ACO Water Management’s Oliver Collins outlines some of the key channel drainage considerations for merchants to discuss with their trade customers in relation to a variety of different project types.
Each individual area within the home presents its own unique water management challenge. From the driveway and entrance to patios and gardens, there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to drainage, especially if your customers want to maintain a high quality finish.
Driveway drainage
Aesthetically, the driveway is the first point of contact for many homes and having a well-planned driveway that is both spacious and functional is very important. Aesthetic drainage solutions can not only help add value but also increase client satisfaction, and there are a range of drainage systems available which can complement garage thresholds and driveway entrances, for instance, helping to create an attractive space.
However, it is important that the drainage is able to withstand the rigours of everyday pedestrian and vehicular use. Builders should look to utilise a channel which has a load class of B 125 or higher, which would be suitable for most driveways. This is due to the increased likelihood that delivery vehicles will drive over the gratings, meaning a structurally sound channel is used.
Additionally, with the opportunity to ‘mix and match’ gratings and channels, for example through ACO’s ‘Complete the Look’ range, it is imperative that builders are not tempted to pair an A 15 grating with a B 125 channel, or vice versa, as this will result in the load class of the system defaulting to the lowest grade.
Patios and pathways
Unlike driveways, patios and pathways can utilise an A 15 load channel assembly, unless it is likely that it will be driven over by a vehicle. Patios are an area where a builders and developers can really deliver an aesthetically pleasing solution, to help provide an elegant and modern finish.
From slate or porcelain to natural stone, the intricacies of patio projects should not be undermined by a poorly selected drainage solution — or lack thereof. An option to consider is our range of domestic drainage channels; HexDrain and RainDrain, which offer a ‘Complete the Look’ choice of grating styles ranging from contemporary stainless steel to discreet brickslot options.
Entrances
Alongside patios and driveways, the entrance of a house offers another opportunity to blend finishes with substance via the installation of threshold drainage products. Helping to create an attractive entrance to the home, threshold drainage is important here because it removes any risk of water ponding, which looks both unprofessional and can degrade the brickwork over time.
The use of threshold drainage can help further enhance the aesthetic appeal when combined with slimline stainless steel channels or doorway mats with anthracite carpet gratings.
Landscaping
Garden spaces can also provide significant opportunities. For domestic driveways and paths, where a natural grass or decorative aggregate finish is required to complement the design, for example, utilising a landscaping and attenuation system will help reduce the risk of potholes, rutting or grass damage. Systems such as ACO’s GravelGuard and GroundGuard are ideal for these situations.
If customers are installing domestic soakaways, it is important to ensure they comply with current Building Regulations concerning run-off from drives. If unsure, it is recommended that they speak with a drainage expert who will be able to provide full advice and guidance on the best option.
Final considerations
When working on any project or housing development, it can be all too easy for the trade to go to their local merchant and select one channel drainage system and grating for the whole of the project. However, to achieve the best finish, builders are best advised to seriously consider the different systems and types of grating that can be paired.
For full details on ACO’s range of drainage solutions, go to: https://www.aco.co.uk/patio_drainage#
Training facility
ACO Water Management has unveiled a new 2,500sq ft training facility designed to educate and engage builders’ merchants on how they can advise customers on selecting effective drainage solutions.
The fully renovated facility has been designed to create an immersive and engaging environment for professionals at all stages of their career and the academy allows merchants to not only explore ACO’s extensive portfolio of drainage solutions, but also understand the impact drainage has on the wider project.
Neil Higgins, the supplier’s Product Training Manager, said: “The new ACO Academy will provide an interactive learning environment which we hope will provide immersive experiences for UK merchants. As well as hosting our CPDs, we will be inviting merchants, contractors, engineers and anyone else in the construction industry to take part in hands-on product training.”
The facility is equipped with a substantial product display and learning zone, which can be utilised by groups of all sizes. To further support the training of merchants, water management experts will be on hand to share their knowledge and guidance, while organisations can also use the space to host a training day based on a specific project. A flexible and versatile space, there is the capacity to host up to 100 people at a time.
Additionally, the ACO Academy showcases the application of products in real-life situations and displays the complete range of elements involved in the drainage process. This allows merchants to further understand the individual benefits and applications of each product.
Neil concluded: “In addition to ACO’s CPDs, we will be opening up the ACO Academy to other companies wishing to provide training sessions. We are already working with a number of organisations to host training programmes, having previously hosted the British Merchant Federation (BMF) and the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).”
To find out more about the ACO training academy, go to: www.aco.co.uk/aco-academy-merchants
