If you’re considering installing a patio on your property, congratulations—you’ve made a great decision that will increase the resale value of your home and give you plenty of extra livable outdoor space. From hosting parties to dining al fresco, patios are a great addition to any home. However, patio drainage issues in Lancaster, CA need to be taken into consideration before you settle on a design and plan.
Why is drainage so important? If you build a patio that allows water to sit up against your foundation, your walls or on the patio itself, you’re setting yourself up for major repairs in the future. Standing water can damage walls, foundations and the patio. It also attracts mosquitoes and other pests that will cut into your outdoor enjoyment.
Here are the most common patio drainage issues:
- The ground is too level: Is there really such a thing as “too” level when it comes to construction? When you’re building a patio, yes. There needs to be a slight pitch in the patio so water doesn’t stand on the surface. Instead, the angle will allow gravity to do its job and help divert the water into your drains. If the ground is too level, you’ll be dealing with puddles and water intrusion.
- Your downspouts and overhangs are improperly placed: Think about the last big rainstorm you were in—could you hear the rain pouring down your rain gutters and downspouts? If you plan a patio where the downspouts (or your roof overhangs) deposit water directly onto your patio, you may find that you’re left with a lot of standing water. To avoid this, make sure your downspouts are installed away from the patio (or vice versa), and that they’re pointed toward a downhill area.
- The pavers are sinking: If you’ve installed a patio with pavers and they’re sinking, there could be two causes. First, they may have been improperly installed. Second, there may be a major drainage issue, which can be exacerbated by improper installation. For example, your contractors may not have dug deep enough into the ground or installed a gravel layer to help with drainage.
- Your drains are clogged: Outdoor drains can clog easily, which prevents them from diverting excess water appropriately. We suggest installing a grate over the top to keep leaves and large debris out of the drainage system. If it seems like the drains may be clogged, call your contractor a plumber to address the problem as soon as possible.
- Your drains are in the wrong place: Finally, you might be suffering from bad drain placement. If your drains are in the wrong location, the water runoff will have nowhere to go. This can damage the patio, your lawn and your home’s foundation, so make sure your patio contractor has a logical plan to deal with drainage.
Now that you know how your patio should drain in Lancaster, CA, let JB Construction build it. Get in touch with us today to get started with a consultation and an estimate.