French Drains and Other Concrete Drainage
While drainage may not be the most appealing part of concrete additions to your property, it is arguably the most important. Without proper drainage around concrete, flooding can occur, both above and below ground, causing expensive damage.
At OKCrete, we take nothing more seriously than ensuring French drains are correctly installed before pouring our concrete. We measure every drainage angle, factor in all the slopes, and have the tools and experience to know exactly where the water should go when your concrete is set so that we can pour it correctly the first time.
What Are French Drains?
A French drain is a simple trench dug in the ground in the most problematic areas of the yard. The channel is then filled with a perforated pipe wrapped in water-permeable fabric (so roots and debris do not clog the holes), and the line is covered with several layers of stone or gravel.
Proper water flow and drainage are integral parts of any concrete pour because they help to divert water away from the concrete. This prevents the concrete from cracking and crumbling under the weight of the water.
How Does It Work?
The perforated pipe in a French drain is designed to allow water to flow freely while keeping the gravel in place. The stones act as a filter, keeping the tube clear and preventing soil from entering. French drains will move trapped water to where it will not cause damage.
We’ll dig the trench so it slopes about one inch every eight feet in the direction you want the water to flow (such as away from your house). Once the French drain is in place, it will divert water to one of the following places:
- A street
- The sewer
- A dry well
- A drainage ditch
- A low-lying area of your property
OKCrete knows how to properly and accurately install French drains before pouring any concrete. We will ensure that any water surrounding the concrete we install is diverted with French drains to places that will not result in flooding and water damage.
French Drains Ensure Water
Stays Away From Your Home
Pooling surface water and flooding in garages or basements are two of the most significant problems that can occur if not appropriately drained. Nothing is worse than finding out your basement is flooded after heavy rain or that you now have a pond in your backyard.
OKCrete knows how vital proper drainage is and takes great care to ensure that French drains are installed to divert water away from your garage or basement and not collect on the surface.
Surface Water
Installing a French drain is one of the best ways to prevent surface water from accumulating in one spot on your property. A French drain is a horizontal trench dug directly uphill of the area you want to keep dry.
The trench is filled with gravel or crushed stone, which helps to channel water away from the area. It’s important to use solid pipe instead of perforated pipe in areas with trees or shrubs to reduce the risk of roots growing into the piping and clogging it.
Garage or Basement
French drains are an excellent way to keep water away from your garage or basement — two of the most common places for water to accumulate. This drain intercepts water before it can enter your garage, preventing water damage and flooding. We can also dig down quite deep to access your foundation footing if you have tall basement walls.
Benefits of a French Drain
In addition to diverting water from your home, a French drain has other advantages, as well.
French drains are hidden from view and can be installed throughout your yard and landscaping, making them an unobtrusive solution to water issues.
Have no moving parts, such as pumps, which means they are very unlikely to break down and need repairs.
They can make a significant difference in water issues around your foundation and make your yard a much more usable space.
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Other Types of Drainage Systems
In addition to French drains, several other types of drainage systems can be installed to keep the rainwater from causing damage to your property.
Channel Drain (also known as the Trench Drain)
Channel drains are a common type of driveway drainage system that is used in situations where the driveway slopes down from the street towards the home. This allows for the collection of water flowing down the driveway and helps to ensure that the driveway remains clear and usable.
Channel drains are metal U-shaped channels that are inserted into a trench dug along the driveway. The channel drain is usually completed with a metal driveway drainage grate, preventing debris from blocking the drain and allowing vehicles to drive over it safely.
Permeable Driveway Surfaces
Permeable driveway surfaces are a catch-all term for several options allowing water to pass through the driveway to the ground below. These surfaces can be used in any situation where you want water to be able to drain away from the driveway. This can include driveways that are built from scratch or driveways that are being resurfaced.
There are several different types of permeable surfaces that you can choose from.
- The most common is an open-cell paver, a type of concrete paver with holes that allow water to flow through to the ground below.
- You can also use pervious pavers, where the joints between the pavers are filled with gravel. This allows water to flow around the paver and down to the ground below.
- Another option is a porous paver made from ceramic that absorbs water and draws it down to the ground.
- Finally, you can use gravel, stone, or grass as your permeable surface. In these cases, water can pass freely through and down to the ground below.
Slope Drainage System
A slope drainage system is a type of drainage system that takes advantage of an already inclined terrain to easily drain the water away from your house. This type of drainage system is usually used in areas with hilly or sloped terrain, as it can be difficult to install a traditional drainage system in these areas.
Pipes are installed in strategic areas, leading to the declined slope. The pipes used can be metal or plastic, but they have to be properly ground to prevent sharp edges and keep them safe.
OKCrete Will Ensure That Your Concrete
Project Has the Proper Drainage
OKCrete will take all the necessary precautions to ensure that your concrete is poured correctly and that proper drainage is installed. This includes the installation of French drains, trench drains, slope drains, and permeable driveway surfaces to divert water away from your house and garage.
With OKCrete’s expertise, you can be sure that your concrete will be properly installed and function as it should, including keeping water away from your garage or basement and avoiding the formation of massive pools of surface water in your yard.
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