Commercial Surface Drainage Systems: All You Need to Know for Your Next Construction Project
Do you have an upcoming commercial building construction project? Choosing drainage solutions for your property should be among your top priorities. The right drainage system is essential for many reasons. It prevents water damage to your property while creating a hazard-free, safe, and healthy environment for everyone because water stagnation (from rain or stormwater) on your pavements and other areas can create safety and health issues. However, finding the perfect drainage system for your commercial space may not be straightforward. Most drainage systems have different designs to suit unique drainage needs. And with many aspects to consider in your selection, you will need to know a few things about drainage systems first before heading to the market. Here are some essential things worth knowing.
The Installation Area Is a Crucial Component to Consider
Understanding the environment around your commercial space and where you plan to install your drainage system is crucial. Generally, rainfall and soil type are some of the vital elements to look at when it comes to evaluating your installation area. For instance, the amount of rainfall you receive in the area will help you choose your commercial drainage system's size or capacity. If you receive a lot of rainfall, you will need larger capacity drainage systems with large-sized piping to accommodate the potentially high amount of rain or stormwater on the surface.
On the other hand, the soil's potential to shift, expand or contract with fluctuating weather conditions are among the primary issues you will have to consider when assessing your soil type. Soil movement is often a concern when it comes to drainage system installation. One practical solution to this is to install your system in concrete.
Knowing the Standard Options Available Is Imperative to Finding the Right One for Your Needs
Knowing what you expect to find in the markets beforehand is another practical way to narrow down your options. Trench drains are some of the most common drainage systems you will find. As the name implies, they are trenches dug into the ground with drainage channels usually made of concrete. Metal grates cover the trenches or drainage channels to keep large debris from finding its way into the channels and causing blockages. They are ideal for controlling water stagnation over an extensive surface. Therefore, if you need to prevent rainwater stagnation over a large area in your commercial space, they are an excellent option to consider.
If you have a landscaping project on your commercial premises and wish to add a drainage system, swale drains may be your ideal choice. They are shallow ditches, usually lined with vegetation like turf. Generally, swale drains are not as deep as their trench counterparts but are perfect for outdoor landscaping areas. Suppose you are using swale drains together with other systems such as trench drains. In that case, they are an excellent way to keep too much rainwater from overwhelming your other drainage systems, especially when you experience too much rainfall within a short period.
Talk to a civil works provider to get started.