On vertical surfaces it protects the waterproof membrane from abrasion and puncture damage caused by backfilling. Its cupped structure creates a permanent air gap between the wall and the backfill which helps to reduce pressure points and helps in the ventilation of the building and problems of damp.

Protecto-drain comes in many different membrane thicknesses and specifications.

Protecto-drain 8 is a single membrane fixed to the wall with its cups facing towards the backfill. It spreads the weight of the soil and prevents point loading onto the structure.

It can flex and be shaped around awkward areas and details without compromising the seal, and is folded around the catchment system laid beneath which will pump or drain the water away.

Because it is flexible and lightweight, Protecto-drain is easy to install. Individual sheets are slotted into the egg-box shaped cups of the next sheet, and then secured together quickly either using double sided tape or with fixing studs and nails.

The best method to fix Protecto-drain is by fixing batons to the wall and securing the sheeting with pins and studs.

The studs are specially designed to fit into the cups. They have a hole in the middle to drive the nails or screws through and will seal the membrane around the nail fixing so no water will go into the pierced area.

The gravity effect of the air gap behind the membrane will always encourage any water to run straight down into the drain beneath.

Because it is so strong but also so lightweight, it can be used for a vast number of applications,
including temporary protection (internally and externally). It is safe with water courses, safe to dispose and can easily be taken up and reused.

PROTECTO-DRAIN 8

When Wallbarn Protecto-drain 8 is fitted to the foundation wall, it protects the membrane from being punctured during backfill as well as damage from settlement or ground salts.

The air gap prevents hydrostatic pressure building up and helps to ventilate the wall. The water simply runs down the outer surface towards the drain. Wallbarn Protecto-drain 8 can also be fitted to floors to act as a vapour barrier and damp proof layer.

Protecto-drain8 is available as a standard 550gsm membrane or in a lightweight version at 450gsm.

PROTECTO-DRAIN G8

Protecto-drain G8 has a 100gsm geotextile fabric bonded to one side. This gives additional protection and also helps to filter out particles but allow the water to pass through the fabric and into the air gap drainage chamber – again into the sump below. Protecto-drain G8 is ideal for planters and tanking.

For tanking

Protecto-drain G8 is ideal for tanking and planters as it protects the waterproofing from damage and also separates and filters rainwater from soil without causing erosion.

Being lightweight and flexible, it is easy to apply and fix to vertical surfaces. The stud fixings have plugs which ensure the area is still waterproof. The HDPE layer acts as an effective abrasion and puncture protection barrier, and is an additional waterproof layer.

The membrane is easily shaped around corners and details such as drains and outlets in the planter.

These areas are where clogging is most likely to occur, so applicators can lift the geotextile away from the HDPE membrane in parts and wrap it around the outlet. The HDPE can then be laid down up to the pipe and cut around it. The air gap is maintained so water can pass through the geotextile.

The area is then backfilled with soil and planted up as a garden. The vegetation will not become waterlogged and the excess water can be directed and channeled properly into the drainage system, possibly for re-use on the gardens.

For block paving

Effective drainage of block paving can also be achieved with Protecto-drain G8. The membrane is laid onto the podium deck above the waterproofing and beneath the block paving with the geotextile on the upper side.

The blockwork is laid onto Protecto-drain G8 and the gaps filled with fine sand.

The cavity between the geotextile and the HDPE means that rainwater can escape downwards faster and none of the sand will be lost to erosion. Therefore more stable, puddle-free blockwork is created.

PROTECTO-DRAIN PLASTER GRADE

This new product is a standard 8mm cupped membrane with a polypropylene mesh bonded one side to hold plaster and rendering. This product is ideal for internal tanking projects such as basements.

PROTECTO-DRAIN 20

Protecto-drain 20 is a more heavy duty membrane. Although still lightweight and flexible, this membrane is 1mm thick, and is suitable for areas requiring greater compression tolerance, impact resistance and larger volume of water drainage.

It has been used successfully on applications such as road and railway construction, bridges and tunnels and reservoirs.

It can also be used on a horizontal surface as a vapour barrier and damp-proof layer and then covered with a concrete screed.

A cover profile can be fitted to the top edge of all types of Protecto-drain, which ensures ventilation of the air gap and prevents particles or water clogging the cavity.

PERFORATED DRAINAGE SHEETS
Wallbarn offers a variation on its traditional drainage sheeting with its perforated range. Designed for horizontal applications, primarily green roofs, there is a small slit between each cup. Water collects in the 20mm deep cups which can be drawn back up into the green roof system above. The excess water can then run away into the drainage outlet on the roof.

See our green roof section for further details.

Wallbarn protecto-drain acts as a protection and drainage layer for foundation walls, subterranean drainage courses, internal walls and roofs.