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DRIVEWAY DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS
The Pennsylvania climate can wreak havoc on residential driveways, commercial parking lots and other structures, whether they’re made of asphalt and/or concrete. The year-round freeze-thaw cycle, heavy seasonal rainfalls and standing water can damage pavement significantly over time. Choosing the most appropriate driveway drainage solutions can reduce the risk and extend your driveway’s life span.
Of the common materials used to pave driveways, asphalt is superior to other driveway solutions when stormwater management is a concern. The porous surface allows water to drain naturally through the base and into the ground underneath. Even so, there are ways to make your driveway drainage more efficient — and the crew at CMI Paving is here to provide the driveway solutions you need.
Solutions for Stormwater Management
The best ways to divert stormwater from your asphalt driveway are slope way driveway drainage solutions. The highest point of the driveway should be in the center so water can run off of the pavement on either side. It’s also ideal to create a slope that will allow the water to flow away from your home.
By installing pavement with a gentle slope, you can prevent standing water from gathering and causing structural damage to the base of your driveway.
While slopeway driveway drainage solutions can go a long way, further intervention is sometimes necessary. The geography of your property might not allow water to be effectively diverted in this way. If this is the case for your driveway, you might want to look into other driveway solutions for drainage such as a catch basin.
A catch basin is an underground drainage system that is typically situated at a low point of your driveway where stormwater would usually pool. Instead, the catch basin drains the water and diverts it elsewhere.
Other Residential Driveway Drainage Solutions
While slopes and catch basins are effective driveway drainage solutions, other methods work well for asphalt and/or concrete structures.
Asphalt
Examples of potential asphalt driveway drainage options include:
French drains: This drainage solution works well for driveways experiencing significant water runoff from surrounding areas. These systems consist of a buried perforated pipe inside a gravel- or stone-filled trench.
Culverts: A culvert is a pipe installed underneath a driveway that prevents water from flowing over the structure. It provides a reliable drainage solution for driveways constructed in low-lying areas.
Curbs and gutters: Installing a curb along the edge of an asphalt driveway can direct the water flow to catch basins or other drainage points. Gutters can guide the water into a nearby culvert or storm drain.
Dry wells: These underground structures collect water and allow it to seep into the surrounding soil. They provide an effective solution for driveways that receive substantial runoff amounts.
Concrete
If you’re looking for concrete driveway drainage solutions, you can implement many of the techniques for asphalt structures or try one of these options:
Permeable: If you’re planning to install or replace a concrete driveway, consider a more porous version that allows water to seep through the surface to prevent pooling.
Swales: These shallow, vegetated channels run alongside a driveway and help divert water from the concrete surface.
Expansion joints: Placing these joints between the sections when pouring a concrete driveway can minimize cracking during the Pennsylvania freeze-thaw cycle.
Rain gardens: Installing a rain garden containing deep-rooted plants near a concrete driveway will absorb runoff and enhance the property’s aesthetic value.
Paving Drainage Solutions for Commercial Parking Lots
Heavy vehicle traffic and other factors contribute to insufficient drainage in busy commercial parking lots. At CMI Paving, we offer a range of options that will dramatically improve your parking lot’s condition.
Our solutions include improved stormwater management via catch basin repairs to collect surface water more effectively and prevent pooling. By diverting the water into an underground drainage system, a properly functioning catch basin can also reduce the risk of vehicle damage.
Contact CMI Paving Today for Your Pennsylvania Drainage Solutions
The truth is that every driveway is different and there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all driveway drainage system solution. That being said, the experienced crew at CMI Paving is here to help you find which driveway solutions work for you. Whether you need a new permeable driveway base or a top layer with a gradual placement slope to facilitate runoff, we’re fully equipped to diagnose drainage problems. We offer a professional recommendation and perform the necessary work.
As a local company that has been in business for more than 40 years, CMI Paving is Central Pennsylvania’s trusted provider for residential driveway solutions. We’re proud to serve homeowners in Harrisburg, Hershey, Mechanicsburg and beyond with the stormwater management solutions they need to protect their homes.
Reach out to us today so our team of seasoned paving experts can start to create a custom driveway drainage solution for your specific needs. Give us a call at (717) 774-6565 or fill out our online contact form. We’ll be in touch shortly to discuss the details and schedule an estimate appointment for your next project.
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