When choosing the best soakaway crates for drainage, you want to ensure they meet your project’s specific requirements—whether it’s for a residential garden, commercial building, or a large industrial setup. Here are some top options and the factors that make these crates stand out in the market.
1. Polypipe Polystorm Soakaway Crates
Polystorm crates are widely regarded as some of the best on the market for domestic and commercial use.
- Key Features:
- High Strength: Suitable for car parks, driveways, and areas with heavy vehicle traffic due to their strong load-bearing capacity (up to 40 tons per square meter).
- Large Capacity: Each crate has a capacity of 190 liters and can be easily stacked to create larger soakaway systems.
- Modular Design: Its modular nature allows for flexibility in configuration, making it ideal for larger installations.
- Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled materials, Polypipe crates also contribute to sustainability.
- Best For: Heavy-duty applications where vehicle loads may be present, such as under parking areas or roads.
2. FloPlast Soakaway Crates
FloPlast is another trusted name in drainage solutions, offering excellent options for domestic soakaway systems.
- Key Features:
- Durability: Manufactured using high-density polyethylene, these crates are tough and long-lasting.
- Lightweight & Easy to Install: FloPlast crates are lighter than many alternatives, making them easier to transport and install without heavy machinery.
- Good Capacity: Each crate holds up to 90 liters of water, which makes it suitable for domestic rainwater drainage solutions, such as garden patios, roofs, and lawns.
- Best For: Domestic or small-scale commercial applications where ease of installation is essential.
3. Wavin AquaCell Soakaway Crates
Wavin AquaCell crates offer flexibility and high performance, making them perfect for both small residential projects and large industrial applications.
- Key Features:
- Variety of Options: Wavin AquaCell has different models, such as AquaCell Core and AquaCell Prime, offering different strength ratings for various applications.
- High Water Capacity: The crates offer an excellent void ratio of up to 95%, ensuring efficient water storage.
- Load-Bearing: The Prime version is strong enough to be installed under roads and parking areas, supporting vehicular traffic without compromise.
- Best For: Versatile applications, from residential to large-scale commercial drainage projects.
4. ACO StormBrixx Soakaway Crates
ACO StormBrixx is another excellent option, with an innovative design for easy assembly and maintenance.
- Key Features:
- Efficient Modular System: The crates are easy to stack and lock together, simplifying the installation process and reducing the amount of excavation required.
- Great Capacity: Each unit can hold large amounts of water, with up to 97% of the crate’s volume being dedicated to water storage.
- Load-Bearing: These crates are capable of supporting heavy vehicle loads, making them ideal for installation under roads, car parks, and heavy-duty landscapes.
- Best For: Large-scale drainage systems where strength and capacity are key considerations.
5. Geocell Soakaway Crates
Geocell crates provide an eco-friendly solution for rainwater management, ideal for environmentally conscious projects.
- Key Features:
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Made from 100% recycled plastic, they provide a green solution to drainage while still offering high performance.
- High Water Storage Capacity: Geocell crates feature a 95% void ratio, which allows them to store substantial volumes of water.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for residential gardens as well as larger public infrastructure projects.
- Best For: Eco-conscious residential projects where sustainability is a priority.
6. StormCrate Soakaway System by Brett Martin
The Brett Martin StormCrate system is a great choice for both residential and commercial projects, known for its flexibility and strength.
- Key Features:
- High Void Ratio: Offering a 95% void ratio, these crates allow for efficient water storage and drainage.
- Lightweight and Sturdy: Despite being lightweight for easier handling, these crates are designed to withstand heavy loads, making them suitable for use under driveways and parking areas.
- Quick Installation: Their modular system is designed to ensure fast and simple installation, even in larger-scale projects.
- Best For: A balance of lightweight handling and strength for mid- to large-scale installations.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Soakaway Crates
- Load-Bearing Capacity: If the soakaway system will be installed under a driveway or parking lot, you’ll need crates with a high load-bearing capacity, such as Polystorm or ACO StormBrixx, which can handle heavy vehicle loads.
- Water Storage Capacity: Look for crates with a high void ratio (95-97%) to maximize water storage and reduce the need for frequent maintenance.
- Ease of Installation: Some crates like FloPlast are lightweight and simple to install, while others like ACO StormBrixx are modular, making them easier to assemble and expand based on your project’s size.
- Durability and Materials: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is commonly used for soakaway crates because it’s durable and resistant to environmental degradation. Choose crates made from recycled plastic for an eco-friendly option.
Conclusion
When selecting the best soakaway crates for your drainage project, it’s essential to balance factors like load-bearing strength, water capacity, and ease of installation. Polypipe Polystorm, Wavin AquaCell, and ACO StormBrixx are ideal for heavy-duty commercial applications, while FloPlast and Geocell are better suited for domestic or eco-conscious projects. For reliability, performance, and sustainability, each of these options offers a solid solution for managing rainwater and preventing flooding.
Ensure you choose a soakaway crate system tailored to your specific needs for long-term drainage success!