5 Tips for Laying Geotextiles Flawlessly

At EasyMerchant, we purchase geotextile membranes in bulk quantities, allowing us to offer you significant savings. No matter the cost, ensuring proper installation is crucial. Mistakes can lead to additional expenses, whether it's buying extra rolls or having to dig it all up again for a redo. With that in mind, we've compiled five tips to help you get the job done right the first time around.

Key Takeaways

When planning your geotextile project, consider the overlap needed, the type of subgrade, and how to prepare your site properly.
Itâ€™s always wise to do a dry run before securing your geotextile membranes.

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Tip 1: Think About Overlapping Before You Order

It's common for people to underestimate the amount of geotextile material required for a project, often because they fail to account for overlaps. The overlap and joining method depend on the load capacity you're aiming for, but you could lose 5-10% of the total surface area to ensure precision. This won't be an issue for smaller projects like driveways or patios, but larger areas may require additional rolls if overlaps aren't factored in. Typically, you'd want to overlap sections by 300 to 900mm, with the average being 500mm. Joints can be secured using waterproof tape, fixing pegs, glue, or sometimes by welding with a heat machine.

Tip 2: Allow for a Weaker Subgrade

Most geotextile guides recommend fill depths of 8" to 12" (20cm to 30cm), but you'll likely want to allow more if you're working on a weaker subgrade. If the subgrade is particularly weak or loose, aim for 18" (45cm) or more. This is a critical aspect of planning, so it's essential to understand your site conditions before measuring or pricing. A difference of 12" versus 18" may not seem significant over a small area, but it translates to 50% more fill, so plan and price accordingly. Adequate fill on top of the membrane prevents punctures once traffic passes over it.

Tip 3: Prepare Your Site Properly

Site preparation is a vital step in achieving a quality geotextile installation. This may involve removing trees, roots, and other large obstacles. If you encounter weak pockets of soil, replace them with suitable granular fill or aggregate to ensure stability. Cutting corners at this stage can lead to imperfections that compound as layers are added. What starts as a minor bump can turn into a severely uneven surface by the end of the job.

Tip 4: Do a Dress Rehearsal

Once your site is prepared and smooth, it's time to lay everything out. Avoid securing the membranes until you're certain everything is in the right place. If it's windy, you can temporarily weigh them down, but don't start pinning or joining until you're absolutely sure everything is perfect. If you encounter unexpected issues during the dry run, you can simply roll everything back up. However, once you've started securing the membranes, undoing your work becomes a real challenge.

Tip 5: Secure Your Corners

Once you're confident and have planned your joins and overlaps, you can begin securing the geotextiles. Landscape group staples or plastic ground fixing pegs are typically used (glues or tapes can also work). Once your starting point is secure, apply the appropriate tension to the sheet. The tension level depends on the manufacturer's instructions, but generally, you'll want it taut enough to prevent creasing or bunching, which could compromise the layer.

Need Any Help?

At EasyMerchant, we don't just sell Terram geotextiles; we also have extensive knowledge of all our products. Whether you're in the early planning stages and need help choosing the right textile or have a last-minute question while watching an excavator prepare your site, we're here to assist.

Author Bio
Nathan Wilde

nathan wilde

Nathan has been in the drainage and plastics industry for over 12 years. Having worked for both builders' merchants and major manufacturers, Nathan has amassed a wealth of industry and product knowledge. At EasyMerchant, Nathan is dedicated to making tradespeople's lives easier.

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In conclusion, these tips should help you install geotextiles flawlessly the first time. Remember, preparation and attention to detail are key to a successful project. If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us at EasyMerchant.

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