Guttering & drainage
In short, while drainage channels might seem like a commodity product, there’s much more to them than that.
A CASE IN POINT Let’s put the issue into context. A 15 is the most commonly used drainage channel, and a staple commodity that is often bought again and again due to its familiarity, availability, and cost. If we take a typical scenario of a garden and driveway renovation, then A 15 drainage channels would be suitable for use on pathways and patios. However, where the issues begin to arise is when an A 15 channel is installed
at the entrance or in the middle of a driveway. In short, A 15 should not be used in these scenarios as the product does not have the load-bearing capacity to withstand the pressure of a car turning on it (as is a common occurrence at the entrance for most driveways) or if a delivery van or bin lorry pulled up outside the house and parked on it. Here, the material would soon buckle under the pressure and start to break apart, both turning it into a potential hazard and generally losing its aesthetic feel. It’s worth remembering here that you can’t escape the fact that looks are a key factor when it comes to building work, and tenants will rightly be angry if their new property or driveway renovation is marred by broken drainage grates just a few months after being finished. In this instance, a B 125 channel would be best. It is the next load class up, has a higher load-bearing capacity and comes in at only a slightly higher price
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per metre than an A 15 channel. Importantly, it’s generally readily available in merchants alongside its A 15 counterpart. This is where having that extra in-depth product knowledge around drainage
load classes can make a difference between the right or wrong product being installed first time around.
WEAKEST LINK While A 15 and B 125 may be the most commonly bought drainage channels, the same principle applies to all load classes and applications. For instance, if a property developer was also responsible for building any flats as part of the development then B 125 would be sufficient for a small car park mainly used by domestic vehicles. However, if it were a large carpark open to the public, such as one supporting municipal facilities within a housing estate such as a row of shops or a library, where vans or commercial vehicles could feasibly park, then either a C 250 or D 400 solution is likely to be the best option.
FINAL THOUGHTS In short, while drainage channels might seem like a commodity product, there’s much more to them than that. By cross-referencing the intended end-use with the load class and limitations of each product, installation of the right drainage solution for the application in question can be ensured. It might not seem like a big thing, but it will go a long way to keeping your buyers happy, and ensuring a job only ever needs to be done once.
Phil Windus from ACO Technologies
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