When it comes to hard landscaping projects, there are many factors to consider, but one of the most important is drainage. Proper drainage is essential for ensuring that your surface lasts as long as possible and remains in good condition. In this blog post, we'll explore why drainage is so important for drives and patios and what you need to do in order to achieve the best results.
Why is drainage so important for drives and patios?
Drainage is important for drives and patios for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to prevent water from pooling on the surface of your paving. If water is allowed to pool it can cause damage over time. This is especially true if your paving is made from a porous material, such as natural stone or concrete pavers. Water can seep into the pores of these materials, causing them to weaken and deteriorate.
Secondly, drainage helps to prevent erosion. If water is allowed to flow freely over your paving or driveway, it can erode the surface over time. This can cause your surface to become uneven and create tripping hazards.
Finally, proper drainage can help to prevent flooding. If your paving is not properly drained, water can accumulate and cause flooding in your garden or driveway. This can be a major problem, especially if you live in an area that is prone to heavy rainfall.
What can you do to ensure good drainage?
Preparation is key when it comes to planning hard landscaping projects. You can buy the most expensive paving on the market, but it won’t stand the test of time if the substrate isn’t right. There are a variety of techniques you can use to ensure good drainage and extend the life of your drive or patio, including:
Assessing the site - Before any work starts it is important to take into account the specific requirements of your site. Your contractor should assess the slope of your land, the proximity of drainage systems, the soil type in your area, the surrounding landscape and any other factors that could have an impact on drainage.
Installing drainage channels - You can install drainage channels around the edges of your paving to ensure that water is directed away from your home and into the appropriate drainage systems.
Creating a gradient - You can create a slight gradient in your paving to ensure that water runs off the surface and into the drainage channels. Depending on the particular orientation of your garden or driveway it may be necessary to create a number of different levels and gradients to direct the flow of water.
Are there any surfacing materials that help with drainage?
If you're concerned about drainage, and flooding has been an issue in the past, you might want to consider installing a permeable surface. This type of landscaping is designed to allow water to seep through the surface and into the ground below. One example of this is
resin bound surfacing, as it permits water to gradually seep through so that pooling is avoided. Resin bound surfacing is available in a huge array of different colour palettes and finishes, making it suitable for a wide variety of locations, in both domestic and commercial settings.
If you're looking for a company to install your patio or driveway, and want to be sure that drainage is taken seriously,
speak to one of our team at Premier Surfacing. We're dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality installations, and that includes proper drainage. Contact us today on 01952 840838 or email us at mail@premiersurfacing.co.uk to schedule a consultation. We'll be happy to discuss your project with you and provide you with a free no-obligation quote.
