Geotextile fabrics are making a huge difference to modern construction by stabilising the ground, improving drainage and filtration, separating aggregates and spreading imposed loads. Ensuring you choose the right geotextile fabric for your project means understanding the differences between them – a key one being whether they are woven or non-woven.
Woven Geotextile
Woven geotextile fabric is made by weaving polypropylene tapes together. Using this crisscross pattern makes the fabric super-strong but limits its drainage capabilities compared with the non-woven variety. The strength and hardwearing qualities of woven geotextile, such as that in the Groundtex product range, give it a high tensile strength, making it suitable for use under patios, paths, parking areas and for other applications where a high strength but economical membrane is essential.
Non-Woven Geotextile
Although non-woven geotextile has a lower tensile strength than the woven type, it still offers great strength, durability and excellent drainage properties. Non-woven geotextile is a felt-like fabric made by thermally bonding polypropylene or a mixture of polypropylene and polyester fibres and then finishing using needle punching, calendering and other methods. This type of geotextile fabric is easier to cut, has a high water permeability rate and does not lose strength over time, in the same way as the woven fabric does, when used below ground. This makes it ideal for use beneath driveways and roads and in land and stormwater drainage systems, where long-term ground stabilisation and filtration is required.
Within the Product That Works range Drivetex, with its strength and longevity, is best for areas subject to vehicular traffic, whilst Draintex, with its superior drainage and filtration qualities that allow water through but keep soil and silt out, is ideal for lining land (French) drains and wrapping water attenuation and soakaway crates. For more demanding projects with high volumes of traffic expected or large imposed loads, our Earthworx NW1000 fits the bill.
Geo Fabric Product Selector
Woven or non-woven, geotextiles can be a landscaper’s best friend. Whether you need ground stabilisation, separation of sub-base layers, aggregates and other materials, or drainage and filtration, there is now a geotextile fabric that’s right for the job. Make sure you select the right one each time with our handy Geo Fabric Product Selector.
And don’t forget to download our Landscaping That Works – Your Essential Guide to Weed Control & Geotextile Fabrics too.
Find out more about how the geotextile fabrics from Product That Works can work for you by contacting our helpful and expert team on 0800 197 8885 or email sales@growtivation.com.
