GridTech Installation Guide
Naylor GridTech provides high-performance plastic grass grids and gravel grids for sustainable and durable ground reinforcement. This guide outlines the step-by-step installation process to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
GridTech Ultra and GridTech Core Installation – Step by Step Guide
Before installing GridTech Ultra or GridTech Core, it is essential to plan the installation area correctly.
Step 1: Excavation
Firstly, excavate to the required depth, as specified in your sub-base design.
Secondly, install edging restraints such as kerbing or concrete edging (if required).
Note: For attenuation systems, lay a sealed geomembrane to prevent water infiltration. For infiltration-based systems, no sealed membrane is needed.
Now, carefully place your sub-base, ensuring no membrane or geotextiles are disturbed.
Note: Use a porous, free-draining, and stable material. Avoid using standard sub-base material due to excessive fines that impede drainage.
Step 2: Install Geogrid
To enhance ground stability and prevent uneven settlement, a geogrid should be installed over the excavated surface.
Note: For optimum performance, ensure that the excavated surface is level and free from high spots.
Step 3: Free-Draining Sub-Base
A stable and free-draining sub-base is crucial for long-term durability and performance. Lay, screen, and compact to level your sub-base.
Top tip: Make sure to compact in layers, ideally less than 150mm thick.
Step 4: Install the Geotextile Layer
Now that your sub-base is ready, it’s time to install your geotextile layer. Simply add a geomembrane sheet after your sub-base and before your bedding layer.
This will prevent the bedding layer from migrating and improve stability, reducing the risk of sinkage or settlement.
Step 5: Prepare the Bedding Layer
The bedding layer provides a firm but flexible base for your grids.
If you’re filling your grids with grass, we recommend a mix of 5mm grit or sharp sand with high-quality topsoil. Lay a compacted 30mm layer.
Top tip: For optimal root growth, we recommend using a 4:1 ratio for your grit and soil.
If you’re filling your grids with gravel, we recommend 5mm grit or sharp sand, in a compacted 30mm layer.
Top tip: For heavier-duty applications, use 5mm grit for your bedding.
Step 6: Lay the GridTech Grids
Your foundation is ready, and it’s time to lay the grids.
Top tip: Lay your grids along the longest straight edge for better alignment
GridTech is supplied in m², usually four individual grids. Use a hard saw or circular saw for any necessary cuts. Once installed, stand on your grids to prevent bedding layer disturbance.
Is it your first time installing our grids? We recommend installing individually. Once you’ve installed our grids a few times, install in groups to speed up the process.
Step 7: Infill the GridTech Grids
The final step in your installation process is infilling your GridTech Grids. Proper infill is essential for stability and long-term use.
For grass infill, use high-quality topsoil, 60/40 root zone, or a blended sandy loam. Make sure you level the infill so the grid edges remain visible.
Note: Avoid traffic on the area until the grass has fully established - typically 8 weeks.
For gravel infill, fill grids with 5-15mm angular gravel. Use a vibrating plate to compact your infill.
Top-tip: avoid rounded gravel or pea shingle as they may migrate out of the grids.
Installation Speed Guide
As a guide, we’ve calculated the rate at which our grids can be installed. This differs depending on the grid you have.
- Naylor GridTech Core: 100m² per person, per hour
- Naylor GridTech Ultra: 110m² per person, per hour
Please note that this is a guide only, and site-specific conditions may require adjustments.
Grass Seed Mix Guide
Choosing the right grass seed mix for your newly installed grids depends on the application. Here are some recommended mixes tailored to ensure durability, resilience, and optimal performance.
1. General Parking
If you are using your grass grids for general parking, we recommend the following seed mix:
- 50% Perennial ryegrass
- 20% Slender creeping red fescue
- 25% Strong creeping red fescue
- 5% Browntop bentgrass
2. Access Ways
If you are using your grass grids for access ways, we recommend the following seed mix:
- 20% Slender creeping red fescue
- 20% Chewings fescue
- 30% Hard fescue
- 25% Strong creeping red fescue
- 5% Browntop bentgrass
3. Verges
If you are using your grass grids for verges, we recommend the following seed mix:
- 35% Smooth stalked meadow grass
- 30% Slender creeping red fescue
- 25% Perennial ryegrass
- 10% Browntop bentgrass
GridTech Grid Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and performance of your grass grid system.
Once established, maintain with a standard grass care routine, such as mowing, watering, etc.
If infill appears to settle, please make sure the geotextile is correctly installed and top up as needed.
If you have any breakages, follow the steps below to repair:
- Remove infill from damaged sections
- Unlock and remove broken grid units
- Smooth out the bedding layer
- Insert replacement grids and lock into place
- Refill to blend with the surrounding surface
If you have any further questions or require assistance with the installation process, feel free to contact us today. Either via email or give us a call directly on 01427 617547