Drainage Solutions

French Drains

In the name of tracks, a French drain is typically installed through track and along one perimeter edge. It helps to manage water that collects around the foundation and redirects it away from the track.

French drains address water issues that occur outside, such as surface water runoff, groundwater infiltration, and moisture around the foundation. They help to protect the foundation from water damage, prevent soil erosion, and maintain a stable environment.

Installing a French drain requires excavation around the foundation, which can disrupt landscaping, walkways, and other outdoor elements. It’s important to consider the impact of the land during installation.

After the soil is excavated around the foundation and the trench is dug, the installation of a French drain involves placing a perforated pipe in the trench, adding gravel, and covering with fabric to prevent soil intrusion. The trench is then backfilled with soil.

Drainage Crates

A soakaway crate is a plastic crate that allows water to percolate (filter) through the soil instead of creating a build up of surface water or putting pressure on drainage and run-off systems.

Crates consist of a plastic framework in the shape of a cube, filled with a grid-like formation that creates stability while also having several gaps that allow water to filter through. The plastic framework helps to delay the passage of water into the soil, which prevents water clogging and a build-up of surface water because the ground does not become saturated.

Water management is becoming increasingly important as the amount of impermeable surface in urban areas increases. The fewer permeable surfaces, the more pressure is put on drainage systems because water cannot percolate through the surface and into the ground. When drainage systems are put under pressure, many issues can arise, including:

• Flooding
• Burst pipes
• Splits and cracks forming in pipes

Additionally, there is no longer an automatic right to connect to a sewer. So soakaways act as an alternative option for surface run-off.

A soakaway crate is used as part of a full drainage system in areas that experience high levels of surface water or run-off. Soakaway crates help to remove some of the burdens that surface water and run-off put on drainage systems by providing an alternative drainage solution. A soakaway crate also takes run-off water and allows it to slowly percolate back into the ground instead of going through the drainage system.

​Gabion Baskets & Retaining Walls

Gabion baskets are widely used for their versatility, durability, and environmental benefits in both civil engineering and landscaping projects. They are particularly valued for their ability to prevent soil erosion, stabilize slopes, and function as permeable retaining walls that allow water to drain, reducing the risk of structural failure. Their eco-friendly nature, ease of installation, and low maintenance requirements make them a cost-effective and sustainable choice for a variety of applications.

• Gabion baskets are highly effective for erosion control and slope stabilization, especially along riverbanks, coastal areas, and steep embankments, where they dissipate water energy and anchor soil.

• They are ideal for constructing permeable retaining walls that prevent soil erosion while allowing efficient drainage, unlike impermeable concrete or brick walls which can suffer from water pressure buildup.

• The structures are durable and long-lasting, made from galvanized or Galfan-coated steel wire mesh, which resists corrosion and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

• Gabion baskets are environmentally friendly, as they can be filled with locally sourced or recycled materials, and they support natural vegetation growth, creating micro-habitats and enhancing biodiversity.

• They offer significant design flexibility, being used for functional purposes like retaining walls, flood defenses, and garden features, as well as decorative elements such as benches, tables, planters, and fire pits.

• Installation is straightforward, often requiring minimal foundations or specialized equipment, and they can be adapted to various shapes and sizes, making them suitable for both small and large-scale projects.