Keeping water away from the exterior of your home or business and out of the interior of the property is the goal of every property owner. It can be frustrating and stressful to find water pooling inside your home or business, especially if you cannot figure out where it is originating. One of the most common options to remove the water is to have a trench drain, also known as a channel drain, installed.
Our drainage and grading service team in Dallas, TX, can install one of these drains on your property so you no longer have to worry about water damage.
Where Are Trench Drains Installed?
The most common exterior locations for trench drains are in the following areas:
- Pools
- Driveways
- Loading docks
- Airports
- Manufacturing facilities
- Public roads
Trench drains are not only used to remove intrusive water. They are installed along public roads to help drain water from the roads after storms that dump heavy amounts of water so the roads do not pond or flood.
How Trench Drains Work
In all trench drain installations, gravity is of the utmost importance. Gravity is used to pull the water away from where it is pooling so it can be removed from the property. When you work with Siara Designs, we will discuss slope, run, and width with you before deciding on where and how the trench drain will be installed.
When it comes to the run of the drain, we are talking about how long it needs to be in order to effectively remove all of the water. The trench drain should run the length of the area where the water is pooling.
As the drain is installed across the length of the pooling area, it will need to slope at a downward angle in order to move the water to the disposal area. When the installer takes slope into account, they will do one of three things:
- Use the natural slope of the property
- Construct the drain using pre-sloped sections of material
- Hand-form the slope during installation on your property
The Benefits of a Trench Drain
Trench drains have a multitude of benefits for your property, the most important of which is preventing water damage to the exterior and interior of the property. Water that pools on the exterior of your property can lead to a host of problems inside and outside. For starters, pooling water outside can destroy your lawn and other plants, causing them to become overwatered.
If the water remains pooled outside the property, it can eventually seep through the foundation and into the home or business. Water that enters a structure can lead to the following issues:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Water pooling on the floors of the lower levels
- Damp ceilings, drywall, and peeling paint
- Growth of mold and mildew (which, if left untreated, can cause serious health problems)
- Creation of slippery surfaces around pool decks and other high-traffic areas
- Weakening of paved surfaces (pool decks, walkways, sidewalks, concrete floors, driveways, etc.)
- Breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies, parasites, bacteria, and viruses
- Hydroplaning on roads if water is not properly drained and removed from the surface
What Are Trench Drains Made Of?
Trench drains are made of many different materials, the most common of which are concrete and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Trench Drains
An HDPE trench drain, or polymer trench drain for short, is similar to a precast trench drain because it is manufactured in a plant and then shipped to the property where it is being installed. The pipes that make up an HDPE trench drain are constructed of lightweight but durable polymers. Because these drains are lighter in weight, they are much easier to install, take less time to install, and can be much less labor-intensive.
If a polymer trench drain is installed in an area that will have vehicular traffic on top of it, it will need to be reinforced with a concrete encasement. The added benefit of polymer pipes is that they do not absorb water, which means the viruses and bacteria in the water will not seep into the ground around your property.
Covering a Trench Drain System
All trench drain systems must be properly covered so people do not step on them, damaging the drain or hurting themselves. Trench drains should be covered using grates. You have multiple options for the grates, including steel and cast iron.
A Trench Drain Is an Investment in Your Property
When you have a trench drain installed at your home or business, it is an investment in your property. You might not see the benefits immediately, but when water is removed from your property instead of seeping inside, you will not have to pay for drywall removal and replacement, mold remediation, or other repairs caused by water damage. If you have questions about trench drains, look no further than the team at Siara Designs for the answers.
Call Siara Designs Today for a Quote
Are you dealing with intrusive water problems at your home or office? Call the team at Siara Designs to schedule an appointment for a quote. We will inspect your property to determine the best course of action, which might include the installation of a trench drain.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a quote.