Is your concrete patio or deck partially submerged during heavy rain? Is it even affecting how you use your outdoor space? It is not unusual for patio drainage problems to occur, especially when drainage has not been considered or accurately calculated. It’s more than an eyesore. The water that pools around your house can seep into your basement and cause water damage. This type of problem can not only be annoying but also very expensive to fix. Here are some ways you can identify and fix concrete drainage issues that could be damaging and annoying around your house.
What causes water to pool?
Here are three main reasons as to why water pools in concrete patios:
Blocked drainage system
Over time, debris builds up in pipes and this causes the water to stop flowing and cause it to pool. If your drainage system works well and all of sudden the pooling starts, this could indicate that your drainage system is clogged.
Incorrect sloping
Concrete patio drainage may not work because the correct slope was not applied and designed. If the patio is too low or flat, it allows water to collect. There should be a slight angle so that water flows away from the patio and not onto the concrete. It does not need to be very sharp. Just a slight slope will direct the water away.
Downpipes and overhang roof pointing to the patio
A roof overhang or downspout can cause water to run off the roof onto your patio. This could lead to standing water on the concrete patio which accumulates very quickly.
How to add drainage to concrete patios already in place
It is possible to install drainage systems in the concrete patio or deck that’s already in place. You will need to cut the concrete where water is likely to pool to make a sloping channel for water to drain away. Then, fill it with gravel or other attractive stones. A trench made of metal can also be used as a drain for concrete patios. They are typically only a few centimetres wide, so they are discrete. However, they are large enough to allow water to trickle through and not let debris in. You don’t have to worry about debris building up and blocking the pipes. Because they are flush against the patio, they don’t cause any tripping hazards.
You can also fix your gutter and downpipe systems so that rainwater doesn’t flow towards the patio. You can add a cement overlay to your patio to alter its slope. To keep the patio looking attractive, you can add decorative elements.
For a new patio, you will need drainage solutions
It’s best to consult a plumber together with your local concreter if your home is experiencing water pooling. It is important to plan ahead and make sure you do it correctly when installing a concrete patio or deck. For water damage prevention, ensure that there is drainage around your concrete patio. In the event that the landscape makes it impossible to create a slope so the patio can drain water, the contractor will install an in-slab drainage system. This uses channels made of gravel to transport it away. You could also use porous concrete pavers to let water flow from the patio to the ground beneath it. This can reduce erosion and water runoff, which can be beneficial for the landscape.
