Do I need drainage under gravel?

jdpipes.co.uk - Most common drainage problems on your driveway - JDP

What can you build without building regulations?

The main exemptions for Building Regulations are peripheral things like small porches, conservatories or detached garages (up to 30m2 floor area)....

Last updated Jun 20, 2019

How tall can I build my shed UK?

Garden sheds and outbuildings must be one story, and maximum eaves height cannot exceed 2.5 metres. Overall, your shed cannot exceed 4 metres in...

Last updated Jan 2, 2020

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Most common drainage problems on your driveway Keep getting puddles on your drive? Discover why water causes a problem on driveways and learn how to fix it with products from JDP. Does your driveway give you a whole host of problems you never thought it would when it rains? Standing water, wet feet, muddy footprints in the house and an underwhelming arrival are a common issue for home owners in the UK. But by installing some channel drainage you can solve these problems.

Paved/Concrete Driveways

Firstly, why is there water on my driveway?

By replacing the natural ground in housing areas with an impermeable surface for driveways, the storm water run-off has nowhere to go and increases the risk of urbanised flooding. The storm water can’t soak into the ground as it would have done previously, so in result you get puddles of water collecting on your driveway causing numerous problems.

The Problems

An overflowing drain

With all the water from your roof, maybe even your neighbours roof and the roads, your existing drains are almost certainly overflowing resulting in even more water puddling on your driveway. Cracks and holes In cold weather any water that falls and sits into small holes in your concrete driveway will freeze causing tarmac to crack, which can lead to potholes. Dangerous slips Any water which sits on the surface of your driveway when it’s cold will freeze and look almost invisible resulting in accidents. Flooding to the property Storm water run-off which collects near a garage or near the front of your house can cause a risk of flooding to the property. Mould and moss While your driveway is constantly damp this can lead to mould and moss developing in cracks in your drive.

How to fix driveway drainage problems?

Install Channel Drainage

By installing channel drain in your driveway this effectively manages the surface water giving it a place to go and will greatly reduce the amount of water sitting on the surface of your driveway. The type of channel drain suitable for a driveway comes with a B125 loading class, meaning the channel can hold a weight of up to 12.5 tonnes. The channel comes with a grating which is metal and sits on the surface to allow water to run off into the channel underneath and be distributed to a suitable collection point. Ensure the channel is installed at the low point of the drive so that water can run down into the channel. Do you want to know more about the process of installing channel drain? Check out how to install channel drainage in a driveway for more infomation!

Should you open your greenhouse everyday?

Open all doors and vents on sunny days. These can be left open at night if the temperature remains high. It is sometimes necessary to temporarily...

Last updated Jul 29, 2022

Do metal roofs rust?

Metal does rust – as do old roofs made of tin, aluminum, and steel. With the right protective coating, a metal roof can fight against oxidation and...

Last updated Nov 2, 2018

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Gravel Driveways

Why is there water on my gravel driveway?

Similar to lawn drainage, water could gather on the surface of the gravel due to the heavy impermeable soil underneath the gravel. Whilst the gravel itself is permeable the water can quickly seep through to the ground underneath which, if not permeable, can quickly become sodden leading to a build-up of water on the surface of the gravel.

The Problems

The excess water puddles and creates pot holes in your driveway ruining the overall look. Freezing water in your gravel can cause accidents and slips as it can go unnoticed and become black ice within the small gaps of the gravel.

How to fix gravel driveway problems?

Different from concrete driveways, gravel driveways do not require channel drain. Instead the solution is to lay some land drain or twinwall underneath the gravel in a French drain system and redirect the water to a suitable outlet. Depending on the size of your driveway will determine whether you would need to use twinwall or land drain. More commonly for your average size driveway (with parking for 1 or 2 cars) twinwall would be the best pipe to use, as it comes in shorter lengths which you can cut, meaning you don’t end up with as much waste. For larger driveways where the drainage problem is much bigger, land drain may be a more suitable option as it comes in longer lengths of 50m and 100m and is flexible, as opposed to twinwall which is rigid, meaning it would be easier to handle. Find out how to install land drainage by following the steps to fixing lawn drainage.

jdpipes.co.uk - Most common drainage problems on your driveway - JDP

Do I need a vapor barrier in my metal building?

Since metal buildings do not have vapor barriers, you will need to choose blanket insulation with a laminated facing. Jan 7, 2021

Last updated Oct 3, 2018

Do ramps smell like onions?

Pungent and sweet, ramps smell similar to onion, but not quite. It's a very distinct aroma that you won't soon forget once you've identified it....

Last updated Jan 6, 2021

Promotion

What is the fastest growing tree for firewood?

willow The Usain Bolt of trees – willow is the quickest tree out of the blocks! Incredible high yield biomass growth in just 4 years. Let's look at...

Last updated Aug 2, 2021

These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Promotion

How do you keep sawdust from getting everywhere?

Attach a Vacuum Directly to Your Tools Whenever you're sawing, cutting, or sanding wood, a great way to control dust is by cutting it off at the...

Last updated Apr 27, 2021