Driveway Drainage Solutions

Water is the most damaging element to your asphalt surface. Have we mentioned that before? Yes – we know we keep repeating this, but in this case, repetition is important. You can visit our blog, Water’s Effect On Asphalt Pavement Deterioration for extensive detail on this topic where we discuss how water can damage your asphalt and how to protect asphalt from these damages. Since water is so damaging to asphalt, we can pretty much guarantee that if proper driveway drainage and/or parking lot drainage is not considered during asphalt installation, your asphalt will begin to deteriorate prematurely.

There are a few different types of drainage options for both driveway drainage and parking lot drainage. But the two most impactful areas to consider when constructing a proper draining system for both residential driveways and parking lots are proper slope and placement.

Driveway Drainage Placement & Slope Best Practices:

• When placing a driveway, it should be in an area that has excellent drainage and it should not be placed in a low-lying area or in a popular water flow area during storms.
• The driveway should gently slope away from your home. So that when it rains the water will drain towards the street.
• Grading may be necessary to achieve this slope.
• If your driveway has a slope towards your house without proper draining, this means trouble for your asphalt and your home. Consequently, water draining towards a home’s foundation can lead to costly, and devastating water damages.

Driveway Drainage Options:

1. Driveway Drains – For some properties, their design does not allow for grading or a natural downward sloped driveway. In these situations, a driveway drain is best. One option is a trench drain. Which is a long and narrow drain that typically runs the width of the driveway. This is typically covered by a metal grate. This grate helps to keep the drainage system free of debris that could cause clogs and hinder its performance.
2. Drainage Pipes – This option is great for really long driveways. A drainage pipe at the sides of your driveway can help with runoff moisture. It will carry the water away and deposit it elsewhere.
3. Landscaping Swales – If one side, or both sides of your driveway has slopes down towards the driveway, you may want to consider landscaping swales. A landscaping swale is a low tract of land that is moist or marshy. They manage water runoff, filter pollutants, and increase rainwater infiltration. They are typically shallow depressions that are wider than they are deep. These swales will create a place for storm water to collect. But they will also help to avoid water draining from the hillside onto you asphalt.

Parking Lot Drainage Placement & Slop Best Practices:

• Designing your parking lot to slop will force water to run to off your pavement towards a more desirable place.
• The water direction should be running in a path that is moving away from exterior walls.
• Asphalt curbing can and should contribute to directing the flow of water to grassy areas and/or designated drainage areas.

Parking Lot Drainage Options:

1. Catch Basins – A Catch basin is a subsurface drainage structure with a grate on top to collect and channel surface runoff into a storm sewer system. Therefore, building catch basins into the curb line is key. Adequate number of basins and proper placement is very important in effectiveness.
2. Drain & Inlets – These are receptors for surface water collected in ditches and gutters that direct water to enter storm drainage systems. Openings of these drainage inlets usually have a cover over the grate.

Here are some signs to look out for that may indicate that your current parking lot or driveway drainage system is not working effectively –

• Pooling water in central areas of your lot or driveway and/or running water down the center.
• If you are seeing rocks, sand, or dusty residue on your pavement, this could be a sign that your surface isn’t draining right. Because this is commonly a result of water breaking down asphalt and carrying debris from pavement with it.
• Water leakage within your home or building and/or damage of exterior walls.

How Can EastCoat Help With Your Driveway Drainage

If you suspect that your parking lot or driveway drainage system is inadequate, you should call your professional paving company ASAP. Therefore, if water is not draining as it should, it is likely laying on your asphalt. And it’s slowing causing unnecessary deterioration, or worse, it is channeling towards your foundation. Hiring an experienced pro paver who understands the importance of proper driveway drainage is important. However one that knows how to effectively achieve it, is key to the install process. It is ensuring a successful and long-lasting asphalt installation.

For all of your CT parking lot paving and drainage needs call EastCoat Pavement Services, and feel confident in hiring a commercial asphalt contractor with over 20 years of experience. So understanding what to expect from your paving estimate, and how to spot a reputable contractor vs. an asphalt scam is key in ensuring a project is done correctly, with the best materials, and at a fair price. Contact us for your free estimate today!