Best Rock Salt Supplier in Passaic County

rock-salt-supplier-passaic-county The winters in northern New Jersey can get plenty cold. Storms often bring plenty of ice, snow and sleet that leaves home and business owners scrambling to remove it. In these times you need a great ice and snow melt product that can make your home or business safe. You need a good rock salt supplier to help you out.

Who’s the Best Rock Salt Supplier?

The best rock salt supplier in northern New Jersey quite simply is Braen Supply. Braen has the expertise and experience as well as the inventory to guide you along the right path when it comes to ice melt products.

We will deliver your rock salt to your home or business or you can pick it up yourself. The snow and ice removal experts at Braen Supply will help you make the right decision in buying the correct product for your situation.

Rock Salt Inventory

Braen Supply has several ice melt products in our arsenal. You should be able to find a suitable product for your needs. Our line of products include:

Ice Patrol
Safer Than Salt (Commercial and Breeder Preferred)
Environmelt
Calcium Chloride Crystals
Dowflake Extra
Peladow Calcium Chloride Pellets

As you can see, Braen carries a variety of products that run the ice melt gamut. We have products that are environmentally friendly. Several others are pet and child-friendly. This diverse product line should serve your needs nicely.

Bulk Rock Salt Delivery

Braen Supply has the capabilities of delivering your ice melt product. Most of the merchandise comes in 50 pound bags with either 49 or 56 bags to a pallet. A full truckload is generally 16 pallets. For more information just ask a Braen representative.

Who Needs Rock Salt?

Braen will deliver rock salt to:

Homes
Businesses
Townships
Cities
Churches
Schools
Contractors
Universities

Rock Salt Delvery in NJ & NY

The core delivery area for the company is Passaic, Bergen, Morris, Essex and Sussex Counties in New Jersey. Depending on the quantity needed, we will deliver the snow and ice melt to all of New Jersey and possibly to Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut. Braen will also deliver to the New York City area and Long Island.

Rock Salt Pickup

If you desire to pick up the product, arrangements can be made for that also. Make sure to get in touch with Braen Supply as the rock salt is only available at certain locations while supplies last.

Braen Supply – Your Only Rock Salt Supplier

With years of experience under our belts, a wide-range of products and great service, Braen is the only rock salt supplier you ever need to deal with. We will make every effort to accommodate you, even before or after hours.

Ice and snow can cause havoc in the area. You will eventually need a good ice melt product supplied by a great company.

Buying Calcium Chloride Ice Melt Bags in Northern NJ

calcium-chloride-ice-melt-bags Old man winter has just made another pass at your home. He has dumped ice, snow, sleet or maybe even a mixture of all of those on your steps, walkways and driveway. You have to clear out the wintry stuff to get on with your life: getting to work, kids getting to school and just doing your regular living.

It’s time to buy a some calcium chloride ice melt bags to help melt the snow and ice. How much will you need? What kind do you need to buy? These are probably just several of the questions you are asking about the product.

Buying Calcium Chloride Ice Melt in Northern NJ

The following should answer some of the questions you have about melting ice in Passaic County and the surrounding areas. Snow and ice are very real hazards and the removal of these are essential for safety and security around your home and business.

Sizes – Ice melt is something you will typically need a fairly large amount of. The product can be purchased in 50 pound bags. There are smaller sizes available, but they don’t generally cover an adequate area for most needs. The bags come either 49 or 56 to a pallet in the 50 pound sizes, if you need a large quantity of product. Ice melt is available by the truckload.
Types – There are several types available, and you should find one suitable for your needs. Some types of ice melt varieties are listed below:
- Large-sized granules that stay put when applied
- Pet and child safe
- Environmentally friendly
- Traction control
- Extenders that keep ice melted longer
Pickup or delivery – The bags can be bought at many retail outlets, but large quantities can be delivered to your home or business if desired by landscaping companies and others. Keep in mind an entire pallet of calcium chloride ice melt bags will weigh more than a ton!
Storage – Unused portions of the product can be stored. The key here is to keep it away from excess moisture. Once it picks up moisture it will begin to clump. It can still be used if it clumps, but it’s harder to deal with. Storing the bags or buckets in a dry area such as a garage or storage shed should be adequate.

How Much Calcium Chloride Ice Melt Do I Need?

Of course the big question is how much ice melt will you need to do the job. There is really no easy way to determine this. The rule-of-thumb here is that is better to have more than not enough.

There are many factors that go into determining how much product to use. As a very general rule most ice melt products need to be applied at about a rate of 1 cup for every 20 square feet. In a 50 pound bag there will be around 80 cups. So a 50 pound bag would cover around 1600 square feet. This would generally be enough to apply to a driveway, walkway and steps a couple of times.

Buying Calcium Chloride Ice Melt Bags in NJ is a Must

In northern New Jersey you will eventually need some form of ice melt product. The winter will sooner or later dump ice and snow on the area. The tips listed above are a short primer on ice melt bags.

You may have to experiment some and get a good feel for how much to use. One thing is certain though; ice melt bags are vital for your safety during harsh winter weather.

Rock Salt vs. Ice Melt vs. Pellets

Rock-Salt-vs-Ice-Melt-vs-Pellets Melting existing ice, and preventing water from freezing on your property is one of the most important things that you can do to maintain your home’s property during the winter months.

With so many different types of ice melting products on the market though, you may find yourself wondering which to purchase. What’s the difference between traditional rock salt, and other de-icers like ice melt and pellets? By taking a closer look at the characteristics of each, you can make the best decision for your needs.

Rock Salt

Although commonly referred to as rock salt, the technical name for this de-icer is Halite, and it is the mineral form of sodium chloride. Most people are familiar with the concept of utilizing rock salt as a means of melting icy patches on their driveways, front steps or their walkways, but don’t really understand how it works. When the salt begins to penetrate the ice, it forms brine (a solution of salt and water). Brine has a lower freezing point than pure water, which then causes the ice to melt.

Rock salt is capable of lowering the freezing point down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, the mineral is most effective in areas that do not typically deal with extremely low temperatures. In regions where the temperature may fluctuate between falling below 25 degrees and rising above it, rock salt could actually cause damage to surfaces. This is because the frequent freeze and thaw cycles can cause concrete to crack, or to develop weak spots.

Ice Melt

Of the ice melt products available, the most prevalent salt varieties include calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride and potassium chloride.

Calcium chloride is thought to be the most effective of all ice melts, as it is able to melt ice faster, and in much colder temperatures. It is actually capable of bringing the freezing point of water down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. The most unique aspect of this particular type of ice melt is that it not only forms a brine, like rock salt, but it also generates heat, speeding up the melting process.

With the exception of potassium chloride, all of the most common ice melts are able to work in colder temperatures than rock salt. Homeowners should be advised, though, that some ice melt products can be harmful to pets. Usually ice melt is in the form of fairly large granules or flakes, but may sometimes be found in liquid form.

Ice Melt Pellets

Ice melting pellets are quite similar to other ice melt products, with the exception of the form that they take. As the name suggests, pellets are round and circular, and are typically the size of a pea. This has both its advantages and disadvantages. The pellet shape enables the product to really bore into, and beneath, the surface of ice which helps in quickly developing a strong brine. This also makes it easier for homeowners to further clear snow and ice from their properties, as the bond of ice to the surface being cleared is weakened. Unfortunately, the pellets may also tend to roll on sloped driveways and surfaces.

All de-icers come with their own unique set of pros and cons. By considering these, as well as your needs, you’ll find the right fit. If you’re still unsure about the type of de-icer that is best for you, speak with a supplier for more information.

Calcium Chloride Ice Melt: Online Buying Guide

calcium-chloride-ice-melt As any New Jersey homeowner knows, wintertime means ice – and a lot of it. In order to prevent safety issues associated with driving or slip-and-fall accidents, most people make use of salt, or some other form of ice melt on their driveways, walkways or front steps.

Of all of the products on the market today, though, few are receiving as much notice as calcium chloride ice melt. What is it that makes this de-icer so popular, and is it right for your home? This simple guide will tell you everything that you need to know about buying and using calcium chloride for melting ice.

Should I Buy Calcium Chloride Ice Melt?

Although most people are familiar with traditional rock salt, there’s been some growing buzz about the use of calcium chloride as an ice melt. This is largely due to the fact that calcium chloride works faster than rock salt, melts ice at colder temperatures and often poses fewer problems in terms of damage to concrete and other surfaces.

In order for a de-icer to work, it must first dissolve into a brine. Differing from rock salt, calcium chloride is able to both absorb moisture from its surroundings, and release heat in the process. This enables it to form a strong brine quicker.

Another advantage is that while rock salt is able to lower the freezing temperature of water down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, calcium chloride ice melt lowers the freezing point to -25 degrees. This makes a huge difference – especially here in New Jersey, where winter temperatures can be extreme.

The freezing point also makes an impact in terms of concrete degradation. Most ice melts don’t actually harm paved surfaces. Instead, numerous freeze/thaw cycles take their toll. The lower the freezing point of a surface is, then, the less likely it is to go through these cycles.

How Much Ice Melt Do I Need?

In order to protect the vegetation surrounding your home, de-icers should be used sparingly; a little bit will go a long way. Generally speaking, you should only need between two and four ounces of calcium chloride per every square yard of your front driveway, walkway and other surfaces. This will be enough to undercut bonded ice and snow.

More Information About Calcium Chloride Ice Melt

When selecting an ice melt product, most homeowners have a few concerns. First, these products tend to dry as a white, powdery residue that can be tracked indoors and make a mess. Even though calcium chloride leaves only a clear brine solution, you may wish to avoid this. In order to do so, it’s best to minimize the amount of ice melt that you actually use, and be sure to use walk-off mats in the higher traffic entryways of your house.

Homeowners with pets may also have some reservations about the ice melt that they purchase. It has been found that ice melters have the potential to make pets very sick (and can even be fatal) when ingested, and may cause dry paws and skin irritation upon physical contact.

As a general precaution, pet owners should be advised to avoid utilizing heavy amounts of ice melt in areas that are frequented by pets, and pets should not be left unsupervised in these areas. There are pet-friendly ice melts available for those homeowners who have outdoor pets.

For more information about calcium chloride ice melt, be sure to get in touch with a trusted professional.

Where Can I Buy NDS Drains in New Jersey?

If you’re looking for a reliable drainage system to maintain the look of your landscape, there’s a good chance that you’ve already heard of NDS. As the nation’s primary source for storm water management solutions, NDS offers a wide range of high-quality products that can work for the various needs of property owners and contractors alike.

In order to help you determine which NDS drains are appropriate for your upcoming project, here’s an inside look at the different products that are available, what they do and where you can buy them.

NDS Drains: A Breakdown

Everyone has their own unique drainage needs, and as such, NDS has created several excellent solutions including:

EZflow Drains and EZdrain Drains

Among the most popular of NDS drains on the market, EZflow and Ezdrain solutions serve as a sustainable and gravel-free alternative to traditional French drain systems. A Poly-Rock aggregate bead which is generated from 100 percent recycled resins is utilized. A 10-foot slotted pipe is surrounded by the aggregate material and enclosed in a geotextile mesh.

What is truly unique about these systems is that the Poly-Rock is engineered with flow channels that work to increase void space. Ultimately, this speeds up water flow rates which allows for greater storage capacity. It also improves structural integrity against compaction. Since no gravel is required for installation, the labor costs and installation time are significantly reduced.

While both EZflow and EZdrain have similar flow rates, EZdrain is available in smaller diameter bundles. Both systems can be utilized to divert water away from a structure, to eliminate excess water from low points and high-saturation zones, to prevent an excess of water buildup in and around landscape areas and to collect and store roof run-off until it can be percolated back into the soil.

Flo-Well Systems

Flo-Well is a manufactured dry well system that is utilized for the collection, retention and on-site discharge of stormwater. Every unit is capable of holding up to 50 gallons of stormwater.

Flo-Well can be utilized independently or as a member of a larger storm water management system, offering users a gravel-free alternative to traditional dry well systems. These NDS drains, which are made completely of recycled materials are capable of holding far more water than pea gravel dry wells.

Trench and Channel Drains

Ideal for hardscapes, the NDS trench and channel drain systems work to offer users a tough, long-lasting solution for perimeter drainage in a wide range of applications. Traditionally, hardscapes experience more runoff than landscapes because there is inadequate water absorption. Trench and channel drains can drain areas around pools, spas, patio spaces and tennis courts/athletic fields, and are able to withstand loads from light foot traffic to heavier vehicular traffic.

Catch Basins and Grates

The NDS catch basins and grates collect surface water and protect the system from debris via a sump area. This prevents any pipeline clogging, and the grates can be matched to a specific property surface as they are available in numerous colors and in various shapes and sizes.

Pop-Up Emitters

These recycled emitters serve as the discharge point of the drain system. The spring-loaded caps open seamlessly and automatically to promote the free flow of runoff away from the pipe, then closing as flow diminishes.

Where to Buy NDS Drains

As an industry leader in providing excellent drainage solutions, Braen Supply is the place to go when you want to buy NDS drains at fair and competitive prices. Braen Supply offers a full range of NDS products that can be purchased at two convenient NJ locations.

When you need quality drainage systems, NDS is the smartest choice.

Where to Buy Driveway Drainage Grates in NJ

Buy Driveway Drainage Grates NJ In order to preserve the beauty of their landscapes, many homeowners make the decision to have a residential drainage system installed. In order for these systems to function properly, the correct driveway drainage grates must be utilized.

Sometimes referred to as catch basin grates or channel drain grates, these coverings work to prevent any large debris from entering and clogging the drainage system while still allowing for the adequate flow of water and runoff from the property.

So how can you determine which drainage grate is right for your needs? By following this easy guide to choosing and purchasing landscape drainage grates, you can complete your home runoff management system with confidence.

Choosing Driveway Drainage Gates

There are many different types of catch basin grates available for purchase in various shapes, sizes, and materials. In order to ensure that your grate will function properly without detracting from the appearance of your property, it is important that you consider factors such as:

Shape and Size

For obvious reasons, you will need to ensure that you find a grate that will conform with the shape and size of your current reservoir or drainage system. If you are installing a brand new drainage system on your property, you will need to determine whether a long, rectangular drain and grate would best suit your driveway, or if smaller rounded grates would work better.

Some homeowners elect to utilize multiple small-scale reservoirs to improve drainage around gardens or lawns whereas others prefer a single large grate. Be sure to discuss your property’s drainage requirements with your landscaping professional to ensure that your solution will be up to the task. In addition to considering the size of the grate itself, you must find a covering that has enough space between the openings to allow the free flow of water and runoff while still being able to capture debris.

Durability

The durability required for your channel drain grates will be heavily influenced by their location. Driveway drainage grates that are subject to continuous heavy foot and vehicular traffic, for example, will need to be strong enough to keep up with regular heavy loads.

Drain coverings that are constructed of cast iron, stainless steel or aluminum are generally quite durable and do not corrode easily. Smaller grates that are located along the side of a driveway or walkway, on the other hand, may not need to be constructed of material that is as durable. In this case, you may consider installing a plastic or PVC type drainage grate which will be cheaper than other materials.

Appearance

Of course, you do not want your grates to detract from the beauty of your property. As such, it is important to select a grate constructed of a material and in a color that will match the rest of your landscaping. One of the best options for an elegant appearance is a cast iron grate, which, when bronzed, can give off an antique aesthetic.

The Best Place to Buy Driveway Drainage Grates in New Jersey

If you are in need of catch basin grates, you will find that you won’t have to travel far in order to find an excellent selection of quality drainage coverings. Braen Supply sells a variety of channel drain grates from the brands that you know and trust, like NDS Products. The knowledgeable employees are more than capable of helping you to select the correct grate for your property. Braen Supply provides grates at the fairest and most competitive prices from two convenient New Jersey locations. You won’t find a better supplier for all of your drainage needs.

Photo Courtesy of NDS.

Stormwater Management: A NJ Homeowner’s Guide

stormwater-management-guide-nj — Photo is Courtesy of NDS

Stormwater is a major source of pollution in New Jersey and other northeastern states. In fact, the issue is so pressing that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has developed an extensive set of stormwater management rules to regulate municipal runoff.

But what are you doing about stormwater on your own residential property – are you contributing to the problem, or are you a part of the solution? It’s important for all New Jersey homeowners to take steps to implement their own stormwater management systems in order to protect the beauty and safety of our environment.

Where is My Stormwater Coming From?

During periods of heavy rainfall, or during the springtime thaw, local streets may become inundated with massive amounts of water. Although you may think that the runoff from your property is insignificant, when that amount is added to the stormwater from thousands of other properties, it can quickly become a major problem. Excess water may find its way off of your property from:

Rooftops – Rainwater and melting snow/ice may quickly run off of your rooftop and through downspouts onto your yard or driveway, where it begins to accumulate and pool.
Lawns – Without proper drainage systems in place, the ground can quickly become saturated, allowing excess water to collect and spill off onto the streets and/or other neighboring properties.
Hard surfaces – Sloped driveways or walkways without drainage will immediately force runoff water out into the streets and/or neighboring properties, as well.

What Problems are Associated with Stormwater?

So what’s the big deal with stormwater, anyway? Three major problems are associated with excess runoff:

Pollution – As stormwater travels across rooftops, driveways and lawns, it picks up numerous contaminants. These pollutants may include oil, grease, fertilizers, pesticides, pet wastes, soil, trash, etc. Eventually, this dirty water finds its way to local streams, lakes, rivers and oceans, causing harm to fish and other wildlife.
Flooding – When the municipal stormwater management system is overloaded with excess runoff, flash flooding may occur. This causes harm to streams and wetlands, causes erosion and can damage homes and businesses.
Water shortages – Without proper drainage, water cannot filtrate through the ground, preventing rainfall from replenishing groundwater and streams that are used for drinking water.

How Can I Improve Stormwater Management on My Own Property?

The more that individual homeowners can do to implement residential stormwater management systems, the better off we all will be. Here are two drainage solutions to consider for your property:

Downspout & Lawn Flooding – If runoff water from your roof, or a saturated lawn are major contributors to stormwater on your property, it’s a good idea to talk to a trusted landscaping contractor about the installation of a complete drainage system. Generally, the best way to manage water from the downspout is by installing a catch basin and grate at the base of spouts, or low points on your property. Debris is filtered out, water passes through a pipe system,] and the majority is captured in a dry well type system that allows water to slowly percolate back into the ground, eliminating saturation. A minimal amount of excess water can then be drained into the municipal storm drains.
Hard Surfaces – To prevent runoff from a flooded driveway or walkway, ask a reputable professional for information on how a channel drain can be installed into the concrete. From here, water is directed to a dry well type system, just as with a catch basin and grate stormwater management solution.

By finding the right stormwater management system(s) for your property, you can do your part to protect the environment and our natural resources.

Stormwater Management: Do’s and Don’ts

stormwater-management-guide Stormwater management is a big concern today. Standing water can impact your landscape and home in a negative way. There is a need to carry any lingering water away your property and into storm drains and sewers.

Allowing the maximum amount of water to seep into the ground is good for drainage design. In cases of heavy deluges, strong storms or prolonged wet spells, water may tend to accumulate around your landscape. Large amounts of water may not be able to naturally percolate into the ground. You will have to make sure it drains away from your yard.

Stormwater Management – Fix Your Yard

There may be a need to look at the existing drainage patterns in your yard. If the water does not drain properly you will have to take steps to correct this. Standing water will eventually impact your landscape and could possibly cause issues in your home, such as mold.

There are many things you can do to remedy this situation. There are also things you should avoid doing. Some do’s and don’ts are listed below.

What Not to Do

Take whatever measures you can to protect your home. Below are some things you don’t want to do when it comes to keeping your home safe from water runoff:

Don’t put sheds, fences, landscaping or other buildings in easements, ditches or around storm drains. Don’t impede the flow.
Don’t regrade your yard to interfere with current drainage patterns unless it’s to make runoff issues better.
Don’t put any type of obstacle at the ends of a pipe that will trap debris.
Don’t put any impervious covers or surfaces in your yard without taking into account how it will affect runoff.

Things You Should Do

There are some concrete things you should do when it comes stormwater management. Here are some steps you can take that are good for water runoff management:

Educate yourself and research as to what is good for managing stormwater.
Talk with professionals to make sure your property is compliant with all local codes and best practices to ensure proper water management.
Keep storm drains free of debris or any types of blockages.
Use landscaping techniques that allow more water to seep into the ground and less to runoff.
Drains are a big part of any stormwater management system. You have to move the water from your yard to the larger system. Consider some of the following:
- French drains – These are either a trench or ditch filled with rock or gravel or a perforated pipe the directs surface water and groundwater away from an area.
- Channel drains – This type of drain is simply a design that allows water to flow along the length of a ditch, swale, pipe or other structure into a sewer or storm drain. The water will flow quickly in this type of runoff design.
- Drain grates – These are used as a covering for holes that allow water to flow into pipes that carry water off. The main function of the grate is to keep larger pieces of debris from entering the drainage system.
- Catch basins – The catch basin allows water to flow through, but larger debris to settle at the bottom of the basin where it does not impede the flow.

When it comes to stormwater management and drainage solutions there are many do’s and don’ts. You want to do the things that are positive for water runoff.

Don’t make the situation worse by any means. Do your part and ensure your yard and home are protected from standing water.

Choosing the Right Landscape Drainage Solutions in NJ

choosing-drainage-solutions-nj Like all homeowners, you want your property to look great at all times. As such, you do whatever you can to tend to your yard, but how much thought have you given to your landscape drainage?

Although most of us are concerned with ensuring that our lawns and plants have enough water to thrive, a landscape with too much water can actually create even bigger issues.

In this post, we will highlight some of the most common problems associated with excess water, and how a proper landscape drainage solution can help.

Problem #1: Downspout Flooding

New Jersey residents are no strangers to extreme weather conditions. Heavy rains and melting snow can result in a flood of water being released from your home’s downspout. When this water has no place to go, it will pool around your home’s foundation, causing exterior damage, and leading to the possibility of interior flooding. Water can also accumulate on your lawn, causing serious damage. In this case, a catch basin that is flush with the ground is an ideal drainage solution. This basin will capture water and debris before directing the water away from your landscape via a drain pipe.

Problem #2: Puddles on Lawn

Have you noticed pools of water developing in your lawn when it rains? This often happens in low-lying areas of the landscape because the ground has become saturated by water and has nowhere to go. Unfortunately, this can ruin your lawn. Once again, the strategic placement of catch basins can eliminate these issues. The good news is that because these grates are flush to the ground and are available in different colors, you don’t have to worry about them detracting from the beauty of your property.

Problem #3: Puddles on Hard Surfaces

When water collects on the hard surfaces around your home, like your driveway or your front walkway, it can create big trouble for your house and property. As the water continues to build up in the lower areas of a hard surface, it will begin to flood, causing damage to your home’s structure and creating safety issues. During periods of fall and winter where freeze and thaw cycles are common, this can also lead to a buildup of ice. Having a long channel drain installed directly into your concrete will evacuate water before it can cause any damage to your property or landscape.

Problem #4: Drowning Plants

Is your sprinkler system, or heavy rainfall causing your plants to drown? When roots are inundated with too much water, it can cause significant damage to plants and can create health issues. To prevent excess water from making it to the root system, consider a landscape drainage solution like atrium grates. These grates are raised above the ground in order to continue performing well, even in cases where plant leaves, etc. may tend to block or cover a drain system that is flush with the earth.

Problem #5: Runoff Contribution

When runoff water from your roof, your hard surfaces or your lawn is directed down the street, it can eventually end up in local streams, lakes and rivers. Because this runoff can quickly become contaminated, this is a health risk. To avoid contributing to the problem, consider a landscape drainage solution that will retain and slowly filter water within your property without causing damage.

Regardless of the problems that you have been faced with, it is in your best interest to discuss your drainage solution options with a trusted professional. By speaking with a reliable landscaping contractor, you can get a better idea as to which landscape drainage systems are best for your property.

NJ Drainage Solutions: Driveway Grates & Catch Basins

drainage-grates Driveway grates and catch basins are important drainage solutions for your home and yard. These features, which work in tandem, help carry water excess water away from your home. Standing water, or water not drained properly, has the potential to cause many issues at your home.

Drainage solutions, utilizing both features, will allow you to safely and efficiently move excess water from your yard to the sewer system. New Jersey is no stranger to heavy rains and storms and as such, grates and catch basins are used often in the area.

What are Catch Basins & Driveway Grates?

A catch basin is a reservoir into which surface water drains into. It discharges into a sewer and catches and holds any debris that would not readily pass into the sewer.

A drainage grate, fits on top of the catch basin or directly on a pipe. The grate is a system of parallel bars set at right angles to each other. It allows water to flow into the sewer system but will stop larger pieces of debris. A grate will allow pedestrian and vehicular traffic to pass over it.

Water Issues

Water will typically drain due to capillary action. This is healthy for your soil and homes in general. Surface runoff, due to heavy precipitation or poor drainage design, or both, is detrimental to your soil, plants and any structures it ponds around.

It is vital to move excess water away from areas where it may cause issues. This is where catch basins and driveway grates come into play. These should be installed to optimize water movement from your landscape to the sewer system.

Considerations For Driveway Grates & Catch Basins

For drainage solutions you will have to take into account several things. Driveway grates and catch basins are pretty utilitarian and serve a specific purpose, but they can be fancied up just a bit, especially driveway grates.

Driveway grate design should take into account traffic that will cross over it. Vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and animals need to be able to walk over your grate safely. Even the Americans With Disabilities Act has guidelines to the types of grating that can be used for certain applications.
The grate and catch basin have to be of the proper size to handle the flow of water coming from your property. Failure to insure proper size features may impact water flow in a negative way.
Harmful debris must be screened out by the grate. If large objects can get into the catch basin, water flow in the entire system can be hampered causing issues up and down the drainage system.
Small, organic material should be able to pass through the grate, into the catch basin and flow into the larger water drainage system. Leaves, twigs, grass clippings, small stones and such are not a hazard to sewer lines. If grate openings are too small it will get clogged and cease to function properly.
The grate and basin should be of sufficient strength to handle water flow and small objects washed into them.
Driveway grates can be tailored to your specific needs. There are grate designs and colors that will make any grate more pleasing to the eye.

Driveway grates and catch basins are important features when dealing with drainage solutions. These features work together to funnel water away from your home and landscape and into the sewer system. While you will probably need help in installing these features make sure you have a working knowledge of what they do and how they operate.

Photo Courtesy of NDS Drains.