Protecting Your Concrete Patio From Water Damage

Water pooling around a concrete patio can be a nuisance and cause several issues, such as mould growth, stains, and dangerous slip hazards. It can also lead to water seeping into your basement and cause foundation damage. To prevent this, you can implement short-term and long-term solutions. Short-term solutions include waterproofing the foundation with a sealant paint like Drylok. Long-term solutions involve addressing the root cause by directing water away from the house. This can be done by re-angling or resurfacing the patio to redirect water, fixing any cracks or subsidence, and ensuring proper drainage by installing a drainage system, using permeable concrete pavers, or opting for a resin-bound patio surface.

Install a drainage system

If you're looking to install a drainage system to prevent water from pooling around your concrete patio, here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Planning

Before starting any installation, it's crucial to identify the root cause of your drainage issues. Observe the water flow during rainfall and check for low spots where water accumulates. Also, consider the overall landscape and grading to determine the best approach.

Step 2: Clearing the Area

Clear the area where you plan to install the drainage system by removing any decorative stones, plants, or debris. This will give you a clean workspace and help you determine the exact layout of your drainage system.

Step 3: Digging the Trench

Use a spade or a jackhammer to dig a trench for the drainage pipe. The trench should be deep enough to accommodate the pipe and have a slight slope to ensure proper water flow. The recommended slope is 1/4 inch per foot, directing water away from your house.

Step 4: Installing the Drain Channel

At the bottom of the trench, create a layer of sand with a slope towards the desired drainage area. Place a plastic drain channel or a perforated drainpipe in the centre of the trench. Make sure the holes in the pipe are facing downwards to facilitate water flow. Cover the grate on the drain channel with tape for protection.

Step 5: Connecting to Downspout

If possible, connect the drainage pipe to your downspout. Use a gutter collar to attach the pipe to the downspout, ensuring a secure connection. This will help direct the water from the roof towards the drainage system.

Step 6: Pouring Concrete

Mix a batch of concrete and pour it into the gaps between the drain channel and the patio. Smooth it out with a trowel and let it set for at least 4-5 days. This will secure the drain channel in place and create a seamless finish.

Step 7: Final Touches

After the concrete has set, remove the tape from the grate on the drain channel. You can cover the trench with gravel or decorative stone to blend it with the surrounding area. Make sure to test your drainage system by running water through it and checking for any leaks or blockages.

By following these steps, you can effectively install a drainage system to prevent water from pooling around your concrete patio, protecting your foundation and enhancing the enjoyment of your outdoor space.

Cut a sloping channel and fill with gravel

If you're looking to prevent water from pooling around your concrete patio, cutting a sloping channel and filling it with gravel is a great solution. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Identify the Problem Area

Start by identifying where the water is pooling on your concrete patio. This will help you determine the best location for your sloping channel. Look for low spots or areas where water collects after a heavy rain.

Step 2: Plan the Channel

Once you've identified the problem area, plan out the sloping channel. The channel should start at the high point of the patio and slope gently downwards towards the edge of the patio or another drainage area. Use a level to ensure the slope is consistent and adequate for water flow.

Step 3: Gather Your Tools and Materials

You will need the following tools and materials for this project:

• Safety gear: gloves, safety goggles, and a mask
• Angle grinder or concrete wet saw
• Shovel
• Gravel
• Sand or concrete (optional)

Step 4: Cut the Channel

Put on your safety gear and use the angle grinder or concrete wet saw to cut the channel along the planned slope. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation of the equipment. The channel should be a few inches wide and deep enough to allow water to flow freely.

Step 5: Clean and Prepare the Channel

After cutting the channel, use a shovel to remove any debris or leftover concrete. If desired, you can also use sand or concrete to smooth out the bottom and sides of the channel to create a more refined look.

Step 6: Fill the Channel with Gravel

Fill the channel with decorative gravel. Make sure the gravel is slightly higher than the surrounding concrete to ensure water flows into the channel. The gravel will not only provide an attractive drainage solution but also help keep the channel clear of debris.

Step 7: Test and Maintain

Once your sloping channel is installed, test it by pouring water in the problem area and observing the flow. Maintain your drainage system by periodically checking for any debris or blockages and clearing them as needed.

By following these steps, you can effectively prevent water from pooling around your concrete patio, protecting your outdoor space and your home's foundation from water damage.

Install a metal channel drain

Installing a metal channel drain is a great way to prevent water from pooling around your concrete patio and causing damage. Channel drains are linear drainage systems that collect and redirect water, and they're especially useful for areas where water tends to accumulate, like patios. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to install one yourself:

Step 1: Planning

Before you begin, carefully plan your project. Assess the drainage needs of your property, including the slope, grade, and areas where water pools. Select the appropriate materials and tools, including channel drain sections and grates, a circular saw with a diamond blade, PVC pipe and fittings, safety equipment, and a shovel.

Step 2: Mark and Cut

Start by marking a straight line across the corner of the patio where the channel drain will be installed. Use a water-cooled circular saw with a diamond-impregnated blade to cut through the concrete along the marked line.

Step 3: Trench Preparation

Remove the severed piece of concrete and any remaining debris along the cut edge. Dig a trench approximately 10-12 inches deep along the length of the channel drain.

Step 4: Assemble the Channel Drain

Prepare the channel drain by attaching the necessary fittings. Glue an offset outlet and a 90-degree elbow to one end, then attach a short section of 4-inch diameter plastic pipe and a 45-degree elbow. Glue an end cap onto the opposite end of the channel drain.

Step 5: Set the Channel Drain

Mix a bag of concrete in a wheelbarrow and fill the trench with the wet mixture. Smooth the concrete surface with a pointed brick trowel. Carefully press the assembled channel drain into the wet concrete, ensuring it's level and slightly sloping towards the drainpipe. Use a rubber mallet if needed to tap the drain into place.

Step 6: Install the Drainpipe

While the concrete sets, dig a 12-inch deep trench extending from the channel drain across the yard. Cut the plastic pipe to the appropriate length and glue the sections together.

Step 7: Backfill and Finish

Once the concrete has set, backfill the trench with soil to conceal the drainpipe. At the end of the drainpipe, create a "daylighting" area by lining it with flat stones to prevent erosion. Use an asphalt cold patch to fill any gaps between the channel drain and the patio, compacting it with a small sledgehammer until it's flush with the surface.

Maintenance

To keep your channel drain functioning effectively, flush it periodically with water to prevent clogs. Inspect it annually for damage, and remove debris and leaves from the grate regularly. Replace grates or sections as needed to maintain optimal performance.

Install a cement-based overlay

If you're looking to prevent water from pooling around your concrete patio, one effective solution is to re-establish the pitch of the patio by installing a cement-based overlay. This method involves applying a thin layer of material over your existing patio surface to correct the slope and ensure proper water runoff. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to install a cement-based overlay:

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Before beginning the overlay process, it is crucial to ensure that your concrete patio is clean and free of any debris or contaminants. Repair any cracks or chips in the existing concrete and remove any old caulking or sealant. It is also recommended to lay a primer or bonding agent to improve the adhesion of the new cement-based overlay.

Step 2: Mix the Overlay Material

Prepare a cement-based overlay mixture following the manufacturer's instructions. The mixture should be smooth and free of lumps. You can use a cement-based waterproofing mortar or a polymer-modified cement mix for this purpose.

Step 3: Apply the Overlay

Once your overlay mixture is ready, you can begin applying it to your patio. Use a trowel or a squeegee to spread the mixture evenly across the surface, ensuring that you achieve the desired slope or pitch to direct water runoff away from your house. The thickness of the overlay can vary, but it is typically applied in thin layers, ranging from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch.

Step 4: Smooth and Finish the Overlay

After applying the overlay mixture, use a trowel or a float to smooth out the surface and create a level finish. You may need to work quickly, as the cement-based mixture will begin to set and harden. You can also add decorative elements, such as stamping or stencilling, at this stage if desired.

Step 5: Allow Curing and Drying

Once you have finished applying and smoothing the overlay, allow it to cure and dry thoroughly. The curing time will depend on the specific product and environmental conditions, but it typically ranges from 24 hours to several days. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended curing time.

Step 6: Seal and Maintain

After the overlay has cured, apply a high-quality sealant to protect the surface from stains and water damage. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and periodic resealing, will help ensure the long-term durability and performance of your cement-based overlay.

By following these steps, you can effectively install a cement-based overlay to prevent water from pooling around your concrete patio. Remember to take the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and following the manufacturer's instructions for the overlay product you choose.

Drill drainage holes

Drilling drainage holes in your concrete patio is a possible solution to water pooling. However, it is not recommended by some, who suggest that it may cause more issues than it solves. For instance, the holes could get clogged, or, in the winter, they may fill with water, freeze, and crack the concrete.

If you do decide to go ahead and drill drainage holes, you will need to use a high-powered impact drill with a concrete bit. You will also need to temporarily remove some rock from the backside and dig out a bit to get the drill down to the correct depth. Drilling from both sides and meeting in the middle could work, but this is a difficult task that requires precise geometric calculations.

An alternative to drilling holes is to cut a sloping channel in the concrete to direct the water away, filling it with decorative stone or gravel. A trench or channel drain made of metal can also be installed. These drains are typically just a few inches wide and allow water to pass through while keeping out debris.

Frequently asked questions