What Sits Beneath the Finish

When specifiers and contractors think of Wallbarn, they often think of pedestal systems for paving and decking, green roofs and in particular our patented modular green roof system M-Tray®, alongside our Class A fire rated decking and paving systems.

These visible finishes define the space.But the long-term performance of any roof, podium or terrace is determined by what sits beneath them.

Protection layers, separation membranes and drainage systems are not always seen once the project is complete, yet they play a critical role in safeguarding waterproofing, managing water flow and protecting the structural build up.

This month, The Wallbarn Update focuses on those essential layers. The geotextiles, drainage membranes and protection systems that ensure our pedestal, paving and green roof solutions perform as intended for years to come.

Geotextiles

Our nonwoven geotextiles are used for separation, filtration and protection across flat roofs, podium decks and green roof systems. As outlined in our Geotextile brochure, they allow water to pass through while retaining particles, preventing saturation and improving stability .

On flat roofs they are commonly installed:

• As a protection layer over waterproofing before ballast is laid on inverted roofs
• Beneath pedestal supported paving or decking to protect insulation and membranes
• As part of green roof build ups, providing both protection and filtration

With multiple grades available, including recycled options for sustainable projects, they offer a practical solution for specifiers who require reliable membrane protection and water management.

Protecto-Drain

Effective drainage is fundamental to any roof or podium design. Our Protecto-Drain range includes dimpled HDPE membranes for protection and drainage, as well as green roof specific drainage boards with integrated water retention properties .

From foundation walls and podium decks to extensive and intensive green roofs, Protecto-Drain systems are designed to:

• Relieve hydrostatic pressure • Channel water away from the structure • Protect waterproofing layers from mechanical damage

For green roof projects in particular, options such as Protecto-Drain 20P, 40P and 60P combine drainage with water reservoir capacity to support vegetation while maintaining free flow to outlets.

Protecto-Board and Protecto-Mat

Membrane protection during and after installation remains one of the most overlooked risks on site.

Protecto-Board, manufactured from fibres saturated with at least 75 percent bitumen, provides impact and abrasion resistance and can be heat bonded for vertical applications . It is suitable for basement tanking, podium decks, green roofs and as a recovery board over existing systems.

Where bituminous boards are not compatible, Protecto-Mat offers a flexible alternative. Manufactured from recycled rubber crumb and bound with polyurethane resins, it is suitable for use with PVC, polyurethane and bituminous membranes . It can be used as both temporary site protection and a permanent layer within the waterproofing build up.

In Stock and Ready for Site

While these products may not always be visible in the finished scheme, they are essential to ensuring performance and longevity.

Geotextiles, Protecto-Drain, Protecto-Board and Protecto-Mat are core stock items at Wallbarn. This allows us to respond quickly to programme changes and urgent site requirements, helping contractors and installers keep projects moving.

If you are reviewing a podium, green roof or pedestal supported paving specification and want to sense check the protection and drainage build up, our technical team is available to assist.

Learn more about these products

Visit www.wallbarn.com or contact us on 0208 916 2222 to discuss your project.