Geotextile membranes support most groundworks. You use them to separate weak layers, stabilise sub grades, support drainage or protect liners. At GTM we stock woven and non woven options in a wide range of grades, so you can match the fabric to the loading, soil type and expected traffic of your project.
This updated guide covers the membranes most users ask about, from lightweight separation layers to heavy duty commercial grades.
Non Woven Membranes
Non woven geotextiles are the go to choice for separation and filtration. They stop fines moving between layers while letting water pass through. You typically place them between sub grade and sub base on driveways, patios, French drains, soakaways and equestrian surfaces.
NW8 100gsm
NW8 is the main non woven membrane for general domestic and light commercial work. Users choose it for driveways on mixed or soft ground, trench lining, wrapping attenuation tanks, weed suppression and entry level riding arenas. It is thermally bonded and available in wide and narrow rolls to reduce waste on site.
EG80 80gsm
EG80 is a lighter non woven grade suited to grid systems and domestic landscaping. It provides a permeable separation layer under EcoGrid, patios, footpaths and artificial turf. It helps stop fines migrating into grids and maintains drainage under the surface.
Heavy Duty Non Wovens
For higher loads, deeper build ups or commercial drainage systems you may step up to heavier grades:
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NW18 215gsm for tougher separation and protection tasks
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SNW40 300gsm needle punched for strong mechanical performance
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SNW80 650gsm for demanding commercial builds, attenuation protection and areas with a higher puncture risk
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These grades are used where sub grades are weak, traffic is heavy or where liner protection is essential.
Woven Membranes
Woven geotextiles provide stabilisation and reinforcement. They have higher tensile strength than non wovens and are used where the ground needs support or where you want to limit movement in the sub base.
G90 Woven
G90 is a 78gsm woven stabilisation membrane used for driveways, patios, car parks and paths. It also provides dependable weed resistance because of its low light penetration. You place it directly over the sub grade before adding sub base. It is a woven alternative to Terram 1000 and is supplied in various roll widths to suit small and large sites.
Heavy Woven Grades
Heavier woven membranes are available for commercial roads, hard standings and industrial areas, offering higher tensile strength and improved reinforcement. These are generally used where sub grade strength is low or where long term loading is expected.
Hi-Vis Warning Membrane
The orange Hi-Vis woven membrane is used where a clear warning layer is required, usually on contaminated or sensitive ground. Its colour signals that excavation should not continue beyond that point. It provides reinforcement and separation while giving a strong visual indicator for future works.
Need Guidance?
If you need help matching a membrane to traffic levels, soil type, grid systems or drainage layouts, send your project details and we will advise the correct grade.
