Too much water lingering on your driveway can lead to problems. Water may seep into the pavement and degrade the subbase. This can cause cracks and potholes to form, which affect the appearance and function of your driveway. To prevent this issue, here are a few options to discuss with a paving contractor.
How to Enhance Your Driveway's Drainage
1. Dig a Swale Trench
If drainage issues are relatively minor at your home, swale trenches are an option. Their simple yet effective design consists of an open trench with gravel at the bottom. The sloped sides allow water to run into the trench and down to the gravel, which filters it back into the soil. It's equipped to handle moderate amounts of water efficiently.
2. Install a French Drain
If you have more substantial drainage issues on your property, a French drain may be the best solution. French drains also require a gravel-filled trench. However, they include a perforated pipe to carry water away from your driveway to a safe location off your property. French drains can also be used with dry wells, which are devices situated underground that collect water and deposit it back into the soil slowly.
Replace Your Current Driveway
If there is substantial damage to the pavement, replacing the driveway might be the best approach. Uneven pavement can trap water in different sections of the driveway, making it difficult to access any drains or trenches you install.
Paving contractors can reinstall asphalt that's graded for optimum drainage. Investing in a new driveway enhances your property's appearance and saves money on future repairs that can result from continuous water damage.
