During a heavy storm, our old driveway turned into a shallow river. Water flowed downhill, pooled by the garage door, and eventually found its way inside. That mess taught me something important: driveway drainage isn’t optional.
When we renovated, the contractor walked us through the grade with a level. I watched as he measured tiny slopes that seemed insignificant until I saw how they guided water away from the house. We added a channel drain disguised neatly along the center and buried pipes that carried runoff into the yard, where it soaked safely.
It wasn’t the most exciting part of the renovation. There were no color choices, no stylish finishes. But it was the most protective investment we made.
Since then, every storm has been uneventful which is exactly how water problems should be.
If you’re redoing a driveway, ask questions about the base layers, the slope, and the drainage plan. Don’t assume it’s “included.” Good drainage is deliberate.
A beautiful driveway that floods isn’t a success. A functional one that protects your home quietly every season absolutely is.
