Do you have standing water on your patio or pools of water around your drainage, gutter downspout, or foundation?
When you've got too much groundwater accumulation and your patio's drainage systems aren't working, or weren't installed properly, you can create a vicious circle where rainwater collects, does damage, and makes it more likely for rain to collect next time.
Water will slowly penetrate and cause cracks in masonry surfaces and patios are no exception. But don't worry, this is a common problem and (fairly) easy to resolve.
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Why Do I Have Patio Drainage Problems?
Patio drainage issues are fairly common in Dallas. North Texas' clay-heavy soil and occasional heavy rainfall causes all kinds of wear and tear. This and your home's foundation shifting can lead to water accumulation in challenging places that cause damage your outdoor space.
Standing water on your patio indicates insufficient sloping (or grading). A flat surface or a slope less than 1/4 inch per foot away from your house will cause water to pool.
Shifting due to freeze-thaw cycles, and settling over time, causes drainage issues. And clogged drainage channels, blocked by debris, leaves, or soil, will make the problem worse quickly.
Common Signs of Poor Patio Drainage
Look out for these telltale signs of drainage problems:
- Pools of water that don't drain after a rain
- Unusually green plant growth
- Erosion in planted areas
- Mold or mildew growth
- Musty odors near the patio
- Dark patches (water stains) on exterior walls
- Ice formation in specific areas during winter
- Heaving or lifting of patio sections during freeze/thaw cycles
- Excessive cracking after freezes
- Mosquito problems around the patio
- Humid or damp feeling even when it's dry
- Soil subsidence (contracting) during dry spells
Spotting these signs early can do a lot to prevent more serious damage and reduce unpleasant repair costs.
What Are The Risks If I Ignore the Problem?
Ignoring patio drainage issues can lead to serious consequences. Water seepage can cause foundation cracks and, in the future, cause structural instability.
Over time freeze/thaw cycles and the hight heat of summer cause cracks and spalling, while standing water ages concrete or stone, and mineral deposits can cause stains. Worse, serious freezes can cause heaving and displacement of parts of your patio.
Health and safety risks increase with standing water, ice, and algae growth. Stagnant water attracts pests, encourages mold and mildew, and allows harmful bacteria to grow nearby. And when all of this happens, your property value will suffer due to the many little issues like efflorescence, staining, and settling, that wreak havoc on your patio.
Not to mention, surrounding areas can be affected by soil erosion near garden areas, landscape damage, and moisture issues in basements or crawl spaces.
How to Identify Patio Drainage Problems
Spotting patio drainage issues early can save you headaches and money. Learn to recognize the telltale signs of drainage problems to extend the life of your masonry as long as possible.
Water Pooling and Flooding
Look for standing water on your patio after rainstorms. If puddles linger for more than a few hours, you've got a drainage problem.
Check for low spots where water collects. During heavy showers, watch how water flows across your patio -if it's not moving away from your house, that's a big red flag.
In winter, if ice tends to form in particular areas, it probably indicates a drainage problem. Likewise, pay attention to mosquitos around your patio in summer - they love standing water. If you notice a humid or damp feeling even in dry weather, get in touch with a patio repair expert.
Soil Erosion Around Patio Edges
Keep an eye on the soil around your patio's edges. Bare patches or soil washing away from planted areas aren't good signs...in fact, they indicate erosion, where water isn't draining properly and rushes off the patio surface, carrying soil with it.
You should also check for unusually lush plant growth near drainage areas - if you see any, it's a sign that water's collecting there.
During dry spells, look for soil subsidence (where it shrinks or pulls away) around the patio. This can indicate that water's not distributing evenly, and some areas to dry out more than others.
Algae or Mold Growth on Patio Surfaces
Algae and mold thrive in damp conditions, so if you see them, you already know you're dealing with poor drainage. Check shaded areas and spots that don't get much sun, especially.
If it smells musty near the patio, that's another indicator. Look at nearby walls for water stains or mold growth.
Masonry Damage: Flaking, Cracking, or Discoloration
Crumbling mortar between stones or bricks is a sign of water damage. Look for cracks and spalling that appear after winter - they're often caused by trapped water freezing and expanding.
Flaking or peeling on concrete surfaces suggests water's seeping in and causing damage. Discoloration, especially darker patches, can mean water's sitting on the surface too long (because of a lack of slope / grade).
If you notice excessive cracking after winter, it's likely due to poor drainage combined with freezing temperatures, and will worsen over time.
Solving Your Patio Drainage Problems
When you've got water collecting around your patio and foundation, you need quick, effective drainage solutions to protect your patio and your home from further water damage.
Here are some time-proven strategies for addressing patio drainage issues:
Channel Drains And French Drains
With only (slow-draining) hard clay to work with around your patio you may be better off installing channel drains to gather the water coming off their patios and then distribute it into a gravel or other permeable material area between the patio masonry and your natural soil.
French drains are another excellent solution for redirecting water away from your patio. They're particularly effective in Dallas's clay-based soil and will perform perfectly during the region's intense thunderstorms.
French drains consist of a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel. Water seeps through the gravel and into the pipe, which then carries it away from your patio.
Best of all, the system is underground, so no one sees it working tirelessly to keep your outdoor space dry and comfortable.
The Right Slope For Your Patio
A proper patio slope ensures you direct water away from your home, preventing damage to your foundation and any attached outdoor spaces.
The idea of re-grading your patio to direct water away from your house your patio slope may seem daunting, but don't worry - there are several ways to get this done.
In some cases you can simply add a cement overlay to adjust the pitch, pouring the overlay to the right slope, instead of tearing out your existing patio. For concrete patios, consider mudjacking, which involves pumping a mixture under the slab to raise and level it, creating the proper slope.
If you have a paver patio, you'll need to remove the pavers, adjust the base material, and place them back with the correct grade. If the issues are minor enough, you may be able to simply install channel drains along the patio's edge to deal with water. Or, in some cases, you might need to add French drains to manage excess water effectively.
Preventing Patio Drainage Issues In The Future
Your patio's drainage system has to be functioning correctly to prevent water accumulation during rains. To keep it in working order, be sure to clean gutters and downspouts quarterly to remove debris. And inspect your patio for cracks or uneven areas after harsh weather seasons (summer and winter) to identify problems early.
Address any problems quickly and reapply waterproof sealant to your patio every 2-3 years to reinforce its protection against water intrusion.
It's also a good idea to trim nearby plants and trees to reduce the debris which might clog your patio drains. And to use a garden hose periodically to flush out stubborn debris, ensuring that water drains quickly.
Clark Outdoor Designs: Dallas Patio Specialists
Clark Outdoor Designs designs and installs custom patios and other landscaping and hardscaping for Dallas homeowners. We specialize in creating elegant outdoor spaces that are beautiful but also functional and built to last.
Our projects always begin with a thorough assessment of your property, by an expert that visits your home in person and examines existing drainage patterns, soil composition, and landscape features, and then develops a plan tailored to your unique needs.
We assess the current flow of water across your property, identifying low points and insufficient grading, and then we recommend solutions like channel and french drains, regrading your patio completely or adding an overlay, to encourage water to drain away from your patio and foundation.
The right solution for your location depends on your exact situation, so we start with an in-person visual inspection, then provide custom solutions, and -if necessary- we can also provide you a detailed 3D rendering to show you exactly how our updates will affect your space.
Request A Free Quote To Speak With An Expert
When you're ready to speak with someone about your project, visit our website and submit a request for a free quote, or simply give us a call, to discuss your patio drainage and construction needs with our experts.
We'll set an appointment at your convenience where we can see your property for ourselves and provide detailed feedback and a free, no-obligation quote.
Don't let drainage issues cause you stress or waste your money – reach out to Clark Outdoor Designs today for expert advice and solutions you can trust.
