In building construction and civil engineering, geosynthetic composite materials such as drainage mats, drainage grids, and drainage membranes are used as a standard solution for draining large areas. They are a key component of drainage systems and provide lasting protection against the damaging effects of water for waterproofing systems and structures in contact with the soil.
Let’s take a look at the importance of having a drainage mat and how it can help you.
What does a Drainage Mat do?
A drainage board, or drainage mat, helps water flow away from the foundation. Without it, water can stay trapped against the concrete or it could pool at the bottom. Drainage mats come with a dimpled design that lets water accumulate and flow away, creating an air gap.
The Dimple Mat, made by Walltag, is designed as a flexible subsoil drainage mat for roof gardens, landscape decks or plazas, and planter boxes. Good drainage mats will also have a polypropylene geotextile fabric. As water flows, it picks up small particles of silt and soil. When water stops moving—like when it reaches a concrete wall—silt and soil will accumulate, further increasing the pressure against the foundation. A drainage mat’s membrane protects the mat from sediment clogging.
Drainage of water around structures
One of the essential tasks of drainage mats is the collection and drainage of aquifer water, groundwater, and leachate water in earthworks and around structures. The objective is to ensure that sealing systems and structures that are in contact with soil are permanently protected from the damaging effects of pressing water and moisture penetration. For this type of use, multi-layer composites such as our Dimple Drainage Mats have proved more effective than mineral drainage layers.
Maintains the integrity of the soil
The biggest threat to your house isn't a roof cave-in or storm damage. It's the ground it's sitting on. The soil is constantly expanding and contracting every time it rains. Without proper drainage, run-off water from the roof could pool around the foundation. This is especially true if downpipes or gutters become clogged or overflow.
While it is true that most building codes require foundation drainage unless the site is well-drained or has a sand-gravel mixture of soil, you shouldn't leave the safety of your building to chance.
Invest in a high-quality drainage mat that will prevent avoidable damage to your home or building structure. The Dimple Mats at Walltag have a compressive strength of 200kN/m2 and can withstand installation loads and soil loadings.
Protects your foundation from hydrostatic pressure
Another common reason for a damaged foundation is hydrostatic pressure. Once you have a hole for the foundations and fill it in, water that would have once passed that way has nowhere to go. The water will then look for an easy route and find its way through the soil around the foundation. This builds up pressure, and if your foundation isn't properly waterproofed, that water will soon be in your home.
Our Dimple Drainage Mat has a free surface that is at least 90% permeable to water and has a high flow rate of 60 lit/min/m at a 1% hydraulic gradient, allowing it to efficiently drain off seepage water. This will ensure your home is protected.
Get your drainage mat today
The drainage mats at Wall Tag come with a dimpled design that lets water accumulate and flow away, creating an air gap. At Wall Tag, we strive to provide our utmost services and support to the building and construction community, which starts from the owner, developer, consultants, and contractors right through to the sub-contractors on the project. If you’re on the lookout for high-quality, dependable drainage mats, consider taking a look at the mats Wall Tag offers. Contact us today to learn more about drainage mats and how we can help you build a safe home.
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