Why Do Puddles Keep Appearing on Your Driveway or Patio?

If your driveway or patio regularly fills with puddles after rainfall, it’s more than just an inconvenience — it’s usually a sign that something isn’t working as it should beneath the surface.

Standing water can create slippery conditions, encourage algae growth, and over time cause damage to paving and surrounding areas. In some cases, poor drainage can even contribute to issues near the foundations of your property.

What causes water to pool?

Pooling water is often the result of one or more of the following:

• Incorrect levels or falls that don’t allow water to drain away properly
• Blocked or insufficient drainage channels
• Non-permeable surfaces where water has nowhere to go
• These issues are especially common with older driveways and patios that were laid before modern drainage standards became common practice.

Why proper drainage matters

Good drainage isn’t just about keeping surfaces dry. It plays an important role in:

• Making outdoor areas safer to use year-round
• Preventing long-term damage to paving and sub-bases
• Reducing maintenance caused by moss and algae
• Ensuring water is directed away from your home, not towards it

When drainage is designed correctly, your paving should cope with heavy rain without any standing water.

How we approach drainage solutions

At Gary Cooper Paving, we look beyond the surface. With years of hands-on experience, we assess levels, ground conditions and existing drainage before recommending the most effective solution.

Depending on the site, this may include:

• Re-profiling surfaces to introduce proper falls
• Installing or improving drainage channels
• Using permeable paving systems that allow water to drain naturally
• Designing solutions that comply with current regulations

Our aim is always to create outdoor spaces that are practical, safe and built to last — whatever the weather.

Not sure what’s causing the problem?

In many cases, the cause of pooling water can be identified quickly by an experienced eye. If your driveway or patio struggles after heavy rain, it may be worth having it looked at before small issues become bigger ones.

Get in touch with Gary Cooper Paving to discuss your concerns or to arrange a site visit.