Geotextile Membranes

Geotextile membranes are technical fabrics used extensively in landscaping and construction to separate, filter, reinforce or protect soils. Non-woven geotextiles (made of spun-bonded fibers) are designed for filtration and separation: they allow water to pass while holding back fine particles. For example, NW8 membrane is described as ideal for “filtration and separation applications, such as French drains, trench lining, weed prevention, soakaway, attenuation tank wrapping, driveways and porous paving system underlay”. Such membranes underpin driveways or soakaways to keep base gravel clean and free-draining. They also serve as weed barriers under paths, preventing root penetration while still draining surface water.

Woven geotextiles (woven polypropylene) provide stabilisation and reinforcement. A commonly supplied woven geotextile like “G90” is “designed for separation, stabilisation and erosion control” in projects like road bases, equestrian arenas and sports fields. In practice, this means a woven membrane will spread loads and prevent soil mixing in high-stress areas. Brands often produce coloured “warning” geotextiles (like bright orange tapes) that both separate contaminated soil layers and signal buried hazards. Overall, geotextile membranes are key to sustainable drainage: they reduce erosion, support infiltration (by preventing clogging), and reinforce ground under load.