Prevent Flooding with a Slot Drain System
Managing drainage in a parking lot or parking garage comes with a unique set of challenges. These structures are often completely or partially open to the elements making them subject to rain or snowfall events. Cars that enter parking garages can be wet or snow-covered bringing water into the structure with them. Because of this, proper drainage is an essential part of managing the operation and maintenance of a parking lot or parking garage.
Flooding of a parking lot or parking garage doesn’t have to be caused by hurricanes or rivers overflowing their boundaries. It can be as simple as a large rainfall event combined with insufficient drainage caused by small, clogged, and/or poorly maintained drains. Preventing flooding in a parking lot or parking garage starts with completing an appraisal to determine if your water diversion system is capable of handling required flow rates during an extreme event. This appraisal should look at floor slopes as well as drain capacity to determine if water is being quickly diverted to drainage channels. This is also a good time to examine the types of drains you have: do you have trench drains, area drains or slot drains installed? A frank assessment of your existing drainage can also help to identify at risk areas or areas that are prone to standing water.
Both flooding events as well as standing water can pose risks to parking structures and degrade their physical integrity as well as their functionality over time. It is recommended floors have a 2% slope and installing drains with proper flow rates, owners and operators of parking lots and parking garages can protect their investments. Clean and dry parking lots also provide a better user experience for drivers.
High Flow Rates for Effective Drainage
Slot Drain Systems have flow rates ranging from 11 gallons per minute (GPM) to 27 GPM. Flow rates are determined by the amount of water a drain can accept in a given period. Our drains are rated in gallons per minute or GPM. Each foot of drain can accept a certain number of gallons of water per minute. That number is its GPM rating. Drains with larger openings can accept more water. For example, a 6000 series Slot Drain System with a ½” opening has a flow rate of 11 GPM. The same drain can be purchased with a 1¼ ” opening giving it a flow rate of 27 GPM. By varying the opening and length of the Slot Drain System we can match the flow rates of your drainage system to the needs of your parking lot or parking garage. This helps to protect your property from heavy rainfall events.
Cleaning and Maintenance made simple
If a drain is blocked it has a flow rate of 0 GPM. Drain blockages rarely happen all at once. As dirt and debris are deposited on the parking pad by incoming traffic they eventually flows toward and enter a drain or outlet. Small blockages add up and over time become large blockages. Like trench drains, Slot Drain Systems provide access to the entire length of the drain. But unlike trench drains Slot Drains have no heavy grates that need to be removed to clean the drain. Dirt and debris can be removed by inserting the appropriate cleaning paddle and manipulating it via the slot to push debris to the catch basin. Catch basins are installed at the end of Slot Drain Systems to provide a defense against dirt and debris entering underground plumbing. Underground plumbing often requires specialized tools to clean leading to costly plumbing bills. The Slot Drain System of accessible drains, catch basins, integrated removable strainer baskets and associated cleaning accessories simplifies cleaning and ensures your drains maintain their specified flow rates.
Durable and Load Class Rated
Drains should be fully integrated with parking surfaces. This means they will have cars and trucks driving across them every day. They need to be able to stand up to repeated loads without experiencing structural stress and related degradation. Normal grated trench drains often bend and break under repeated use. In a Slot Drain System exposed surfaces sit completely flush to the pavement and the body of the drain is designed to structurally integrate with the surrounding concrete. Slot Drain Systems are made from T304 and T316 Stainless steel. This provides them with long life, structural stability, and corrosion resistance. All Slot Drain systems are engineered and certified to comply with ASME load class ratings. Giving them weight ratings up to 10,000 lbs. Please consult our load class chart and drain specification documents for ratings on specific products.
Suitable for new construction and existing structures.
Slot Drain Systems are suitable for installation in both new and existing structures. The key to installing a Slot Drain System successfully is planning. In a new structure this means contacting our team at Slot Drain Systems early in the design process so that your engineer and contractors have access to our specifications and sales / service staff. We have completed 100’s of successful new build projects and can help to guide you through the installation of Slot Drain Systems in your new parking lot or parking garage. For drainage upgrades channels need to be cut into the floor in order to successfully install a new Slot Drain System. Our staff has the experience and the knowledge to help guide you through a successful upgrade of your parking lot drainage systems..
Contact Slot Drain Today
Would you like help calculating the drainage needs of your parking lot or parking garage? Our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff are here to help. At Slot Drain Systems each drain can be customized to your individual needs by our engineering and manufacturing teams. We don’t just sell drains, we sell drainage systems. Engineered to meet the needs of your facility and to last a lifetime a Slot Drain System may be the last drain system you ever need. Contact us to learn more.
