Adding channel drains to your home or property can be a game-changer when it comes to preventing damage from excess water. But the actual process of choosing these types of drains can be overwhelming. After all, there are a variety of options for both drains and grates.
Channel drains can be broken down into characteristics based on their material, method of creation, and size. Channel drain gratings are usually divided based on their material, but can also be sorted based on certain other features. When choosing channel drains, you’ll need to make a choice on each one of these characteristics. While it might seem confusing, thinking about the factors involved in the decisions can make the process easier.
Let’s take a look at the factors you should consider and what your options are when it comes to channel drains and gratings.
One factor you need to consider when choosing a channel drain is where the drain will be installed. Usually, channel drains are placed in front of a garage or driveway, by a downspout, or around patios or other features in residential applications. Commercial areas have many options as well, including in parking garages or parking lots, near walkways, or in outdoor spaces such as gardens or even golf courses.
Each of these locations will have different needs when it comes to their installation. For example, if you are installing a channel drain in an existing driveway, you will most likely need to tear up and relay at least part of the surface.
The slope of the surface where the drain will be installed affects the speed of the water and how much water may flow into the drain at any one time. Usually, you want the surface to be sloped around 0.7% to 1%. Drains placed on a surface that has a higher slope may need to be larger to accommodate the additional water flow.
Be sure to consider other existing or planned drainage in the area. How will the drains connect, if at all? The installation of these other drains may affect previously placed drains. You may also want to consider how the drains will connect to drain pipes as well.
You also need to consider the amount of water that the drain will need to collect and move as this will help determine the size of the drain you need. Most residential drains are between 4 and 12 inches, with 6 inches being the most common width. However, commercial grates may need to be wider as more water may need to drain through them. Consult a water table chart and consult your landscape architect to see which specific size may be the best for you.
Finally, budget is a consideration for most projects. Certain materials and types of channel drain cost more than others. Make sure to create a budget so you can compare this to your quotes when you receive them. Always remember that you may pay more for certain drains or grates but the quality they provide may be worth it.
When choosing a channel drain, you’ll have options for both the material and type of channel.
The first step is to determine which kind of channel you need. One factor may be how easy installation will be due to existing structures. ©Budabar | https://depositphotos.com
A channel or trench grate is another critical piece of your channel drain. This piece serves a vital role in keeping the space usable and blocking debris from clogging up the drain. Therefore, choosing an appropriate grate is just as important as the channel itself.
You’ll want to consider what will go over the grate. Depending on this, you may want to choose a different load class or other features.
If only pedestrians will walk over the grate, you can choose a class A grate, the lightest rating. If passenger cars and light trucks will drive over it, such as in a driveway, class B is a better choice. Finally, class C grates are necessary for heavy vehicular traffic including delivery trucks, loaded forklifts, and tractor-trailers.
You might also want to consider certain features that are designed to help specific groups of pedestrians. ADA-compliant grates have holes or slots that prevent wheelchairs or crutches from getting stuck. In fact, these slots must be less than 0.5 inches and perpendicular to the main direction of travel. If many people will be crossing over the grate, you may also want to consider heel-proof grates.
The weather in your area will also play a role in choosing a grate. Some types of materials are at risk of cracking due to freeze-thaw cycles. Those in areas with high amounts of rain and humidity should opt for materials that are resistant to rust and corrosion.
The maintenance required for the grate is also important, particularly for commercial areas. You don’t want to make cleaning the grate difficult as this could increase your maintenance budget. In addition, sturdier materials will make the whole process easier.
If your grate is placed in a public space where theft may be an issue, you should consider a lockable grate. This will still allow access for maintenance personnel but will prevent a thief from just taking the entire grate.
Your desired aesthetics for the area are also important. For instance, you wouldn’t want to install a white plastic grate in a four-star hotel. It would look out of place and detract from the overall look of the place. On the other hand, a classic reinforced stone grate would complement and enhance the beauty of the area.
Any other grating that is already present or will be installed should also be considered. If you are choosing all new gratings, you can have them all match, whether it's a trench grate or a tree grate. You can also opt for different colours and designs that would blend best with existing grating if they will be staying.
You will need to consider all of these factors together when choosing a channel drain grate manufacturer. Some will not offer the material or style you want. Others may not have the features that would work best for your application.
At Jonite, we can help you design the ideal grate for your channel drain. You can customize our reinforced stone gratings to your exact specifications. They are ideal for most applications ranging from driveways to gardens. Plus our experts will walk you through every step of the way, so you know you are making the best choices possible.
Reinforced stone is a perfect material for channel gratings due to its beauty, strength, and comfort.
Your choice of material will directly impact what design options you have. Once you have this narrowed down, you can ask your manufacturer about all of the design options available to you.
You may also want to consider some additional options that impact the structure of your drain and grates. For example, frames can help add extra support to the grating, which reduces shifting and the chances of breaking. This can be especially important in driveway channel drains, particularly in commercial ones.
Choosing channel drains and grates can be overwhelming and confusing. When you work with Jonite, you’ll know that all of your specifications and needs are being taken into account.
Get started with your custom reinforced stone drain grates today!