The parking lot is essential to any commercial property, providing convenience and accessibility for employees and customers. Regular parking lot maintenance can significantly extend its lifespan, reducing the need for costly repairs while creating a safe, clean environment that enhances the overall appearance of your property.
Adequate parking lot drainage is one of the most overlooked aspects of parking lot maintenance. Melting snow or heavy rain can cause water to pool, especially on impervious materials like asphalt or concrete. Without proper drainage, a parking lot will become susceptible to water damage, quickly deteriorating and causing safety hazards for vehicles and pedestrians.
In this post, we’ll examine effective drainage solutions for preventing water damage in parking lots.
How Does Water Damage Occur?
Paved surfaces like asphalt parking lots are very susceptible to water damage. Standing, pooled water can strip away the asphalt’s protective layers, accelerating wear and tear and leading to erosion, settling, and uneven surfaces. Water can seep into small cracks, which can widen these cracks and cause structural issues. Over time, the water that penetrates the asphalt can freeze and expand with temperature changes, which can impact the structural integrity of the parking lot.
Inadequate drainage can lead to:
- Cracks, potholes, and surface deterioration
- Safety hazards for vehicles and pedestrians, potentially causing slips, trips, and accidents
- Erosion of the subgrade, which reduces its ability to support the weight of vehicles, leading to settlement and structural compromise
- Increases maintenance costs
- Reduced lifespan of the parking lot
Effective Drainage Solutions
There are several effective drainage solutions to help protect your parking lot from water damage. Let’s take a look at each option:
- Proper Grading (Slope)—Proper sloping directs water away from parking areas, allowing it to naturally flow towards designated drainage points rather than pool on the surface. Depending on the surface material, a minimum slope of 1-2 % is generally recommended.
- Catch Basins—A catch basin is a structure designed to collect and hold water before directing it into underground pipes in the larger storm drain management system. It is typically made of concrete, plastic, or metal and has a grated or open top to allow water and debris to enter. Catch basins are strategically placed at low points in the parking lot where rainwater and other precipitation runoff naturally accumulate.
- French Drains – A French drain is an underground drainage system that uses perforated pipes in a trench filled with gravel. It is designed to redirect groundwater and surface water from the parking lot. French drains are typically placed near the edge of the parking lot or in areas where water is likely to pool. They effectively reduce water accumulation and prevent flooding, especially in areas with poor soil drainage or when sloping isn’t feasible.
- Trench Drains – Trench drains use long, narrow channels covered with grates to collect and redirect surface water away from your parking lot. They are typically installed along the edges of the parking lot or in areas with low spots. Trench drains are particularly effective for larger parking lots with significant water runoff.
The proper drainage solution for your parking lot will depend on its location, climate, size, design, and other specific needs. For maximum efficiency, consider a combination of these solutions.
Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your drainage system and keeping your parking lot in good condition. Consider these tips:
- Regular Cleaning – Especially after a heavy rainfall or storm, debris such as leaves, trash, and dirt can clog drainage grates and pipes, leading to water backup and potential flooding. Inspect regularly for signs of blockage and remove debris from grates to ensure proper drainage.
- Inspect for Damage – Regularly inspect your parking lot for damage, such as cracks or potholes. Repair any damage immediately to prevent water from causing further damage.
- Clear Snow and Ice – In the winter, keep your parking lot clear of snow and ice. Using professional snow removal services helps mitigate the risk of ice dams. It reduces the moisture seeping into the pavement, protecting your property from long-term damage.
Proper parking lot drainage is crucial for preventing water damage, maintaining safety on your property, extending the lifespan of your parking lot, and improving the curb appeal for your business. By ensuring that water is directed away from the surface of your lot into a well-maintained drainage system, you can avoid costly repairs, create a safe environment, and protect your investment.
The Whiteout Group is one of Winnipeg’s top parking lot maintainers. Scheduling your property maintenance services with Whiteout Group is simple. Contact us to discuss your needs, and we’ll schedule an appointment that works for you. We offer customized plans tailored to your property’s requirements, ensuring you get the asphalt services you need at the right time and price!
