Drainage for Driveways: Solutions and Ideas

Proper drainage is key to the health of your property. Without good drainage, you may deal with erosion, standing water, water in your crawl space, foundation damage, and damage to your driveway or other hardscaped areas. Drainage for driveways is particularly important because the driveway takes up so much real estate, usually runs through a primary part of the property, and the concrete or asphalt used to create the driveway is susceptible to damage from the excess water, swelling clay, or frost heaves.

The experts at Triad Associates can design the right drainage solutions for your driveway to protect your property and ensure proper water management. We can employ a variety of solutions to get results, and we will start with a thorough evaluation of your space to determine the right strategy.

Types of Driveway Drains

There are a few solutions for driveway drainage, and we’ll work closely with you to determine what would get you the best results. Some types of driveway drains include:

Driveway Channel Drains

A channel drain is a narrow drain with a grate on the top. The surface water falls through the grate and flows through the drain to the appropriate area. Driveway channel drains can be installed along the sides of the driveway, even running the full length, or they can run across the driveway, cutting it into sections. Some people use a channel drain to catch water that flows into a garage. Others use channel drains to collect and divert excess water in specific, problem areas. 

Drainage Gullies

A drainage gully looks like a simple grate on the top. However, under the grate, there is a series of tubes that directs the water through a drain and to a designated spot. Drainage gullies are often connected to gutter downspouts to provide greater control of stormwater, but they can also be placed anywhere where water is known to collect.

Hidden or Seamless Driveway Drains

Hidden or seamless drainage for driveways are similar to channel drains, but they have a narrower opening that minimizes distraction from the design of the driveway. These are sometimes referred to as “slot drains,” since the opening is only an inch or so. The water slips through this slot, and it is diverted away from the driveway through a drainage channel or pipe under the driveway or the ground.

Common Drainage Problems for Driveways

Many drainage problems can plague driveways, depending on the grade of the driveway, the surrounding area, and other factors. Some of the most common drainage problems for driveways include:

• Puddles on the driveway
• Flooding in the garage or other parts of the home
• Cracks on the driveway caused by erosion around the driveway or frost heaves from trapped water

You may have other drainage problems, depending on the layout of your property, the type of driveway you have, and other factors.

Designing a Driveway Drainage Solution

Before deciding on the right drainage solutions for your driveway, we need to understand what problems you are experiencing and why. A consultation with our designers will include a thorough conversation about your challenges and goals, as well as an evaluation of your property.

In some cases, the driveway itself may be the drainage problem, presenting an impermeable surface where water puddles. Drainage solutions like gullies and channels can reduce puddling by draining and funneling the water away from the driveway.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Maintaining a driveway drainage solution generally involves keeping the drainage channel free of debris so that the water can flow through the channel easily. Usually, all that will be required of you is removing sticks, leaves, or other debris from the grate or channel opening. 

If you notice that water is pooling around the drainage channel or is overflowing, you may have a blocked drain. You would need to call in the professionals to remove the blockage and inspect the drain to ensure that it is structurally sound. In some cases, a blocked drain is a failed drain that needs to be replaced.

Driveway Drainage Costs

Costs can vary widely for driveway drainage solutions based on a number of factors, such as the type of problem you are experiencing; the size, type, and number of drains required; challenges for installation; and more. 

During your consultation, our drainage experts will discuss options with you and how they can affect cost. Our goal is to find an effective solution that will also meet the needs of your budget. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drainage System

Of course, cost is a big consideration when choosing a driveway drainage system, but it is not the only one. Some other considerations when choosing the right driveway drainage system for your needs include:

Regulations and Permits

Drainage systems are subject to local regulations, just like many other home projects. Some drainage systems may also require a special permit to be installed. Our designers will help you understand how local regulations apply to the drainage system you are considering.

Aesthetics

While you want to deal with drainage issues on your property, you also want your property to look good. Some driveway drainage systems are more visually appealing than others. We’ll help you find a system that protects and contributes to the look you want for your property.

Materials

Some materials are more durable than others, and some require less maintenance. We’ll help you understand the pros and cons of the different materials so that you can create a system that will stand the test of time.

Hire Triad Associates’ Driveway Drainage Experts Today

Drainage issues can undermine the beauty of your property and dramatically increase your maintenance responsibilities and costs. Call the driveway drainage experts at Triad Associates today to learn about possible solutions that can protect your property and improve its curb appeal. Our experts have been implementing drainage solutions for Haverhill residents for many years, and they are committed to finding a solution that gets results for you.