Why Choose ACO SlabDrain?

Technical: SlabDrain employs a polymer concrete body for high compressive strength and low water absorption, helping resist freeze-thaw damage and chemical exposure. The system’s neutral-depth (flat invert) simplifies layout where depth is constrained.

Plain English: It’s a tough, thin-profile drain that fits in shallow slabs and stands up to weather, de-icers, and daily wear.

• Edge Options: Polymer (H Series), galvanized or stainless (HK Series), or ductile iron (HSK Series) rails to match loads up to Class F.
• Widths: 4″, 8″, and 12″ internal widths with neutral-depth design for easy, predictable grading.
• Grates & Locking: ADA-compliant, heel-resistant, and decorative grates with QuickLok®, DrainLok, or PowerLok for fast maintenance.

Best-Fit Applications

Choose SlabDrain where shallow construction depth and reliability are critical:

Grate & Edge Selection

• H Series (polymer edge): corrosion-resistant and clean aesthetic for pedestrian zones.
• HK Series (galv./stainless): choose galvanized for value; stainless for aggressive or coastal environments.
• HSK Series (ductile iron): for the highest wheel loads up to Class F.
• Locking: QuickLok®/DrainLok for rapid access; PowerLok where extra security is needed.

Design & Selection Tips

Technical: Match width (4″/8″/12″) to design storm flow; choose edge rails by load class and exposure (de-icers, cleaning chemicals, coastal air). Neutral-depth means set the surface slope in surrounding paving to maintain positive drainage.

Plain English: Pick the channel size for your worst rain, select the edge rail for how heavy the traffic is and how corrosive the environment is, and make sure the pavement slopes toward the drain since the channel is flat.

Quick Spec Checklist

• Body: Polymer concrete, ~14,000 psi compressive, low water absorption.
• Profile: Neutral-depth (flat invert) for tight slabs and retrofits.
• Widths: 4″, 8″, 12″ internal options.
• Edges: H (polymer), HK (galv./stainless), HSK (ductile iron) up to Class F.
• Grates: ADA/heel-resistant/decorative; lock via QuickLok®, DrainLok, or PowerLok.

Installation Checklist (Step-by-Step)

1. Layout & grades: Establish paving slopes toward the channel; confirm invert tie-ins.
2. Subbase: Prepare stable subgrade; place bedding per spec to support channel walls.
3. Set channels: Align modules to line/grade; keep rail tops flush with finished surface.
4. Join & seal: Use manufacturer joints/sealant; install end caps/outlets.
5. Backfill & pour: Concrete haunch up to rail; lightly vibrate to avoid voids.
6. Grates & locks: Select ADA/heel-resistant patterns; engage QuickLok/DrainLok/PowerLok.
7. QA flush: Water test; verify even flow and no ponding at transitions.

Case Study: NFL Stadium Concourse Retrofit (Denver)

Challenge: A stadium concourse experienced ponding near vendor zones after storms. Existing slab thickness left little room for drainage, and crowd safety called for ADA/heel-resistant surfaces.

Solution: The team specified ACO SlabDrain with HSK ductile-iron edges and heel-resistant grates. The neutral-depth profile fit the shallow slab, and surrounding pavers were re-graded to maintain positive flow to existing down drains.

Outcome: Post-retrofit inspections recorded no standing water after design-storm events, improved walking safety, and quieter operation across the grates. Maintenance crews noted fast grate access using DrainLok/QuickLok hardware.

Next Steps

Ready to size your width, select edge rails, and confirm lead times?

Get an ACO SlabDrain Quote