explication for Gutters Draining on Sidewalks, Patios and Drives

Sidewalks, patios and driveways pose special problems for gutter drainage. Many times the roof produce of the house requires a downspout in an inconvenient location. In colder climates water from gutters draining onto a sidewalk entranceway can be hazardous as the water will frost making a slip-and-fall hazard. Draining the water into a flower bed between the house and the walk is not an choice because the concrete or brick pavers will act like a dam, holding water against the basement wall and contributing to wet and leaking basements. A Cross Sidewalk Drain (Csd) is designed to carry away rainwater from down spouts safely and discreetly over the sidewalk, driveway or patio.

Think about your rain gutters as a total "system". Start by making sure the gutters are clean. You don't need me to remind you that cleaning gutters twice a year is a must. The spring cleaning, after the seeds and helicopters come down, is the most important. Many seeds float and quickly make their way to the downspout where it will become clogged in no time. The spring cleaning, after the seeds and helicopters come down, is the most important.

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Three to four foot extensions are needed at the lowest of the downspout. The lower elbow should be about sixteen inches above the ground to ensure good slope for drainage. The ground or grade colse to the house must allow water to drain away from the foundation. Rain barrels can also be used to catch and store rainwater. There is a fitting at the lowest of the rain barrel so a coarse organery hose can be attached letting you use the water as needed in your flower or vegetable gardens.

Now you can take on the task of draining rainwater under and away form areas where there is pedestrian or car traffic colse to your house. "Cross Sidewalk Drains (Csd)" come in some premade styles and sizes. The most economical Csd is a tough polypropylene trough and grate and is accepted for most pedestrian applications. Heavier duty Csds with of polymer concrete trough and a metal grate cover that is installed over the walk or drive will give a flush, safe covering to walk or drive on. (Aco Markant is one builder of Csds http://www.acomarkant.com/ )

Do not use pipe or irrigation tubing because these will finally become clogged and there is no way to clean them. Animals such as rats will use them for a home. The metal grate on a Csd can be lifted for cleaning and because it open to light and air rodents will find it an unattractive place to make a home.

If you are working with an existing sidewalk or patio it will need some concrete or paver block cutting. The heavy power tools needed to make clean and exact cuts are ready at your local tool and equipment rental store. Make sure that you have adequate slope on the Csd so the water will drain properly under the sidewalk. A French drain or a rain organery may also be needed on the opposite side of the walk too.

A concrete or brick paver undertaker of a package deal will also install Cross Sidewalk Drains but as always, make sure your undertaker of a package deal is licensed and insured.

explication for Gutters Draining on Sidewalks, Patios and Drives