How to minimise the build up of surface water
Standing surface water might be a small as a puddle on your patio or driveway that you have to walk around or avoid parking in, but that puddle could encourage algae growth that might spread, or could become a skating rink in freezing temperatures. Over time, that freezing and thawing water can damage the paving itself.
When planning patios and driveways, it’s important to take the drainage of surface water into account to protect your newly paved area and your property, even if you’re not in an area that’s a risk from flooding.
What is surface water?
Surface Water is any water from rainfall that collects at ground level. On improved impermeable surfaces like roads and pavements, patios and traditionally paved driveways, gradients and surface water drainage products are used to move this water to drains and sewers. On both unimproved surfaces and improved permeable surfaces, water drains through the surface and is allowed to soak away. In both impermeable and permeable surfaces, it is possible to temporarily store this surface water in underground attenutation tanks before it is slowly discharged into a sewer.
Problems can arise during heavy rainfall or the melting of snow and ice, any time the sewer cannot handle the storm surge or run off from impermeable sufaces, or when permeable surfaces are saturated - you might have experienced your lawn feeling boggy and spongy after heavy rainfall, this is the ground being saturated – there is a risk of flooding.
If the water falls onto a hard surface and cannot roll away, or there is no drain to disperse it, or onto a soft surface that is fully saturated, it causes a build-up of surface water, which can lead to flooding.
What problems can surface water cause?
If surface water collects on your patio or in your garden, it can cause a number of different problems, including:
- Cause a hazard on paved surfaces
- Encourage the growth of moss and mould, which is a slipping hazard
- Lead to structural problems for paved surfaces, fences, sheds, and outdoor buildings
- Damage to your home if the water is allowed to stand next to the walls of the house for an extended time.
How to avoid surface water problems
The good news is, there are several relatively simple ways to improve drainage in your outdoor space, including:
Keep gutters and drains clear
Gutters are essential for directing excess water away from your home, so it’s important they are clear and in good condition. Check there is no damage to the drains and gutters and clear them of leaves and debris, especially in the spring and autumn.
Collect rainwater
Installing water buts at the bottom of your downpipes will capture the rainwater that flows through them, managing the flow of water off your home. You can then use the collected water to water your plants and garden.
Choose your surfaces carefully
Paving driveways and parking spaces with concrete, asphalt, or block paving, can make it incredibly difficult for water to flow away. So think about the materials you choose. Loose stone or gravel will allow water to drain through it while paving slabs or block paving laid on top of compacted hardcore will mean water can flow between the slabs and the ground.
Plan patios and paths
If you’re building a patio, you’ll need to choose materials that allow the water to run off them. And remember the surface will need a slight fall or slope to allow the water to drain away from your house.
Remember to lay your patio over an aggregate sub-base and consider including areas of gravel, shingle, and planted areas within the patio.
Drainage
Plan your drainage carefully to ensure that rainwater doesn’t flow directly into the sewage system and include a soakaway (a hole at the bottom of the lowest point of the patio, filled with loose gravel) so that any water has somewhere to go. This will prevent it from building up on your patio or driveway.
Choosing surface water drainage
Surface water drainage solutions have to be able to withstand heavy foot and vehicle traffic, but that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on style. When you incorporate drainage into your design, it can actually enhance the project and the looks you can achieve with patio drainage vary wildly, from elegant to cool and contemporary.
Polished Stainless Steel
Wedge Wire
Anthracite
Antique Iron
As well as choosing what look you want to create, you’ll also need to think about how hard-wearing your drainage will need to be. Different finishes on drains will wear at varied rates and might need more maintenance. Checkout our online range of drainage channels.
Drainage can also be very discreet. The ACO HexDrain and RainDrain Brickslots, for example, are barely visible when used in front of garage thresholds and front doors, while Drain Mats ACO Step Drains are also very discreet and will prevent water ponding at the entrance to your home.
Drain Mats
Brick Slots
Step Drain
Get in touch with our drainage experts
If you’re unsure which drainage product is right for your project, let our team of experts help you out. Contact your local branch, or drop us a message here.
