Do I need to lay geotextile membrane under?
Gravel-patio/paving
Artificial grass
Sheds
Ponds
Paths
Driveway
Horse arena
Slope management
Yes!
Geotextile membrane fabric is a versatile construction material that provides many properties for your construction jobs.
Just be sure you have the right geotextile for your needs.
Geotextiles come in 2 road categories
Woven and non-woven
Geotextile membrane type | Woven | Non-Woven |
colour | black | White |
permeable | no | Yes |
stability | yes | Yes |
Weed prevention | No | Yes |
separation | yes | yes |
Heavy loading | yes | No |
filtration | no | yes |
Our quick table will help you to decide what you need, or check out a more in depth blogs.
Woven –
https://spudulica.co.uk/2022/08/22/focus-on-woven-geotexile-membrane-what-is-it-and-what-does-it-do/
non-woven –
Gravel – A non-woven geotextile would be best suited to a gravel area. Non-woven geotextile will act as a separation layer between the gravel and soil to prevent missing over time. This layer will also provide a drainage layer to prevent pooling of water in the gravel; allowing water to drain into the sub base efficiently.
Patio/Paving – A non-woven geotextile will suit a domestic/footfall patio or driveway with a normal use/size of car. This membrane will be a stabilising layer for the sub base and provide a weed suppression layer under paving.
Artificial grass – Non-woven geotextile is perfect for artificial grass. It allows you to keep sub base elements from mixing and being lost over time. It also provides a drainage and weed suppression layer underneath the artificial grass when installed.
Sheds– shed bases need to be secure and for a long term solution so a geotextile membrane layer will improve longevity. Helping to stabilise sub base layers over time.
Paths– Pathways will need an extra stabilisation layer so that they remain in good condition over time. A woven or non-woven geotextile is prefect for this depend on your drainage in the sub soil.
Driveway – depending on the load of your cars/vans you have 2 options.
A woven geotextile will be better for a high load area, it is a stronger membrane that can take the weight of many vehicles. Woven geotextile is a great separation and weed prevention layer that will help keep driveways in shape overt time. If your driveway had drainage issues it will be prudent to add an additional drainage measure as a woven geotextile is not god for drainage.
A non-woven geotextile will be great for a domestic driveway with a small or occasional loading. It is a stabilising layer that also doubles for drainage.
Horse arena – Depending on the loading and use of horse arenas non-woven and woven can be used. Sometimes they are even used together between different sub base layers. Woven being a sub layer and the non-woven to separate the riding surfaceoe
Slope management – Woven geotextiles are a strong and stable option for slope management. The geotextile will be pinned in place to stop erosion from movement or water. Being a non-permeable product help to keep a slope intact.
Geotextiles are a versatile product that can be used in most ground construction projects, just be sure to find the right on for your needs.
Any queries give us a call on 0151 1415 or an email at hello@spudulica.co.uk
