Drains are an important part of your home since they move water offsite. In fact, they’re more than just holes on the ground. While there are many types of drains out there, the differences between them are often misunderstood. Many homeowners are confused between two popular styles; trench and French drains. In this post, the top expert on gutter guards and drains, Patriot Gutters, shares the difference between trench and French drains.
How do Trench Drains Operate
Trench drains separate themselves from French drains by operating as a surface structure. It’s also known as a channel drain and is classified as an above-ground draining method even if the drainage materials are embedded on the ground. Trench drains are created by digging a long, narrow trench and topping it with a grated covering. This creates an illusion of a large space of guttering in the ground.
What Are French Drains?
According to gutter installation experts, French drains stand as the most popular drainage option since most technology and science based on drainages stem from French drains. A layer of permeable fabric is set along the bottom and sides of the drain after it has been dug to prevent gravel intrusion. Similar to trench drains, French drains siphon water downwards from a site, except it also catches groundwater and surface water.
Both drains are durable options, especially French drains since they also have to handle groundwater that’s affected by hydrostatic pressure. French drains are also effective at diverting water away from your foundation and prevents it from getting damaged. The dimensions of both French and trench drains depend on the site and foundation.
Count on Patriot Gutters for expert gutter repairs and installation! We’ll have your home’s gutters work like they’re new! Call us at (405) 701-0909 or fill out our contact form for a FREE quote! We serve customers in Oklahoma City and the rest of OK.