drainage grate installer is a straightforward solution to all of these water problems that have been occurring. With the help of a drain, water will be able to migrate from the surface of the driveway into the driveway channel drain, from which it will then quickly drain into the sewage system.
Your driveway will dry out considerably more quickly if you a driveway drainage system to collect and dispose of water. Since there won't be any standing water anymore, you won't have to be concerned about the erosion of your driveway or the damage that could be done to your home or siding. This, in turn, implies that you won't need to spend money on repairs, which can rack up over time and cost a lot of money.
What Should You Look for in a Driveway Maintenance
Excess Water
The accumulation of excess water on a driveway that does not drain effectively leads to increased deterioration and an overall appearance of having been used and worn. Water may seem like no big deal. However, regardless of the material used for the driveway, excessive amounts of water, particularly when it is allowed to pool on the surface because drainage is inadequate, will cause it to deteriorate in a short amount of time. This wear and tear manifest as cracks and discolouration on the surface.
Washed Away Soil
Excess surface water has the potential to erode soil if it is not channelled in the appropriate direction. When there is a problem with the driveway drainage system, the landscaping and lawn near the driveway as well as the turf all around will eventually get destroyed. Due to this, a vicious cycle is created in which new soil is added, only for it to be washed away by rains once again.
Foundation
When the driveway does not drain as it should, the soil beneath it and the driveway itself are not safe to walk on, and neither is the foundation. It is essential to keep in mind that although the driveway is located outside the home, it is still considered to be a component of the complete system. Anything that is in the path of water will eventually become eroded. If the water doesn't properly drain from the driveway, there is a good chance that it will eventually make its way to the foundation of the house and begin to erode it. If you see cracks in the foundation of your home, you should inspect your driveway drainage system.
Excess Moisture
A poor driveway drainage system is to blame for the increased humidity you're experiencing in your basement or any other room in the house. When you are attempting to figure out where the moisture in the house is coming from, one of the first things you should do is examine the drainage system.
The Benefit of Putting up a Driveway Drainage System
Due to a drain system, you won't have to call a plumber each time you need to clear up the mess that water has caused inside your home. The only thing left to do is take everything out of the box and start cleaning up the space around it. This is a fantastic method to cut costs and save money. Since you are not required to pay for a sewer line that is tied to your foundation, you are not required to regularly engage plumbers to do work for you. You won't have to worry about the sewer backing up, either, which is the cause of your monthly water bill being larger than it otherwise would be.
Another important advantage of drainage systems is that they help to stop soil erosion, which is one of the primary factors that contribute to floods in many residential areas. You may need to deal with it frequently if you do not have a backyard drain installed. This might be the difference between having an appealing outdoor living space and having a foundation that is wrecked.
Bottomline
A driveway drainage system is an integral part of your property. Without a proper and well-planned design, you're running the risk of big problems down the road like water pooling or worse - flooding! That's why it's important to remember the things to consider before installing one!
Do you need a driveway drainage system installed? Do you want galvanised driveway grates Sydney - sourced? Send us a message today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!