Drainage Services in Santa Barbara & Ventura County
For over 13 years, Cornerstone Landscapes has been a trusted leader in building drainage systems tailored to the unique site conditions of each property. We combine engineering expertise from or Civil Engineering partners with decades of combined experience to create outdoor spaces that are structurally sound, environmentally responsible and beautifully designed. Whether you’re looking to address drainage issues or to simply rest assured that your site drainage is ready for the next 100 year rain, we specialize in myriad drainage systems—ensuring the durability of your landscape, increasing property value, and improving quality of life.
Surface Drainage Services
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Concrete, stone lined, or vegetated sloped channels designed to collect and direct stormwater runoff away from structures and toward designated drainage areas. Help reduce erosion, flooding, and standing water by slowing, filtering and infiltrating stormwater.
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Structure that collects stormwater runoff through a surface grate and directs it into the storm drain system, helping to prevent flooding by trapping debris and sediment while allowing water to flow into underground pipes.
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Linear drainage system with a long, narrow trench and a grated cover that collects and directs surface water away from paved areas. It is commonly used in driveways, patios, and walkways to prevent pooling and flooding while allowing for seamless pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
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Landscaped depression designed to capture and filter stormwater through vegetation and engineered soil layers, allowing it to infiltrate into the ground, improving water quality by removing pollutants and helping to reduce runoff volume.
Subsurface Drainage Services
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Trench filled with gravel or rock, a perforated pipe at the bottom, and wrapped in filter fabric that captures, filters and redirects surface or groundwater away from and buildings or landscapes. They help prevent flooding, erosion, and water damage and reduce hydrostatic pressure (load) on retaining walls
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Large underground storage structures designed to temporarily capture and hold stormwater runoff, reducing flooding and controlling flow rates. These systems can also promote water quality treatment or allow for reuse of captured water.
Importance in Having the Proper Drainage System
Protecting Your Home: A drainage system protects your home by directing rainwater and runoff away from the foundation, preventing water from pooling around the structure. This reduces the risk of basement flooding, soil erosion, foundation damage, and water damage such as mold, caused by excess moisture.
Preserving Landscaping: A drainage system helps preserve landscaping by directing excess water away from plants, lawns, and hardscape areas, preventing soil erosion and root damage. It keeps moisture levels balanced so that plants don’t drown or suffer from fungal diseases.
Preventing Soil Erosion: A drainage system prevents soil erosion by directing excess water away from vulnerable areas, reducing the force of runoff that can wash soil away. By controlling the flow and absorption of water, it helps maintain stable ground conditions and protects the landscape.
Reduced Maintenance: A well-designed drainage system helps protect foundations, driveways, and landscaping from water damage that would otherwise require costly repairs.
Things Professionals Consider For Your Drainage System
Rainfall Patterns: Civil engineers study rainfall patterns when designing drainage systems to ensure they can handle both average and extreme storm events. They consider factors like rainfall intensity, frequency, and duration to predict peak runoff volumes. This helps determine the size and capacity of pipes, basins, and channels, reducing the risk of flooding.
Topography and Grading: Civil engineers carefully study the topography and natural slope of the land to design drainage systems. They use grading plans to adjust elevations, ensuring water flows efficiently toward drains, swales, or retention areas without causing erosion or flooding. Proper consideration of contours and slopes helps minimize stormwater pooling and protects the site and surrounding properties.
Soil Type: Civil engineers analyze soil type and conditions to determine how quickly water can infiltrate or move through the ground. Permeable soils, like sand, allow faster drainage, while clay or compacted soils can cause water to pool, requiring additional drainage solutions. Soil stability and erosion potential are also assessed to prevent structural damage and maintain system efficiency.
Existing Infrastructure and Land Use: Civil engineers assess existing land use and infrastructure to determine how stormwater will flow across a site. They consider impervious surfaces like roads, parking lots, and rooftops, which increase runoff and require larger drainage capacity. Existing utilities, buildings, and roadways influence the placement of drains, pipes, and channels to avoid conflicts and ensure accessibility for maintenance. Engineers also plan drainage to integrate with surrounding infrastructure while minimizing disruptions and protecting property.
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