Proper drainage is one of the best investments you can make to protect your property. Reynolds Contracting specializes in earthwork, excavation, and pipe work, delivering long-lasting drainage solutions for homeowners, businesses, and property managers throughout Central Virginia. We recently completed a custom channel drain project at a church built in the 1820s. Through careful excavation, precision hardscaping, and a durable underground drainage network, we redirected water away from the building while preserving its historic character.
The project began with some exploratory digging to locate existing utilities and understand how the current drainage system was laid out. Once our crew had a clear picture of the site, we excavated a trench for a new underground drain line designed to carry water safely away from the building. The new piping was then connected to the existing drainage system, creating a more reliable path for stormwater and helping protect both the church and the surrounding landscape from future water issues.
We also made an improvement to the building’s HVAC condensate drain. As your heating and cooling system runs, it naturally removes moisture from the air. That water, known as condensate, drains away through a small pipe. On this property, the condensate was emptying into an interior floor drain. We rerouted the drain through the foundation wall and connected it to the new exterior drainage system, allowing the water to discharge safely outside. By keeping that water outside from the start, the building benefits from a cleaner, more efficient drainage setup that’s easier to maintain in the future.
To capture rainwater before it could flow toward the building, we installed a new 5-inch channel drain across the existing brick walkway. Because preserving the appearance of this historic property was a priority, our crew carefully saw-cut and removed sections of the brick pavers so they could be reinstalled later. Once the trench was excavated, the channel drain was positioned at just the right height to collect runoff efficiently during heavy rains. We then poured concrete beneath and around the drain to create a strong, stable base that will keep it performing reliably for years to come. This careful approach allowed us to improve the property’s drainage while maintaining the beauty and character of the original brick walkway.
With the drainage system complete, our attention turned to restoring the brick hardscaping. The original brick pavers were carefully reinstalled along the walkway and staircase, preserving the appearance of the property while seamlessly incorporating the new drainage improvements. Finally, disturbed areas were graded, seeded, and strawed to promote healthy grass growth and leave the site clean and finished.
Every property presents its own set of drainage challenges, but our approach remains the same. We take the time to understand how water is moving across a site and develop a solution that fits the property’s specific needs. Whether it’s a custom channel drain project, new underground drainage piping, or other site improvements, our goal is to protect your investment with quality workmanship built to last.
If you’re experiencing drainage issues around your home, business, or historic property, contact Reynolds Contracting at 434-293-6724. We’d be happy to evaluate your property and recommend a practical, long-lasting solution that fits your needs.