4.5m x 11m Geotextile Membrane / Driveway Fabric 90g (49.5m2/Roll)

What is 4.5m x 11m Geotextile Membrane? 

4.5m x 11m Geotextile Membrane is a 90gsm (grams per square metre) nonwoven driveway fabric supplied as a 4.5m x 11m roll covering 49.5m². Its 90gsm weight places it as a versatile light to medium-duty geotextile, ideal for many domestic driveway and landscaping projects where ground conditions are reasonably stable.

It  provides an effective solution for ground stabilisation, separation of aggregate layers, and filtration. Its robust construction suits it to a range of outdoor domestic and light commercial applications, helping to prevent common issues like rutting, sinking, and the intermixing of construction layers.   

Its primary functions when used in applications like driveways are:

• Separation: It acts as a physical barrier between different layers of construction materials, for example, preventing the sub-base aggregate (like MOT Type 1 or hardcore) from mixing with the underlying soil (sub-grade). This maintains the distinctness and integrity of each layer, ensuring the load-bearing capacity of the driveway structure is not compromised over time by intermixing and settlement.   
• Filtration: The fabric allows water to drain through freely while preventing fine soil particles (fines) from migrating upwards from the sub-grade and clogging the open-graded sub-base or drainage layers. This maintains the drainage efficiency of the system and prevents waterlogging.   
• Ground Stabilisation (Light to Medium Duty): By spreading applied loads more evenly across the sub-grade, the geotextile helps to improve the stability of the ground, particularly under unbound surfaces like gravel driveways or beneath block paving. This reduces the likelihood of rutting, sinking, and deformation caused by vehicular traffic or general use. For a 90gsm fabric, this stabilisation effect is suitable for domestic driveways and similar applications.   

Benefits

• Enhanced Driveway Longevity: Prevents the common issue of sub-base materials sinking into the soil, significantly extending the lifespan of driveways, paths, and patios.
• Improved Drainage: Allows water to filter through efficiently while retaining soil particles, preventing clogging of drainage layers and maintaining sub-base performance.   
• Effective Layer Separation: Keeps distinct construction layers (soil, hardcore, bedding sand) separate, preserving their intended function and structural integrity.
• Reduces Rutting & Settlement: Helps distribute loads more evenly, reducing surface deformation on gravel drives, block paving, and other landscaped areas.   
• 90gsm Nonwoven Construction: Provides a good balance of strength, permeability, and filtration for domestic and light commercial applications.
• Durable Material: Made from tough, rot-proof, and chemically inert synthetic fibres (typically polypropylene) for long-term performance underground.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for a wide range of uses beyond driveways, including paths, patios, French drains, and as a general landscaping separator.
• Easy to Handle & Install: Supplied in a manageable roll size (4.5m x 11m), covering 49.5m², making it relatively easy to transport and lay.

Applications 

• Domestic Driveways: Under gravel, block paving, asphalt (as a separation/filtration layer over a stable sub-grade).
• Garden Paths & Patios: To create a stable base and prevent weed growth through joints when used with a weed control fabric on top (if desired for full weed suppression).
• French Drains & Land Drainage Systems: Wrapping perforated pipes and lining trenches to act as a filter, preventing soil from clogging the drainage aggregate.   
• Separation Layer under Decking or Shed Bases: To separate aggregate from soil.
• Erosion Control: On mild slopes beneath bark mulch or decorative aggregates to help stabilise soil.
• General Landscaping: As a separator between soil and decorative stone layers in garden features.

Important Note: For driveways intended for very heavy vehicles (e.g., HGVs), on very soft or unstable ground, or for commercial-grade applications, a heavier grade of nonwoven geotextile (e.g., 100gsm, 150gsm, or even higher, often specified by a civil engineer) would be necessary to provide more substantial separation, filtration, and ground stabilisation.

Installation Guidelines 

Correct installation is key to achieving the desired performance. Always consider project-specific requirements and consult professional guidance if unsure.

• Site Preparation (Sub-Grade): Excavate the area to the required depth, removing all topsoil, vegetation, and any soft spots. The exposed sub-grade (soil layer) should be levelled and thoroughly compacted using a whacker plate or roller to create a firm and stable foundation.
• Laying the Geotextile: Unroll the 90gsm geotextile membrane directly onto the prepared sub-grade, ensuring it is laid flat and smooth, without significant wrinkles or folds. Avoid dragging it over sharp objects.
• Overlapping (Lapping): Where adjacent sheets of geotextile meet, they must be overlapped to ensure continuous separation and filtration. For typical domestic driveway applications using 90gsm fabric for separation and filtration, a lap of at least 300mm is recommended. For applications where a greater degree of stabilisation is required or on softer ground, overlaps might need to be increased (e.g., up to 500mm). Secure laps with ground pegs if necessary, especially in windy conditions or on slopes, until the aggregate is placed.
• Placing Aggregate (Sub-Base): Carefully place the sub-base material (e.g., MOT Type 1 hardcore or similar approved aggregate) onto the geotextile. Avoid dropping aggregate from excessive height directly onto the fabric to prevent damage. Spread and compact the sub-base in layers to the specified depth.
• Subsequent Layers: Proceed with further layers (e.g., bedding layer for paving, or top surface like gravel) as per your driveway design. The geotextile will now be performing its separation and filtration role between the sub-grade and the sub-base.

Storage & Handling

• Store rolls horizontally, preferably under cover to protect from prolonged direct sunlight (UV exposure can degrade polypropylene over time if left uncovered indefinitely).
• Keep away from sharp objects to prevent punctures before installation.
• Handle with reasonable care to avoid tearing.

Important Considerations

• Not a Primary Weed Barrier (if exposed): While it blocks light and deters most weeds from growing through it from below, if soil or organic matter accumulates on top of the fabric (e.g., within gravel), weeds can germinate there. For dedicated weed control under decorative aggregates, it's often used in conjunction with a specific weed control fabric laid on top, or by ensuring a sufficient depth of inorganic mulch.
• UV Stability: Nonwoven geotextiles are generally not UV stabilised for long-term exposure to sunlight. They must be covered by soil, aggregate, paving, or other construction layers as soon as possible after installation to ensure their design life.
• Heavy Loads/Poor Ground: As stated, 90gsm is for light to medium-duty applications. Always assess ground conditions and expected loads. If in doubt, consult a professional or opt for a heavier grade geotextile. This product is not designed to bridge significant voids or act as primary structural reinforcement in very poor ground without specific engineering design.