[Linda G]

I have an existing paver patio that was installed 5 years ago and is still in like-new condition with no shifts or heaves. My problem is that the surface is flush with the bottom of the rear entry door with absolutely no step-down, and it is flush against the exterior wall of my condo unit. Water is seeping under my rear entryway when it rains, causing rotting (and some mold) at the base of the door and the interior baseboards.

The patio surface is on the same level as the interior flooring of my home with only a basic threshold separating the two surfaces. A wheelchair could easily roll from one area to the other. I now know that the contractor who installed the patio should have dropped the patio a couple of inches lower. Is there a way to add a drainage system that would carry the water away from the door and foundation faster than the slope of the patio is allowing? It would need to be installed across the base of the door and along the exterior wall, which would be a distance of about 10 feet. I do not want to jeopardize the current paver installation. For info, my condo is built on a slab foundation (which was constructed much too low to the ground). I have attempted to attach a photo of the area.

Since I live in a condo, whatever is done has to meet the HOA board's approval. I would like to know what my options are so that I can talk intelligently with the contractor about the solutions. The maintenance contractor for the community is not sure what is needed and can be achieved.

We are looking at raising my door a couple of inches and having a step-over threshold to add resistance to water coming in. I also plan to add a storm door to add further protection. But, if possible, I would also like to install some means of drainage to take the water away from the entryway quickly so that it is less likely to come into the interior.

Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thank you

[Ax Man]

Is the patio higher than the surrounding area?
If so I think a Drainage system could be installed. There is a product called "D- Drain" which is basically a rectangular drainage pipe. Being narrow, it might be just the thing for your problem.

[Linda G]

At the outer edge of the patio there is a slight downslope, or swale. The builders installed an underground drain pipe and there is a grate there about 4-5 feet from the edge of the patio. I suppose the drain is over a catch basin? Beyond that grating, the pipe continues underground to a large catch basin at the end of the building. We might could get permission to tie into this pipeline.

The patio has what I think is called a single soldier row border all around the perimeter of the patio; the inner portion of the patio is laid in a herringbone pattern. Would the D-drain go where the soldier row is? Would it take up the whole row of pavers, or is the D-drain narrow enough that the pavers could be cut in half and still serve as a border? Where can one purchase the D-drain?

Thanks for your input.

[Dale Wiley]

Channel drain.

[Ax Man]

Yes the drain would go where the soldier course is, or possibly on the joint between it and the pattern section.
http://www.advancedsurfaces.com/Engl...eDChannel.html
http://www.dewittcompany.com/erosion.html#ddrain
These should get you started...

[Linda G]

Thank you. I knew there had to be something like this out there but didn't know what to ask for or where to find it. This is a big help.

Linda

[Ax Man]

People helping people,
It's the way it should be.
I hope they get it fixed for you.