Geotextile fabric is a protean material utilized in many construction and landscaping works. It plays a vital role in preventing soil erosion and improving drainage and it provides waterproofing solutions in various kinds of settings. Many construction companies use Geotextile fabric for waterproofing, driveways, gardens, roads and retaining walls. You can install geotextile fabric like a pro by understanding these steps whether you are handling a small or a large construction site.
In this blog, we will bring your attention to seven simple steps for installing geotextile fabric and tips on selecting the right product.
Step 1: Selecting the Right GeoTextile Fabric
1. Woven Geotextile fabric
Woven geotextile fabric is more stronger and durable and is utilized for reinforcement road construction or building driveways.
2. Non-Woven Geotextile Fabric
The Non-Woven Geotextile Fabric is smoother and better as well as suitable for applications such as filtration, drainage, and waterproofing. It is always utilized in landscaping and gardening. Whenever choosing your fabric, it is advisable to consider the particular needs of your project on the grounds of strengths, permeability and durability of their products. For example, if you are utilizing Geotextile fabric for waterproofing goals, non-woven fabrics are always a good selection due to they allow water to pass through but it still provides a barrier to restrict soil erosion.
Step 2. Prepare the Area
Once you have your fabric, it’s time to make it ready for the site where you will install it. First thing, clear the portion of any debris, rocks and weeds from there. If you are ready to install geotextile fabric on the ground, it is important to level the surface ground as much as possible. The Softer the surface, The better the fabric will utilized. .
Before laying down the geotextile fabric on the surface of the ground, make sure the surface is dry and free of moisture. It is particularly important whenever you are using geotextile fabric for waterproofing.
Step 3: Mesure and Cut the Fabric
If your area is ready then it is an opportunity to measure and cut the geotextile fabric in the right way. Cut the fabric out and measure it as per the dimensions required. In addition, if you are covering a big size area then allow extra fabric for overlap so the possibility of mistakes will be reduced. The recommended overlap size is from 12-18 inches.
You should utilize sharp scissors or a utility knife for the fabric. The best solution to cut the geotextile fabric is by creating small, precise cuts. Believe that the fabric’s corners are smooth and free of any fraying.
some Geotextile fabric suppliers give products with cutting instructions mentioned on the fabric itself which can make installing more easy.
Step 4: Lay the Fabric
After cutting the fabric to lay down, you should start rolling out the fabric carefully considering that it is flat. On the other side, if you are installing the geotextile fabric on the ground’s uneven surface, carefully pay attention to the smoothness and any wrinkles to adjust it correctly.
You have to need to install multiple sheets of geotextile fabric for big-size projects. Be careful when overlapping the edges to reduce gaps which can allow weeds or moisture to the fabric. A careful overlap also strengthens the installation if you are using it in roadways or under heavy materials.
Step 5: Secure the Fabric
You should use landscape staples or pins to hold down the geotextile fabric sourced from Geotextile fabric manufacturers securely. Put these staples around the edges of the geotextile fabric but at continuous intervals. Be careful to push the staples into the surface of the ground so that the fabric can be utilized properly.
In addition, If you are working in a big size area, it will be helpful to place stones or rocks or soil on the fabric temporarily to restrict it from moving while you are trying to apply. The geotextile fabric will be safe and secure after stapling properly.
Step 6: Add Top Layer
If the geotextile fabric is properly in place, you can add the material to go on top. This can be soil, gravel, mulch or concrete depending on the structure and size of the project. For instance:
Put a layer of soil or mulch for gardens and landscaping.
Lay down pavers or gravel on the height of the fabric for driveways.
You can add a layer of concrete or rocks for retaining waterproofing.
Be careful to spread the top layer in a way, believe that it covers up the geotextile fabric completely. This will help secure the fabric from damage and it will maintain it to function in the right way.
Step 7: Inspect and Finalize the Installation
After laying down the top layer of geotextile fabric, you can take some time to inspect all areas. Check for any emerging portion of geotextile fabric and make it pinned down. If required, add
more landscape staples or pins to areas that seem wrinkled.
Be happy! Because you know the helpful steps to install geotextile fabric like a pro. Whether you are in a small area or a big size area.
Conclusion
Installing geotextile fabric is easy to install but the condition is to carefully pay attention to the steps described in this blog. Geotextile fabric plays a serious role in protecting soil and improving drainage systems. These seven steps are the easy-to-understand guide for installing geotextile fabric in a correct manner. If you will follow the steps carefully, it will take shorter time to install the fabric easily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. When to use geotextile fabric?
Ans: Geotextile fabric is utilized in various applications like road construction, landscaping, gardens, soil erosion control, waterproofing and drainage systems.
Q. How to hold down geotextile fabric?
Ans: The right way to hold down the geotextile fabric is by following steps and using landscape staples and pins on the place whenever it is required. Place the the pins every 12-18 inches along the edges the throughout the middle.
Q. What is the best way to cut geotextile fabric?
Ans: The best way to cut geotextile is to use a utility knife and sharp scissors and make small and precise cuts to avoid fraying.
Q. Can roots penetrate geotextile fabric?
Ans: Yes, it can prevent roots from penetrating.
Q. Where does geotextile fabric go?
Ans: Geotextile fabric is often established between layers of soil, gravel or other material to give separation, reinforcement or filtration. It can be used under roads, driveways, gardens, retaining walls and drainage systems.
