Water usually pools on a concrete patio because the slab does not slope enough to shed water, a section has settled and created a low spot, or runoff from the roof or yard is flowing onto the patio. The exact cause depends on the patio and the site around it.
A little water after a heavy storm may not be a concern, but puddles that stay for hours or keep coming back are worth a closer look, especially in Michigan, where standing water can freeze on the surface.
Common Reasons Water Collects
Some patios were built with too little slope or with a slope that changed as the ground settled. Others have one or more sections that sank after the base beneath them shifted or washed out.
Outside sources can also add water. Downspouts that empty near the patio, a lawn that slopes toward it or nearby beds that hold water can all send more runoff across the slab than it was planned to handle.
Sometimes the problem builds slowly. A patio that drained well when it was new may start to hold water years later as the yard, plantings and nearby soil change around it.
Why Standing Water Matters
Water that sits on concrete can soak into the surface and joints. In winter, that water can freeze, which can contribute to scaling, cracking and further settling over time.
Puddles next to the house are another concern. If the patio directs water toward the foundation, moisture may end up where you do not want it.
Standing water can also turn icy or slick in cold weather, which makes the patio less pleasant and less safe to use.
Puddles also leave behind dirt, leaves and mineral stains as they dry, which can make the patio look older than it is and add to cleanup.
What Can Help
The right fix depends on the cause. Redirecting downspouts, adjusting nearby grading or adding drainage features around the patio may help when outside water is the issue.
If a section has settled, concrete leveling may raise it in some cases, while badly cracked or sunken areas may need to be replaced so the slope can be corrected.
Fixing the source of the water is often as important as fixing the concrete. Without that step, a leveled or replaced section may face the same conditions that caused the low spot in the first place.
When to Have It Checked
Patterns are useful. Note where water collects, how long it stays and whether the low spot seems to be getting larger. Photos after a rainstorm can help a contractor understand what is happening.
If water keeps pooling on your patio, a closer look can show whether drainage, settlement or both are involved. Learn more about our concrete patio services in Kalamazoo, or call (269) 404-2457 to talk it through.
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