You're So Smooth: A Paving BlogYou're So Smooth: A Paving Blog


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You're So Smooth: A Paving Blog

Once you have a paved driveway, you'll wonder how you ever got by without one. Pavement is so much easier to sweep in the summer and to shovel in the winter. It does not require a lot of maintenance, and it won't leave debris in your yard like a gravel driveway. Most people hire professionals to install pavement in their yard, but you should still know the basics. On this website, you will find information about choosing a paving contractor, designing a driveway, and applying sealant to your pavement. You'll also learn about common terms that paving contractors use when discussing projects.

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Drainage Options For Your Driveway

Puddles and standing water on your driveway are more than an inconvenience. Poor drainage can lead to low areas and eventual pothole formation if ignored. Yet, many homeowners do ignore the problem because of the mistaken belief that drainage issues can't be fixed unless the whole driveway is torn out and replaced. The good news is that there are less invasive solutions available.

Problem: Landscape Overflow

Sometimes the issue with standing water on your driveway is more of a landscaping issue than a driveway issue. In other words, due to the grade of the landscape and drive, water is washed onto the driveway and then has nowhere else to go.

Solution: French Drains

A french drain installed on either side of the drive can solve landscape drainage issues. First, a trench is dug along the side of the driveway, then a perforated drain pipe is laid inside the trench. A layer of gravel is placed over the top of the pipe. As water flows off the landscape and toward your drive, it stops short of the pavement because it drains through the gravel and into the perforated pipe. The pipe then routes the water to the nearest storm drain.

Problem: Water Collecting at the Base of the Drive

Another common complaint is water collecting at the base of the driveway. This issue typically occurs because the driveway grade could not be maintained as the driveway met the sidewalk and road, so there is a natural low spot as the drive dips down to the sidewalk then rises up to meet the road.

Solution: Trench Drains

A trench drain is similar to a french drain, but with some minor differences. Your paving crew will need to cut out a strip of paving across the low area of the drive so that they can create a trench. Then, a drainage trough is set into the trench and grouted into place. The trough has a grated cover, typically made of metal or durable plastic. This cover sits flush to the driveway paving so you can drive over it safely. Water flows down the drive and into this trough, where it is then routed away from your property.

Both of these solutions can be used on existing drives, so there is no need to plan for an expensive, invasive, or time-consuming replacement. Contact a paving contractor in your area for more help in choosing the right drainage fix for your driveway.