Avoiding Common Drainage Mistakes that Impact Concrete

Chances are you've seen us discuss drainage and how it impacts exterior concrete surfaces more than once if you're a regular reader. It is crucial to ensure that water doesn't end up in the wrong places on your concrete surfaces, where it can cause cracks, moisture seepage, etc.

Whether it's garage floors or driveways, patio lifting and leveling, The Concrete contractor Seattle WA at Cloud Concrete offers a wide range of concrete repair services to Seattle customers. Often, we advise clients on how their drainage setup is affecting their concrete, especially when it's negatively impacting the quality of the concrete. In what ways can a home or structure be prone to drainage mistakes that may interfere with concrete? The following are a few examples, as well as some tips on how to avoid them.

Ignoring clear signs of an issue

The signs of a drainage system that is having problems will usually be fairly easy to spot if water is being directed to areas it shouldn't be. Poor drainage may be the cause of water leaking through cracks in your foundation or appearing in your basement where it wasn't before.

Whenever you notice changes like this occurring on your property, don't ignore them. Instead, assess the situation and make necessary adjustments to your drainage setup. You will be able to avoid larger issues in the future if you do so now.

Not Adjusting for Seasonal Changes

Seasonal changes can have a significant impact on your drainage system, something that is often overlooked when it comes to drainage. To ensure your system can handle more precipitation during winter months, you may need to make adjustments.

Additionally, during summer months when drought conditions may exist, you'll want to avoid having too little water in your drainage system. Make adjustments as needed based on the season to ensure your system is always functioning properly.

Failing to Routinely Inspect and Clean

In order to keep your drainage system in good working order, you should inspect and clean it on a regular basis. In areas with many trees, leaves and other debris can easily clog up your system if you're not careful.

Keep your system clean by inspecting it regularly and cleaning it out as needed. Keeping your concrete surfaces clean will help ensure it runs smoothly and doesn't cause problems.

No Drainage System at All

A property owner's biggest mistake when it comes to drainage is not having a system in place at all. It won't matter where water runs off your property if you don't have a drainage system in place.

There can be a lot of problems if you don't have some sort of system in place, so you should make sure you have one. To find the best option for your needs, consult with a professional about the different types of systems available.

Trying to DIY Major Issues

The average homeowner can easily handle certain aspects of drainage maintenance, such as removing leaves or debris from gutters. Nevertheless, there are some issues that are best handled by professionals.

If you have a cracked pipe or a clog deep within your system, a professional should be contacted rather than trying to solve the issue on your own. In addition to being safer, this can also ensure that the issue is resolved correctly the first time.

Improper Directions

Especially when it comes to concrete, the direction of your drainage system is crucial. Your concrete surfaces can develop cracks, stains, and other problems if water is directed towards them.

Ensure that your drainage system is set up so that water is directed away from any concrete surfaces on your property to avoid these problems. Keep your concrete in good condition and prevent unnecessary damage by doing this.

Old Materials

Last but not least, if your gutters and drainage system is still using materials that are outdated or in poor condition, it's probably time to upgrade. Water systems that are older may not be able to handle the amount of water they're being asked to, which can cause a lot of problems.

You should ask a professional for their opinion if you are not sure if your system needs to be replaced. You will be notified if your current system needs to be updated.

Drainage might not be the most exciting topic, but it is crucial to protecting concrete surfaces. Your system will work properly if you avoid these common mistakes, ensuring that it doesn't cause any problems in the future.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our concrete repair services for Seattle clients, speak with our Concrete contractor Seattle WA today.