On The Table:Jacklyn'sKeepsakes

Jardiniere Planter

Waterproofing of Planters/jardinieres

I find planters as an excellent opportunity to give colour and a pleasant dimension to the townscape.

Planters can be made from many materials, concrete included. Planters made from porous materials definitely need waterproofing.

In waterproofing terms and procedures we had better consider planters as basements because there is constant contact with moist soil.

Now, you will not find hydrostatic pressure in a planter – except for rare occasions – but you will certainly find capillary absorption and salt transportation to the external surfaces.

Effloresence won’t bring the disaster but aesthetically speaking the depreciation of the planter could be significant.

WATERPROOFING OPTIONS

Waterproofing materials suitable for planters should combine the following characteristics:

1) flexibility: planters are continuously exposed to temperature variations.

2) withstand temporary hydrostatic pressure.

3) possess antiroot properties. Acids excreted from plant root systems are very powerful.

Waterproofing products to be excluded:

* conventional SBS and APP membranes

* asphalt emulsions and rubberized emulsions

* cementitious waterproofing products.

What we should use:

a) SBS membranes type “garden”. These products are used for big planters. They are the same products we use for conventional roof gardens with extensive vegetation.

b) SBS, self-adhesive membranes with antiroot properties . This is a very effective solution and could be a do-it-yourself one with proper care. Always use the appropriate,preparatory asphaltic primer

  

c) For small planters we could choose brushable,elastomeric,waterproofing products most ususally based on polyurethane resins. This is a simple, versatile and efficacious as well solution.

Termination of waterproofing on vertical walls should be 10-15 cm above soil surface. An additional, protective waterproofing stripe might be needed near soil surface if main waterproofing layer shouldn’t stay exposed.

Before proceeding to planting, always execute a flood test.

DRAINAGE CONSIDERATIONS

Do cater for the easy drainage of excessive water. Big water quantities in the root zone will cause problems.

Traditionally we used gravel to form a drainage layer. Then one geotextile on the top and everything OK!

There are better ways nowadays! We have many light and flexible geocomposite products in our drainage weaponry.

Personally I prefer and use a dimpled (studded) HDPE membrane with 20mm dimples (studs) and slots for the water to pass freely. On top of this I place spubonded geotextile of min weight 200gr/m2.

It is of utmost importance to select a geotextile filter with no clogging properties!

Take care: geotextile should terminate a little above soil.

Don’t ever forget to let 1 or 2 drain outlets!

We should see planters as small roof gardens. They give us an opportunity to bring nature – or the least it’s illusion – in the city environment. Victims as we are of a galloping urbanization, we should resist in every possible way!

Chris Strogilis

http://maconwaterproofing.blogspot.com

About the Author

Civil engineer with postgraduate studies in MBA and Marketing

Stone Garden Features

Natural beautiful stone garden features make for a fantastic focal point in any garden environment. Available in a wide array of shapes, sizes and styles, from Planters and Troughs to Standing Stones, Bird baths and Spheres, the only limits are your imagination. Whether you are looking for a feature for your patio, a piece to enhance the overall look of your garden or work with a pond or fountain, there is a beautiful <ahref=”http://www.stonecreation.co.uk/stone-furniture-ornaments-and-features”>Stone Garden Feature</a> to suit every requirement.

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Other forms of stone features include -

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All of these beautiful stone garden featuresvary in cost between £100 and £1000 depending on material and manufacturing costs. The most and expensive and exclusive of Stone Features include Sandstone Rotundas and Well-heads, these grandiose features start at around £5000 +.  Stone Features are a fantastic way to give your exterior environment character and style, using the classic, natural beauty of Stone gifted to us by nature.

About the Author

Ryan has over ten years experience in the natural stone industry and is the auther of many articles on the subject. He is also the Sales Manager of Stone Creation.

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