How To Redirect Water From Driveway

When it rains, a number of issues can become a problem around residences. This of course depends on the general terrain so some people might not have problems. For some it can be that construction was done factoring in rain scenarios. Unfortunately there are some whose driveways can get flooded when it rains. This creates a chain reaction of countless other problems. If water settles on the driveway for too long that increases the chances of damage or deterioration. Imagine a driveway being submerged for several hours, surely that creates problems. That is why it is important to know how to redirect water from driveway.

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Inspect And Assess First

You need to figure out where the problem is coming from or could be coming from. Bear in mind that redirecting water from driveways can be done prior or after rain. If it is prior, you would have to find out runoff sources and or paths that can flood the driveway. Then you put in place measures to redirect water from driveway as it rains. Then in some cases water can collect and settle on the driveway. You can then quickly find ways to redirect the water when it has already rained.

It is important to note that most runoff sources are usually drainage mechanisms from other parts of a location. Examples can be runoff from gutters or ground drainage pipes or canals. In fact, gutters are the biggest culprits that necessitate the need to redirect water from driveway. Then there is also runoff facilitated by the slope of the terrain. Basically you start off by inspecting and assessing where attention is needed.

Redirect Runoff Sources Or Paths Of Existing Drainage Systems

There are existing drainage systems that can be causing driveway flooding. Where possible you can figure out how to reset the drainage systems. For example, let us suppose the runoff source is from the roof and the corresponding gutters. You can divert that runoff away from the driveway. You can even install a rainwater harvesting system e.g. to collect the roof water into a tank or tanks. The runoff could be coming from another drainage system onsite. You can redirect the runoff from there away from the driveway. These are just some examples but the principle is in working on existing drainage systems. Either you reset them or you redirect runoff that they facilitate.

Several Driveway Drainage Systems You Can Build

This is another area you can focus on in redirecting water from driveway. Remember all this will be informed by the initial inspection and assessment. You can build yourself or you can pay professionals to do it for you.

Trench Or Ditch Drains

For example, you can dig trench drains or ditch drains. These work by redirecting water and channelling it elsewhere over vast surface areas. You dig these on one side or both sides of the driveway so that they redirect the water away. It is important to state that it matters where that redirected water flows to. It must not ultimately flood other areas as that can be problematic.

French Drains

These are somewhat like trench drains but with a key distinction. Within the trench will be a pipe, often perforated, that redirects the water collected in the trench. The pipe will be embedded inside; usually the trench will be filled with stone pebbles or gravel. The inclusion of pipes can make it easier to actually put the redirected water to good use.

Swales

You can also dig what are called swales. A swale is a shallow trough-like depression that is created to carry water during rainstorms or snow melts. The biggest advantage of swales is that they are cheap and you can DIY. Plus you can transform to beautify the landscape by planting e.g. ornamental plants in them.

You can use your discretion to see what the best positioning and depth of these trenches, ditches, or swales should be like. Plus in some cases you might have to dig and or install multiple. Do bear in mind that these solutions are workable by leveraging gravitational water flow. If the terrain is naturally sloppy it is much easier.

Re-Working The Driveway

This can be costly and even tasking as well. However, there are cases where this can be the best solution. Some driveways were built in such a way that their slope promotes flooding. For instance consider a driveway is not level and the lower end is facing a building. This means any water that will run off the roof or from other sources will likely collect and flood the driveway. A lasting solution to this scenario can be to rework the driveway.

Incorporating Gradients Along The Driveway

This might entail getting it levelled or changing the direction of its slope. Another strategy which works for relatively flat or level driveways is to build a crown (or hump) at the middle. You can build more than one if the driveway is substantially longer. This will facilitate runoff on either side of the crowns. This will all be done with the implications of other drainage or runoff sources or paths onsite.

Changing The Driveway Surface

You can even take this as far as replacing the driveway with a resin one. A resin driveway redirects the water from the surface to below the driveway surface. This is because of the permeability of a resin driveway. Any water that comes to such a driveway will seep through. A much lower cost approach here is to remove the existing driveway surface thus turning it into a gravel driveway. Such a driveway promotes seepage because gravel has the highest permeability.

Those are the details and options to consider in redirecting water from driveway. How you redirect the water does not have to be confined to one approach. You can use several strategies in unison to effectively redirect water from your driveway. Do not hesitate to seek professional help when unsure.