#4-Ponding on Driveway/ Patio 

Ponding on Driveway/ Patio 

Water standing on driveways causes further settling, slip hazards and discoloration. 

 Driveway Water Problems

Driveways are actually meant to crack along control cuts. Saw cuts or control joints are the lines on your concrete driveway that allow for movement because there is not enough tensile strength in 4 to 5 in thick concrete to span more than 8 ft when sitting on unstable. Poor drainage can ruin a driveway over time and the damage often costs far much more than the drainage system that could have prevented it.

Typically, gravel is used to level out the base of the driveway. If downspouts dump near the driveway, water can flow through the gravel under the driveway and cause undermining and soft, unstable base soil. 

Every 10 ft by 10-ft square section of driveway produces over 62 gallons of water with 1 inch of rain. As rain falls on the driveway and flows down, it can flow into the control cracks or other cracks that may form and this can cause undermining as well. We will often run a hose on a driveway and see the water flow right down into a crack in the middle of the driveway and come out somewhere else several yards away.

Downspouts flowing on top of the driveway can contribute to this issue. They can also flow off the side of the driveway, eroding around the edge and/ or filling up voids in the gravel below the concrete.

Driveways that slope towards the home can also cause drainage problems so it’s important to have proper drains to carry runoff water away from the home and yard. Typically, driveway sloping towards the home will have a swale portion. Where the concrete slopes away from the garage before it slopes up again. Water flowing through this swale can often be caught by a surface drain and carried through PVC pipe to a safer area where it won’t damage the yard, home or other structures.

See our page about Trough drains, Channel drains and linear drains Trough Drain, DD Webpage 11-24

Driveway drainage problems are a common issue that can lead to significant property damage and safety hazards if left unaddressed. Poor drainage can cause water to pool on the surface of the driveway, causing safety concerns and leading to cracks, erosion, unevenness and even the formation of potholes over time. In colder climates, standing water can freeze, creating icy patches that make the driveway hazardous to walk or drive on. Additionally, improper drainage can result in water seeping into the foundation of adjacent structures, potentially leading to costly repairs such as basement flooding and structural instability.

One of the primary causes of driveway drainage problems is inadequate slope or grading. If a driveway is not constructed with a proper incline to channel water away from the surface and towards a designated drainage area, rainwater or melting snow will accumulate on or near the driveway instead of flowing away. Blocked or absent drainage systems, such as gutters/ downspout drains, surface drains, or culverts can further exacerbate the issue by allowing water to linger on the surface. Over time, this stagnant water can promote the growth of mold, algae, and weeds, further compromising the driveway’s durability and appearance.

To address driveway drainage problems, homeowners can implement several solutions depending on the severity and underlying cause. Installing drain(s) along the driveway’s edges can help redirect water away from the surface. For driveways with improper grading, re-leveling or resurfacing to create a slope may be necessary. Permeable driveway materials, such as pavers or porous concrete, are another option that allows water to seep through and drain naturally into the ground. Regular maintenance, such as clearing debris from drains and gutters, is essential to prevent clogs and ensure effective rainwater management. Proactive measures not only protect the driveway but also safeguard the surrounding landscape and structures from water damage.