Trench & French Drains

Concrete Trench Drains & French Drain Solutions in lakewood

What is a Concrete Trench Drain

Concrete trench drains are an essential solution for properties experiencing excess surface water, pooling, or drainage problems. Whether installed around driveways, basements, commercial buildings, or loading zones, these drains channel water away quickly and efficiently. At The Foundation Guys, we specialize in high-quality trench drain installations that offer both performance and longevity—custom-fit to your property’s layout and drainage needs.

How Concrete Trench Drains Work

Step 1: Site Assessment

We assess your property’s slope, layout, and drainage issues to design the most effective solution.

Step 2: Excavation & Preparation

The trench area is excavated and prepared to ensure proper depth and slope for optimal water flow.

Step 3: Drain Installation

Reinforced concrete trench drain channels and grates are installed to handle heavy use and water volume.

Step 4: Concrete Pour & Finishing

Surrounding areas are poured with concrete and finished to ensure a smooth, flush appearance and proper function.

Where Concrete Trench Drains Make a Difference

Foundations That Stay Dry: Puddles forming along your foundation after rain
Driveways That Stay Dry: Keep your concrete or paver driveways from developing water damage or dangerous slick spots.
Garage Threshold Protection: Block water from entering your garage or seeping into basement walls.
Safe Walkways & Entry Paths: Prevent slip hazards by rerouting runoff from sidewalks and entryways.
Heavy-Duty Commercial Zones: Ideal for loading docks, warehouses, and industrial properties with high water movement and equipment use.

The Payoff: Functional + Future-Proof

Top Benefits

Engineered Strength: Handles everything from rainwater to rolling traffic without cracking or failing.
Drainage That Works: Designed to move water fast, reducing pooling and erosion.
Tailored to Your Property: Every install is planned to fit your elevation, use case, and aesthetic.

Bonus Benefits

Minimal Upkeep: Liftable grates make clearing debris easy and quick.
Curb Appeal + Value: Looks clean, functions even better—and protects your property’s resale value.

FAQs About Concrete Trench Drains

How deep should a trench drain be installed?

Typically at footing level—between 18" and 36" deep depending on the foundation design.

Where does the water go after it's collected?

Water is carried through the perforated pipe and released at a safe discharge point away from the house, such as a storm drain, dry well, or daylight slope.

Can trench drains fix existing foundation water issues?

If your basement is below ground level, and you live in a region with rain or melting snow, it's smart to install one as a preventative measure.

Will this damage my landscaping?

We take care to minimize disruption and restore all landscaping as part of the installation. In many cases, we can trench through sod or mulch beds and replace them cleanly.

Is this different from waterproofing?

It’s part of a waterproofing system. Trench drains control the water before it reaches your walls—reducing or eliminating the need for interior water management.

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Flexible Financing Available!

We’ve partnered with Hearth to offer financing that fits your budget so you can move forward without delay.

French Drain Services

At The Foundation Guys, we provide professional French drain installation to protect homes and businesses from water damage, foundation issues, and basement flooding. Whether you need an interior or exterior French drain system, we offer custom drainage solutions to keep your property dry and secure.

What Is a French Drain?

A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects water away from foundations, basements, and landscapes. It prevents water buildup and soil saturation for long-term protection.

Interior French Drains: Installed inside basements or crawl spaces to prevent water intrusion.
Exterior French Drains: Installed around foundations or in yards to redirect surface water.

Uses & Applications of French Drains

Interior French Drain Uses (Basement & Crawl Space Waterproofing):

Prevents basement flooding and groundwater seepage.
Reduces hydrostatic pressure on foundation walls.
Protects crawl spaces from standing water and mold.
Works with sump pumps to remove excess water.

Exterior French Drain Uses (Foundation & Yard Drainage Solutions):

Redirects rainwater and surface runoff away from foundations.
Prevents soil erosion and pooling water.
Stabilizes sloped landscapes.
Protects foundations from cracks and shifting.

Interior vs. Exterior French Drains – Which One Do You Need?

Feature	Interior French Drain	Exterior French Drain
Location	Basement or crawl space	Around home’s perimeter or yard
Primary Use	Prevents basement flooding	Redirects rainwater and groundwater
Best For	Homes with leaks or seepage	Homes with poor yard drainage
Works With	Sump pump systems	Gutters and proper grading
Installation Depth	Inside floor or along foundation	12–24 inches underground

Benefits of Installing a French Drain

Prevents basement and foundation damage.
Improves yard drainage and eliminates pooling water.
Reduces hydrostatic pressure to prevent cracks.
Minimizes mold and mildew growth in basements.
Increases property value.
Works effectively in all soil types (clay, sand, loam, etc.).

Our French Drain Installation Services

Site Evaluation & Drainage Assessment
Excavation, Pipe Installation, and Gravel Fill
Interior French Drain Systems
Exterior French Drain Systems
Drain Maintenance and Cleaning

Preventative Measures to Maintain Timber Wall Integrity

Proactive steps can extend the lifespan of your timber retaining wall and minimize future repair needs.

Regular Inspections: Conduct periodic assessments to identify and address minor issues before they escalate.
Ensuring Proper Drainage: Maintain clear drainage paths to prevent water buildup behind the wall.
Using Treated Timber: Opt for pressure-treated wood to resist decay and insect damage.
Applying Protective Coatings: Regularly apply sealants to shield the wood from moisture and environmental damage.
Managing Vegetation: Keep plant growth near the wall in check to prevent root intrusion and additional pressure on the structure.

FAQs About Needing a French Drain

Water pooling near your home’s foundation?

If you notice water collecting around your home after rain, it could lead to serious structural issues over time without proper drainage solutions like a French drain.

Damp, musty odors in the basement?

Persistent musty smells in your basement often indicate hidden moisture problems that a French drain system can help eliminate.

Cracks in basement floors or walls?

Foundation cracks may result from hydrostatic pressure buildup. Installing a French drain can relieve this pressure and protect your home’s foundation.

Basement flooding during rainstorms?

Frequent basement flooding during heavy rains is a major sign you need an interior or exterior French drain to redirect groundwater away from your home.

Soft, eroded soil around the foundation?

Soil erosion around your foundation can weaken its stability. A French drain helps manage water flow and protect the integrity of your property’s base.

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Let’s Talk About Your Foundation!

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Committed to Your Satisfaction
We stand behind every job with a 100% workmanship guarantee because your confidence means everything to us.
Skilled, Experienced Professionals
Our local team combines expert knowledge with hands-on craftsmanship tailored to Colorado’s unique foundation needs.
Transparent, Honest Service
You’ll always know what to expect with clear communication, fair pricing, and no surprises along the way.
Long-Term Peace of Mind
We don’t just fix problems, we provide solid, lasting solutions that protect your home’s value for years to come.