Category Blog

Impervious surfaces like driveways and patios need larger catch basins than lawn. This guide compares runoff coefficients by paving material and shows how permeable pavers can reduce the required basin size.

Rainfall intensity can shift a catch basin recommendation by a full size tier. This guide covers regional intensity values, return periods, NOAA data sources, and how intensity compares to total annual rainfall.

Every catch basin sizing chart traces back to one formula. This guide walks through the rational method step by step — runoff coefficients, rainfall intensity, unit conversion, and weighted calculations for mixed surfaces.

GPM and cubic feet measure two different things on a catch basin listing. This guide breaks down flow rate vs. sump volume, effective vs. free flow ratings, and how outlet pipe size can bottleneck capacity.

A catch basin and a storm drain aren't the same thing. This guide explains how they differ in scale, ownership, and function, with real scenarios showing which one applies to your drainage project.

Skip the engineering math — match your yard's actual situation (downspouts, driveway, standing water) to the right catch basin size using real scenarios, buffer guidance, and a quick decision reference.

Skip the formula and look up your catch basin size directly. This chart breaks down basin size by square footage across roof, pavement, gravel, and lawn surfaces, plus a rainfall zone adjustment table.

Choosing the wrong catch basin size leads to overflow or wasted cost. This guide breaks down the exact formula, worked examples for downspouts, yards, and driveways, plus a quick sizing chart to match your basin to your drainage needs.

A freestanding deck carries its entire load through piers alone, while an attached deck shares part of that load with the house ledger. This guide covers how that load-path difference affects pier count and sizing, when lateral bracing becomes necessary, and why an attached deck isn't automatically the structurally simpler choice.

Most deck and porch projects need a permit, and most permits require a footing inspection before you're allowed to pour. This guide covers the typical permit sequence, what inspectors check at the open-hole stage, owner-builder permit options, and the mistakes — like pouring before inspection — that cause the most trouble.