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Drainage gravel is an ideal splash guard for buildings. When selecting the material, the right grain size is important because it has a significant effect on the seepage behavior of the water.
In a nutshell
- Use grits from 8 to 32 millimeters
- Soil conditions determine granulation
- use washed gravel
Anti-Splash Grit: Size
If you want to use drainage gravel as a splash guard, you have different grain sizes available. With the gravel, it is important that the grain size is not too small, otherwise the water will accumulate and not be able to drain away. The reason for this is the higher susceptibility to dirt, which is deposited between the smaller stones and is difficult to remove. The available grits for the splash guard range from 8 to 32 millimeters. When choosing, you need to pay attention mainly to the condition of the soil.
Notice: Some of the best types of gravel for a backsplash include river gravel, void gravel, and varieties with unclassified, rounded rocks that are specifically offered as drainage gravel. Frost protection gravel in suitable grain sizes is also an option.
The correct grain size of the drainage gravel depends on the nature of your soil.
heavy soils
Grain sizes of 16 - 32 millimeters are ideal for heavy soils. The granulation ensures that the water does not accumulate, but can seep away quickly. This soil condition is very common and is characterized by the following properties:
- loamy
- clayey
- compacted
Loose soils
If the soil is loose, you have to use smaller grain sizes, as the water seeps into the soil much faster. Select the grits 8 - 16 millimeters. They are suitable for floors with the following properties:
- sandy
- humorous
Notice: In the case of loose soil, use additional formwork to improve the stability of the gravel layer. In this way, splash protection is permanently guaranteed by the drainage gravel.
frequently asked Questions
What properties should the drainage gravel have?In order for gravel to be suitable as a splash guard, it must allow for even water drainage. For this reason, rounded and flattened stones are recommended. At the same time, they ensure good frost resistance, as no water can collect in the gaps and freeze over the winter. Drainage gravel must be washed so that it does not contain sludge that causes water to collect.
Does the gravel need to be compacted?No, the drainage gravel should not be compacted. Compaction leads to the loss of the drainage function, which negatively affects the function of the splash guard. To secure the stones, you can use gravel grids or honeycombs, into which the gravel is filled. In addition, you should always use a limit so that the stones do not move.
How wide and deep does the fuel guard have to be?A gas guard around the house should have a minimum width of 30 cm. 50 cm is recommended so that the building is adequately protected from moisture. The minimum depth for the drainage layer should be 30 cm with a pit depth of 80 cm. If the splash guard is not wide and deep enough, the rainwater will not seep away quickly enough and spray water will get to the house without any problems.