Concrete is a durable and low-maintenance solution for patios, walkways, and driveways, but if you don’t plan for proper drainage, water accumulation can lead to cracks, surface damage, and even structural issues. Without the right precautions, standing water can weaken the concrete, cause soil erosion, and create safety hazards like slippery surfaces.
To ensure your concrete lasts for years without drainage problems, follow these key steps before and during installation.
1. Understand Your Yard’s Natural Drainage
Before pouring concrete, take some time to assess how water naturally flows in your yard. If water pools in certain areas or drains toward your home, you’ll need to correct these issues first.
How to Check Your Yard’s Drainage
- After a heavy rain, observe where water collects.
- Use a level or laser level to check the slope of your yard.
- Look for any signs of soil erosion or waterlogging.
For effective drainage, your concrete should slope slightly away from your home—at least 1/8 inch per foot—so that rainwater flows away rather than pooling on the surface.
2. Prepare the Ground for Proper Drainage
A stable base is essential for preventing water from getting trapped under the concrete. Without the right preparation, water can seep into the soil, causing shifting and cracking over time.
Best Practices for Ground Preparation
- Excavate the area to a depth of 4-6 inches.
- Lay a gravel base (¾-inch crushed stone works best) to improve drainage.
- Compact the gravel to create a firm, stable foundation.
- Ensure a slight slope to direct water runoff away from buildings and walkways.
By taking these steps, you’ll reduce the risk of water-related damage beneath the concrete.
3. Install Drainage Solutions If Needed
For areas prone to excess water accumulation, additional drainage solutions may be necessary to prevent long-term issues.
Common Drainage Systems for Concrete Surfaces
- French Drains: These underground drains use perforated pipes to redirect water away.
- Trench Drains: Installed along driveways and patios to collect surface water.
- Gutter Extensions: Helps prevent downspouts from directing water onto the concrete.
- Permeable Concrete: Allows water to seep through, reducing runoff.
If your yard already has drainage problems, installing one of these solutions before pouring concrete is a must.
4. Use Expansion Joints to Prevent Water-Related Cracks
Concrete naturally expands and contracts due to temperature changes, and without proper expansion joints, water can seep in and cause cracking.
To prevent this:
- Place expansion joints every 8-10 feet for large slabs.
- Add control joints every 4-6 feet to direct cracking along pre-planned lines.
- Ensure that joints are sealed properly to keep moisture out.
5. Slope and Finish the Concrete for Effective Water Runoff
Once your concrete is poured, the finishing process plays a major role in drainage.
- Slight Sloping: A gentle slope will encourage water to drain off naturally.
- Broom Finish: A lightly textured surface improves traction and helps direct water flow.
- Edging and Floating: Proper floating ensures a smooth yet water-resistant surface.
A professional concrete finisher will know how to shape the surface to encourage runoff without affecting the overall appearance.
6. Apply a Quality Concrete Sealer
A high-quality concrete sealer protects against moisture infiltration, reduces surface wear, and extends the life of your concrete.
- Apply a penetrating sealer that repels water but allows moisture to escape.
- Reapply the sealer every 1-3 years to maintain protection.
- Ensure expansion joints are properly sealed to prevent water from seeping underneath.
Ensuring proper drainage before pouring concrete is just as important as choosing the right mix. By evaluating your yard’s slope, preparing a solid base, installing drainage solutions, and finishing the surface correctly, you’ll prevent future water-related damage and extend the lifespan of your concrete.
At Bergen Mobile Concrete, we provide metered concrete delivery in Northern New Jersey, so you only pay for what you use—eliminating waste and unnecessary costs. Contact us today to get fresh-mixed concrete delivered to your site!
Call (201) 797-7550 or visit Bergen Mobile Concrete to schedule your delivery.
