Synopsis
This drain cover from ACO Polymer Products Inc. allows water to roll safely off the slab while effortlessly supporting a woman’s heel and other foot traffic. |
When Water Attacks:
Effective Drain Systems for Decorative Concrete
Water is the enemy of decorative concrete. And the water can come from anywhere. Most often, it comes from irrigation sprinklers that are installed well after the concrete contractor is done. And sure enough, the contractor has to return to fix a drainage problem that didn’t exist when the decorative concrete work was finished.
by Rob Spiegel
says Doug Carlton, president of Carlton Concrete in Visalia, Calif. “The moisture can come from drainage, potted plants, roof drains or sealing too soon. The most likely source of moisture is irrigation sprinklers.”
Drainage is a problem that has to be addressed as part of the decorative concrete plan. “As soon as you pour a slab you’re creating a drainage issue — you’re creating something that will pool or puddle,” says Mark Armstrong, president of Iron Age Designs in Burien, Wash. “You also have to create a slope so the water goes where you want it to.”
With decorative concrete, the drain becomes part of the design and decor. It has to serve both a functional and aesthetic role. “Where you put the drain makes a big difference,” says Dave Pettigrew, owner of Diamond D Concrete in Capitola, Calif. “You don’t want a drain in the middle of the walkway. You want the water out of the path of travel.”
In addition to function and appearance, drainage decisions also have to account for local codes and environmental regulations. “Today it’s important for the drainage to be eco-friendly,” says Armstrong. “There are green building initiatives and erosion control issues. These issues are getting built into city codes so the water drainage doesn’t lead into streams or the ocean.”
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