WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEMBRANE?

We supply three different types of membrane:

• Geotextile membrane – produced using 100% polypropylene or polyester, these membranes are commonly wrapped around soakaway crates to prevent silt and debris from entering the system. They are also used to stabilise soil and aggregate layers
• Damp proof membrane – produced using recycled polythene, these membranes are usually used inside properties to prevent moisture in the interior of the building
• Impermeable membrane – these are used for attenuation applications, where water needs to be held within an attenuation tank without infiltrating into the surrounding soil

WHAT IS THE BEST MEMBRANE TO USE UNDER GRAVEL?

To stop gravel from moving around too much, it’s best to use a strong geotextile membrane between the layer of soil and the layer of gravel. Not only does this allow water to pass through as normal, but it also allows the gravel to remain stable no matter what passes over it.

This membrane will also prevent weeds from growing through the gravel, keeping your outdoor area as neat and tidy as possible!

HOW TO LAY MEMBRANE FOR GRAVEL

Laying membrane for gravel is a simple process. All you have to do is follow these steps:

1. Clear the area where you’ll be laying the membrane. If you’re particularly concerned about weed, you can also use a weed killer on the soil before you start.
2. This is the straightforward part. Lay the membrane across the surface of the area you’ll be covering, ensuring that there is at least a 10cm overlap on joints and edges.
3. Finally, lay out the gravel. We recommend a 5cm depth of gravel for paths or driveways that will see a lot of foot traffic. You can use a rake once you’ve laid the gravel to create an even layer over the area.

HOW TO STOP WEEDS GROWING THROUGH MEMBRANE

If you have laid a strong, high-quality membrane below your gravel, it’s highly unlikely that weeds would be able to grow through it. However, if you do spot the odd weed poking through, there are a few things you can try to kill the existing weeds and/or prevent new ones from growing:

• Boiling water – simply pour boiling water over the affected areas to kill any pesky weeds growing through
• Salt water – mix a solution of 1 part salt to 3 parts water and pour over the affected areas
  • TOP TIP: You should be careful here if your gravel is near plants that you want to keep alive, as salt water won’t just kill the weeds – it’ll kill anything that’s growing where you pour it!

DOES WEED MEMBRANE LET WATER THROUGH?

Yes, weed membrane lets water through. While it stops any weeds from growing through to the ground surface, it allows for water and nutrients to flow through to the soil below.

If you have any questions about our range of membranes, take a look at the guides and tips section of our website – we may have the answers there. If you’re still stuck, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts.