As we head into the cold, winter months, it is important to ensure pavement drainage systems are installed and functioning to their fullest potential. Be proactive, start the new year off right with proper drainage. Our team of highly-skilled professional contractors is here to help make sure everything is in shape to keep your home or business safe. We sat down to answer some of your most frequently asked questions about drainage, check them below. 

What is pavement drainage?

Answer: Drainage helps ensure the quality of life of your paved structure. Its primary purpose is to help provide control over the movement of water and carry it away from places where it can cause damage or flooding. Drainage assists in keeping precipitation and runoff from entering and filling cracks of pavement. Even the smallest of cracks can, over time, experience the build up of water, causing erosion, a weakened structure and other underlying issues. 

Are there different types of drainage?

Answer: Yes! There are two types of drainage, including surface and subsurface pavement drainage. While subsurface drainage deals with systems under the terrain, surface drainage tackles the issues at the top and those that impact the surrounding ground. This is the type of drainage you see normally on a daily basis. Whether a raised curb or sloped surface guiding water into a nearby ditch, there are a variety of techniques a team of professionals can construct and help maintain. 

What are the benefits of surface drainage?

Answer: Surface drainage involves the removal of water at the surface to avoid the possibility of permeating into the pavement’s cracks. This includes the shoulder or any other area where water can travel from and reach the pavement. Once the problem trickles below the surface, major damage can occur. You then run the risk of repair jobs that could potentially burn a hole in your pocket.

How do you determine which surface drainage system is right?

Answer: A variety of factors will play a role in the type of surface drainage system that our team will recommend for your pavement. The size of the paved area, amount of precipitation typical to the area and permeability of the surface are some of the main components taken into account. From there, other environmental factors such as elevation as well as amount of traffic expected are also evaluated. Every project is different, so you will want a team of experienced contractors who are familiar with the region. 

I’ve heard of sloping driveway drainage solutions? Are these effective?

Answer: Water will flow from a higher point to a lower one, where it will pool or be carried away. To avoid a flood backing up into your home, our team will look to install a sloping driveway. With this technique, any water will be guided away from your garage or doorstep and into the road or other pavement drainage solution.

What are the benefits of a pavement edge drain?

Answer: In areas where a sloping driveway option might not be possible, a pavement edge drain or a trench drain can be installed in front of your garage or other entrance to your home. This is a decorative grate covering an in-ground drainage system. It serves a double purpose, helping with water flow and keeping out debris while adding a pleasing accented design to your property.

Are there any other specific options for driveway drainage?

Answer: Absolutely! We always avoid laying driveways in low spaces or areas that experience high levels of water flow during snow and rain storms. Using a permeable pavement material or installing drains are also popular options of choice. As we mentioned, a sloping driveway drainage solution is ideal, but it is not always a possibility. If the surrounding landscape slopes in towards your driveway, a swale, or shallow ditch, can be dug out to give any water a surface to runoff into before it hits the pavement. Certain localities including HOAs and towns will have their own rules and guidelines to follow. Be sure to check with them before beginning any project to avoid having to re-do anything or pay hefty fines.

How do I know if I have a serious road drainage problem?

Answer: Road drainage is important to tend to, especially when in front of a business. A flooded street can be dangerous, especially on windy, hilly or dark roads. Even areas with high levels of rain can have adequate drainage systems in place to minimize excessive pooling of water. Sometimes the solution can be as simple as installing a drain, while other changes might be more involved. With the right plan, you can get ahead of any potential problems, so the sooner you call in a team of professionals to evaluate what can be done, the better.

Is there a road drainage structure I should discuss with my team?

Answer: Nothing is more of an inconvenience to potential customers than having a hard time reaching the door of your business. If the parking lot or surrounding road is hard to navigate through, they might turn away, or to a competitor. To keep roads from flooding, you will often see a ditch or gutter installed on both sides. This gives the water a place to run off to and keep roads clear of hazard. The installing team of contractors should ensure that the structure is smooth, without dips or bumps to eliminate potential erosion and pooling. 

Do you have more questions about pavement drainage? Contact our team of professional pavement drainage contractors at Limitless Golden Construction to learn more. You can even sign up for a free drainage inspection today. If you are curious to know what our customers have to say about our work, be sure to check out some of their testimonials. You can also see some images of our favorite projects on our Instagram. We service residential and commercial projects near Putnam and Westchester County in New York. Call us today at 914-810-3125.