The Role of Drainage in Groundworks

We all know how beautiful a freshly laid driveway can look, stopping passers-by with curb appeal, or how much looking out of your kitchen window at your newly laid patio can put a smile on your face. However, it’s what’s underneath that counts. Even the most stunning designs can be compromised without the installation of proper drainage. At Premier Surfacing, we are specialists in residential paving in Shropshire and Cheshire and we understand the importance of good drainage solutions for driveways and patios. Check out our guide below to find out what drainage in groundworks is for, what options you have if you’re thinking of a new driveway or patio, and how we can help you get the paving of your dreams.

What is Drainage in Groundworks?

Drainage in groundworks refers to the methods used to remove water from your driveway, patio, or any other commercial paving around your property. Sufficient drainage involves the design, excavation, and installation of drainage systems to effectively control the flow of water from heavy rainfall, melting snow, or even when you’ve washed your car.

Why is Proper Drainage Needed for Commercial Paving?

Sufficient drainage for your driveway or patio is essential for ensuring its longevity and functionality. With heavy rainfall in the UK common, it is even more important to ensure you have the right system in place beforehand. Some of the reasons drainage is so important include:

Preventing flooding from standing water which can cause structural damage and render your driveway unusable.
Prevents property damage by directing water away from your house and decreasing the risk of structural damage and damp issues.
Decreases the risk of erosion of your driveway or patio surface, which can lead to costly repairs and a not-so-good-looking house exterior.
Improves safety around your house, decreasing the risk of slipping or other accidents related to standing water.

Process: What’s Involved in Assessing the Drainage Solution Needed?

There are a number of factors that come into play when choosing the right drainage for commercial paving, these include:

Checking the Area to be Paved – whether it’s the front or back of the house, are there any slopes or gradients, existing water flow patterns, and soil conditions?
Type of Paving – certain drainage systems work better with specific types of paving.
Local Factors – rainfall patterns, soil type, etc. need to be taken into account.

What are the Drainage Options for Driveways and Patios?

There are several drainage solutions to choose from, depending on the type of paving you desire and the area to be paved. Below are some of the most common driveway and patio drainage solutions available today.

Channel Drains.

Channel drains are installed at the edge or middle of a driveway and are designed to capture surface water and direct it away. They are long and narrow and usually available in a variety of weight-load classes and are a great solution in preventing surface flooding.

Drainage Gates.

This type of drainage solution allows water to flow into pipes or channels by placement at strategic points on your driveway or patio. Drainage gates are connected to an underground drainage system and are highly effective at preventing surface water build-up.

French Drains.

French drains are comprised of a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that collects water and directs it away from your driveway or patio. An excellent option for driveways built on slopes or that have poor soil drainage.

Gravel and Permeable Driveways.

Gravel driveways allow rainwater to seep through as it is a porous material. A permeable membrane or geotextile fabric placed underneath the gravel allows water infiltration and prevents weed growth.

Sloped Driveways.

Common with paving or concrete surfaces, a sloped driveway can encourage water to run off and into a designated drainage area.

Soakaways.

Used for driveways and patios, soakaways facilitate the controlled infiltration of surface water into an underground storage area, helping to prevent waterlogging, soil erosion, and potential damage to your property’s foundation.

Ditching and Landscaping.

Creating swales and ditches or grading the land can divert water away from driveways and patios and toward suitable drainage outlets.

Premier Surfacing: Specialists in Commercial Paving in Cheshire and Staffordshire.

Here at Premier Surfacing, we never underestimate the role good drainage plays in the paving around your home. So, if you require residential paving in Stoke, Cheshire, or other areas within our customer base, then contact us today to see how we can help you create the driveway or patio of your dreams.

The Role of Drainage in Groundworks: Preventing Flooding and Property Damage