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Choosing the Right Drain Grate for Your Driveway

30 June 2015

Lawrence Kim

The drawbacks of poor drainage in residential driveways include reduced aesthetics and damage of the surface construction material. In addition, the stagnant water provides a suitable habitat for microbial growth and a breeding ground for potentially dangerous insects. You can resolve this problem by installing a new drain line which will redirect the run-off water from your driveway to a suitable location.

You will also need to purchase an appropriate drain grate for the new line to prevent clogging of the channel by debris and limit accidental falls. Steel grates are the most favorable choice due to their strength and resilience.

However, there are other alternatives like cast iron, PVC, aluminum and bronze. Here are the main drain grate designs to consider for installation:

Simple Flat Grates

The simple drain grates are designed to cover drainage pipes of different sizes. You can choose round, square or rectangular flat products depending on your preference. The sizing should be evaluated by your drain channel installer according to the amount of water flowing across the driveway. This type of grate is suitable for general drainage use but they will offer the best performance in light-duty applications.

Atrium Grates

The atrium grates are ideal for installation in driveways where leaves, twigs and general debris accumulate easily. This means that the material will be driven towards the drain channel when there is rainfall. This can lead to clogging and poor drainage in the property. The atrium grate is designed in a style similar to an inverted bowl or a bell. Basically, it is installed on top of the channel and you will see it extending above the normal ground level. The debris from the driveway will accumulate around the grate but the water will still be able to flow over the material and into the drain.

Trench Grates

If you want to install a trench drainage channel, this is the most appropriate grate for your paved driveway. The drain line section is elongated and horizontal so this design can handle large volumes of water compared to the conventional alternatives. The grate will allow efficient flow into the drainage along the whole length. You should consider choosing this trench for your home if the local area experiences heavy rainfall.

Catch Basin

The catch basin is not exactly a drain grate. This feature is a structure which receives the run-off water before allowing it to flow into the drainage. It is used in tandem with a grate to ensure that the flowing water is completely free of debris.

To learn more, contact a company like Patent Products with any questions you have.

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