Water Drainage Guide for Asphalt Installation

If you’re looking to have asphalt installed, there are a lot of things you should be thinking about and understanding. One of the most important things to know is how to handle water drainage. If you don’t have proper drainage set up for your driveway, parking lot, or paved surface, then you could be in for a world of trouble. With water pooling and sitting on top of the asphalt for too long, the whole thing could deteriorate.

This is why it’s so crucial to know what to do when you’re thinking about installing asphalt in your yard or property. At Productive Asphalt, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of proper water drainage. If you have any questions or require additional information, our experts are here to assist you in any way possible. Keep reading for all the information you should know to keep your asphalt in great condition!

Why Proper Water Drainage Matters

Asphalt performance is directly related to its ability to manage water. Excess standing water is an asphalt’s worst enemy. The longer water sits on your asphalt’s surface, the more likely it is to seep into any hairline cracks or imperfections and eventually erode its structural strength. Once cold weather hits, water that has settled into these weak spots can cause further damage as it freezes and expands, exacerbating deterioration through freeze-thaw damage. With time, these issues can result in expensive repair bills or even necessitate complete replacement.

Ensuring proper water drainage will help keep rainwater, melting snow, and moisture running off your asphalt’s surface. In addition to helping prevent pavement damage, this can also help minimize slick and slippery conditions, making your asphalt surface safer for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Key Factors in Achieving Effective Drainage

Proper drainage is a vital component of asphalt installation, and here are a few ways you can make sure your water is draining away from the property:

Slope and grading: Perhaps the most straightforward way to ensure good drainage is to provide a natural slope that will carry water away from your asphalt surface. This means your asphalt needs to be graded in a way that allows water to flow toward storm drains, swales, or gutters. You want the slope to be at least 1-2% to allow the water to run off the surface easily.

Productive Asphalt can ensure the surface has the proper slope by using specialized equipment and techniques to ensure the asphalt is perfectly level and smooth with no low spots where water can accumulate.

Drainage systems: In addition to grading, larger paved areas like parking lots or driveways may require additional drainage systems to handle heavy water flow or runoff. This could include catch basins, French drains, or trench drains to direct water away from the asphalt surface. These systems can be installed at the edges or in low areas where water tends to collect.

Mark, the owner of Productive Asphalt, often recommends additional drainage options for our clients after evaluating their project, from calculating the slope to assessing the terrain and deciding on drain locations.

Permeable asphalt: Another option for water drainage is using permeable asphalt. This type of asphalt allows water to seep through the surface and into the ground, minimizing runoff and preventing pooling. Porous asphalt can be an excellent option for areas that experience heavy rainfall or have strict environmental regulations on stormwater management.

While permeable asphalt may not be the right choice for every project, it is a great option for those looking to future-proof their property while being environmentally conscious.

Preventative Measures to Maintain Drainage

Occasional maintenance is crucial to ensure your drainage system continues working. A well-designed and installed drainage system will last a long time, but regular care can help prevent potential problems such as clogged drains or deteriorating slopes.

Regular Cleaning

One of the most important maintenance tasks is to keep your asphalt free of debris. Leaves, dirt, and other materials can clog drains and prevent water from draining properly, which can cause pooling and damage. Regular sweeping and power washing of your surface can help keep your drainage system in good working order.

Inspect for Damage

Cracks and potholes can also affect the flow of water on your surface, causing pooling in unwanted places. Regularly inspecting your asphalt for damage can help you identify and schedule repairs early. Filling cracks and sealing cracks can help ensure your drainage system is working properly.

Sealcoating

Sealcoating can also be an important part of your drainage system’s long-term maintenance. Sealcoating can protect asphalt from UV damage and chemical spills while also improving water runoff. A well-sealed surface resists water penetration and helps prevent structural damage. Scheduling regular sealcoating every 2-3 years is an important maintenance task.

The Role of Professional Installation

DIY may be the way to go for some home improvement projects, but when it comes to water drainage, only experienced professionals have the skills necessary for the job. Calculating a proper slope, selecting the right materials, and planning drainage requires expertise. Without these elements in place, you end up with an asphalt surface that traps water and necessitates expensive repairs down the road.

Our team at Productive Asphalt has years of experience designing and installing asphalt surfaces with proper drainage. Whether the project is a small driveway or a large commercial parking lot, we take the time to evaluate your property and make sure that the end product will withstand the test of time.

Invest in Durable Asphalt with Proper Drainage

Adequate drainage is a critical component of every asphalt installation. Proper grading and slope adjustments ensure your surface stays long-lasting, safe and aesthetically pleasing for years to come. Additionally, custom drainage solutions are designed and installed as necessary to address the unique needs of your space.

Looking to have a new asphalt project done? Need help with drainage problems on an existing surface? Contact Productive Asphalt to learn how we can assist you. From paving to custom drainage solutions, we have the expertise and experience to deliver the results you need. Call today and let’s get started!