What You Need to Know About Driveway Drainage

Installing a driveway takes a lot more than just a bunch of hot asphalt and a steamroller. Professionals need to account for water runoff that could negatively impact the asphalt itself, your land and even your home. Continue reading to learn more about driveway drainage and how we can help it with driveway drainage solutions in Prince William County, VA.

Why is drainage important?

A proper drainage system underneath the asphalt surface allows water to flow from the top of the driveway safely down to the street, where it can collect in the city sewer system. A drainage system also prolongs the lifespan of your asphalt driveway, as rainwater takes a nasty toll on asphalt over time. Any qualified asphalt contractors will take drainage into account when installing an asphalt driveway.

Best practices to ensure proper drainage

Speaking of qualified professionals, they should all know how to guarantee that drainage won’t be an issue as time goes on. Professional driveway installation should start by grading the land to create a downward slope leading from your home to the street. Next, knowledgeable asphalt contractors will put down a layer of gravel that will help collect any water runoff before it affects the ground underneath the eventual driveway. Finally, the asphalt should be laid and sealed to further protect it from any water runoff damage.

Signs there’s a drainage problem

Unfortunately, the steps mentioned above aren’t always followed, which means homeowners can have problems resulting from drainage deficiencies. Here are a few signs that there’s an issue:

• Puddles: Even if they’re shallow, small puddles or divots in the asphalt are a sign that the water isn’t draining from the driveway down to the street. They might not seem like a significant issue now, but those puddles may eventually lead to potholes that require professional repair.
• Crumbling asphalt: As more and more rainwater collects on the asphalt, it’ll start to wear down the surface. The asphalt will eventually start to crumble away, which again will necessitate repairs.

What can be done?

The good news is that the problems above can be solved with a little help from a qualified asphalt contractor. Here are three driveway drainage solutions in Prince William County, VA for anyone experiencing issues:

• Driveway drains: When land isn’t properly graded prior to laying asphalt, installing a trench drain is the best way to get rid of excess water. A trench drain runs the length of the driveway and is covered by a metal grate that prevents any debris from blocking the flow of water.
• Drainage pipes: If you have a long driveway, installing drainage pipes along the sides can help with water runoff. Once the pipes are installed, water will run onto them and flow down into the street instead of staying put on your asphalt.
• Landscaping swales: A landscaping swale is a marshy tract of low land that manages water runoff and increases rainwater filtration. Ask your asphalt contractor about digging swales on either side of your driveway to help collect any water that would otherwise sit and puddle up on your driveway.

If driveway drainage is a concern, be sure to choose the pros at Paveco Inc. to correct it. Contact us today to get a free estimate or to learn more about our driveway drainage solutions in Prince William County, VA!

Categorised in: Asphalt Driveway