Keeping Commercial Properties Thriving This Summer with Proper Drainage

commercial properties

While Texans love their sunshine, the reality is that the Lone Star State experiences significant rainfall, particularly during spring and fall. This seemingly simple fact can pose various challenges for commercial property owners, especially if the properties are located in low-lying areas or need more drainage infrastructure.

Exploring Common Drainage Challenges

Effective water flow management is crucial for preserving the integrity and longevity of your property. In this section, we’ll explore three common drainage challenges: neglected drain lines, soil buildup around foundations, and the use of improper materials on sloped areas. By gaining insight into these issues and adopting proactive solutions, you can fortify your landscape against potential water-related damage, ensuring its resilience for years to come.

Neglected Drain Lines

Over time, drain lines accumulate debris, leading to troublesome clogs if not tended to regularly. Proper maintenance is paramount to prevent buildup and ensure optimal functionality. By scheduling routine cleaning and flushing of drain lines, you can effectively safeguard against potential blockages and maintain efficient water flow.

Soil Buildup Around Foundation

There’s a common misconception that elevating soil levels around foundations can deter water intrusion. However, this approach often exacerbates the issue, allowing water to infiltrate buildings. Keeping soil levels below the foundation line is imperative to prevent water seepage. We recently addressed water intrusion at a basketball gym by expertly managing excess soil and implementing a tailored drainage system to divert water from the structure.

Improper Materials on Sloped Areas

Selecting inappropriate materials for sloped areas can result in erosion and drainage complications, particularly during intense rainfall. Materials such as decomposed granite and mulch are prone to wash away, leading to erosion issues. We employ strategic grading techniques and utilize larger aggregate materials to rectify this. By integrating new decomposed granite, we rectify erosion concerns and enhance the aesthetic appeal for our valued clients.

Addressing these common drainage challenges can effectively mitigate water-related risks and protect the integrity of your property. Regular maintenance of drain lines, proper management of soil around foundations, and careful selection of materials for sloped areas are essential to ensure a resilient and long-lasting landscape. With proactive measures and expert guidance, you can confidently navigate these challenges and enjoy a landscape that thrives in the face of changing weather conditions.

The High Cost of Poor Drainage

drainageFoundation failure caused by poor drainage is one of the leading causes of structural damage in commercial buildings. It can lead to expensive repairs, closures, and even lost business. Pooling water around your property can quickly erode soil, impacting landscaping, walkways, and underground utilities. Beyond structural issues, standing water also creates breeding grounds for mosquitos and other pests, posing health and safety risks for employees and customers alike. 

Benefits of a Well-Drained Property

Investing in proper drainage offers numerous benefits for your commercial property. First and foremost, it protects your investment. By ensuring water flows away from your building’s foundation, you significantly reduce the risk of structural damage, saving you money on costly repairs down the line.  

Proper drainage also creates a safer environment for employees, customers, and residents by minimizing the risk of slips, falls, and mosquito-borne illnesses. Additionally, a well-drained property allows for healthier landscaping, enhancing curb appeal and potentially attracting more customers.

The Importance of Proper Drainage in Texas

Texas encounters unique weather patterns that underscore the significance of proper drainage for commercial properties statewide. Sudden, intense downpours are common across many regions, highlighting the need for well-designed drainage systems to manage excess water effectively.

Moreover, in Texas’s five major metroplexes, including Dallas and Houston, predominant clay soil poses challenges for natural drainage, as it struggles to absorb water efficiently. Water accumulation can lead to soil expansion, erosion, and foundation damage without adequate drainage infrastructure.

Summers in Texas are generally characterized by hot and humid conditions, which foster mold and mildew growth. Inadequate drainage exacerbates these issues, emphasizing the critical role of effective drainage systems in maintaining property integrity and minimizing damage statewide.

A Custom Drainage Plan May be What The Doctor Ordered

We understand the unique drainage challenges commercial properties may face. Our experienced professionals can assess your property and develop a customized drainage plan that meets your needs. 

  • Grading and Re-contouring: We can reshape the land around your property to ensure proper water flow away from buildings and walkways. This process, known as grading, is crucial for creating a well-drained landscape.
  • Drainage System Installation and Maintenance: Our team can install and maintain various drainage systems, including French drains, surface drains, downspout drainage, dry creek beds, and catch basins. This ensures that water is properly collected and directed away from your property.
  • Custom Drainage Design: Our team doesn’t just offer cookie-cutter solutions. We design drainage systems tailored to your property layout, landscaping, and drainage challenges. Whether you have a large parking lot, a rooftop deck, or a unique architectural design, we can create a system that integrates seamlessly with your property.

With our custom drainage designs, we seamlessly integrate practicality and aesthetics.

Don’t Wait Until It Rains, Take Action Today!

Proper drainage is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for any commercial property owner. By investing in a well-designed drainage system, you can protect your investment, create a safer and more attractive environment, and ensure the long-term success of your business.

Contact EarthWorks today for a consultation, and let us help you keep your property safe from the potential dangers of poor drainage.

 

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