FAQ ECCO Products

If you wish to lay gravel surfacing without gravel sheets, you must choose either a coarser type of gravel or gravel with many fine particles.

When using a coarser type of gravel, this will create rutting over time, and the gravel will not stay in place. It is also more difficult to ride through with a bicycle, pram, or trolley. Moreover, the heels on ladies’ shoes sink into the gravel, causing them to get damaged.

You could also choose a finer gravel type to fixate the gravel; however, the use of finer particles (0 - 5 mm or 0 - 15 mm) reduces permeability. This creates puddles, potholes and rutting, and causes the fine particles to stick to the car’s tires and to one’s shoes.

The use of gravel sheets keeps the gravel in place, and yields a stable and permeable surface without any rutting formation.

Tremendous focus was given to quality during the development of the ECCOgravel sheet. Indeed, ECCOgravel sheets are manufactured from HDPE (High Density Polyethene). By nature, polyethylene - or polyethene - is more flexible than other plastics in the thermoplastic family, such as polypropylene (also called polypropene). In addition, polyethene (contrary to polypropene) withstands freezing temperatures better; the sheet remains flexible even under freezing temperatures, keeping it from breaking or deforming when driven on. The pressure resistance of an ECCOgravel sheet, when filled, goes up to 400 tonnes/m², making it ideally suited for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.

Additionally, all ECCOgravel sheets boast synthetic reinforcements between the honeycombs, giving them very high torque resistance. Torque loads are exerted when a car is manoeuvring across the gravel surface (twisting and turning). These reinforcements keep the sheet from deforming.

On top of that, all ECCOgravel grids are equipped with an exceedingly robust anti-rooting mat or geotextile from polyester, which is 100% bonded to the sheet, keeping it from coming loose over time. There is a misconception that a geotextile should have a high density. This is incorrect: a geotextile must be strong, but at the same time water permeable (in other words: it must have an open structure) in order to allow rainwater to permeate into the substrate quickly. Anti-rooting mats that do not have an open structure, as do the ECCOgravel mats, may clog over time, which in turn creates puddles and mud on the gravel surface. If you choose an ECCOgravel sheet equipped with a geotextile that allows for good water permeability, you no longer need to invest in a costly drainage system.

Lastly, ease of use was also considered. Indeed, ECCOgravel sheets are relatively large (120 x 160 cm = 1,92/m² per sheet), but they are bendable to a size of 120 x 80 cm for ease of transport (hence the name “ECCOgravel 30 Double” and “ECCOgravel 40 Double”). This means you can easily transport the mats yourself by car, while still allowing you to install large surfaces at a time.

For instance: a vehicular application (e.g. driveway or parking area) requires more excavation than a non-vehicular application (e.g. walkway or terrace). After all, it is very important to provide a fully structured foundation (otherwise sinking might occur).

Then there is the choice of sheet. For a vehicular application, the ideal choice is a sheet that is 4 cm in thickness (as this provides a better distribution of forces). While for a non-vehicular application, a sheet with a thickness of 3 cm will certainly suffice.

Additionally, there are so many different types of gravel on the market in different price categories (there are gravel types that start at € 2/m², but of course prices vary from type to type, in accordance with your needs and applications). Lastly, the total cost depends on the size of the project.

In short, for a fully accurate price offer, please visit one of our distributors or installers.

As for the choice of the type of gravel, there are four parameters to take into account:

SIZE

We advise against choosing gravel types with a minimum grain size smaller than 4 mm. Finer grain sizes could get stuck in shoes or wedge themselves between car tire treads. In order to optimally pack the honeycombs, we advise that you limit the maximum diameter of the gravel to 16 mm.

Recommended for applications without cars: 4-8 mm. Recommended for applications with cars: 8-16 mm.

SHAPE

When we speak of round gravel types, we mean pebble. When we talk about broken gravel types we mean gravel. Pebble is nicer for terraces and garden paths, whereas gravel has the advantage that the top layer (this is the layer on top of the honeycomb structure to make the structure invisible) is less likely to shift. Gravel is therefore preferred in places where vehicles will be driving over the surface.

HARDNESS

Hard gravel types are less likely to crumble under moving loads and are less quick to turn green as they retain less water (lower porosity). A soft rock - with a high porosity - on the other hand crumbles easily and dissolves over time. Consequently, soft rock will become water permeable in the long term, leading to puddles and rutting. Moreover, it will turn green on non-sunny sides. Lastly, gravel made from soft rock will produce dust in the summer and stick to one’s shoes in the winter.

COLOUR

Gravel or pebbles are a natural stone and will retain their colour, even after a long time. For lighter gravel or pebble types the best choice is a white ECCOgravel sheet, while for darker gravel or pebble types one would sooner use a black ECCOgravel sheet.

Because of the flexibility of the sheet, and because the gravel is not bound, frost heaving has no effect on the ECCOgravel® surface.

When designing foundations for asphalt and concrete paving blocks, one must always remember to take into account that no water remains in the zone where frost may occur in the foundation. After all, in the event of frost this could lead to the break-up of the asphalt or concrete surface. This is why the foundation depth for such materials is so large. The depth of the foundation for ECCOgravel® sheets is therefore only determined by the loads the surface will need to endure.

Unlike concrete paving blocks or surfaces, ECCOgravel® requires no minimum slope. Even with very heavy rainfall, the buffering capacity will be sufficient to handle the rainwater.

A quick calculation: the maximum 20-yearly rainfall in Belgium is 270 l/s/ha. For 10 minutes, this corresponds with 16.2 l/m².

The rainwater will immediately flow in between the hollow spaces of the gravel and the underlying foundations. Thus we reduce the risk of a reduction in functionality of the surfacing due to water remaining on the surface. A gravel layer of 5 cm may store up to 10 litres of water. It goes without saying that a minimal gravel foundation will take care of the rest.

The maximum slope or gradient is 20%. This matches with a maximum inclination of about 10°. For a slope we recommend that you choose a broken gravel type, as the gravel will “grab hold” as it were, helping to better keep it in place. It is also important to lay the sheets in a half-brick bond.

The 3 cm and 4 cm ECCOgravel® sheets have similar properties (torque resistance, pressure resistance, flexibility, …). However, the distribution of forces (from cars, …) into the foundation is better with a 4 cm plate than with a 3 cm plate.

Example

1. Place a sheet of paper on your hand and hit it with a hammer.
2. Place a phone book on your hand and hit it with a hammer.

Conclusion: the distribution of forces is better in the second case. If we apply this logic to ECCOgravel® sheets, then we may conclude that the foundation will endure reduced stresses when the sheet is thicker.

Summary: you can use ECCOgravel 30 Double plates for vehicular applications, on condition that the foundations put in place are very sturdy. The added cost for this additional reinforcement does not always outweigh the costs saved by choosing a thinner sheet. Moreover, Belgian dealers can also store ECCOgravel 40 Double in larger quantities, so this product is always in stock.

When placing gravel sheets, it is important to provide a solid foundation for the following reasons:

Water permeability: in the event of rainfall, the rainwater must be able to quickly permeate into the substrate. When no levelling layer (and sub-foundation in case of cars) is provided, there are no hollow spaces where this rainwater may accumulate, so you run the risk that the water will remain standing on the gravel. This is why we always advise that you provide a levelling layer (and sub-foundation).

Sturdiness: when you drive over gravel sheets, you are exerting a certain amount of force on the substrate. A large portion of these loads are borne by the sheet. In order to counter sinking in the long term, it is important that you provide a sub-foundation in a coarse rubble (0-32 mm or 0-40 mm), so that these stones may bear the loads. Earth alone cannot withstand these loads, and will start to sink over time.

In short, to allow you to enjoy your gravel surfacing for a long time, we always advise that you provide sufficiently developed foundations. For more information on this matter, visit “placing gravel sheets”.

No, gravel sheets are not suitable for grass. For this purpose it is best to use a grass grid, such as ECCOdal.

The reason is that gravel sheets have a tighter mesh than grass grids, making it more difficult to sow grass into them. Also, gravel sheets come with a geotextile that also serves as an anti-rooting mat (to counter weeds), making it more difficult for plants and grasses to attack to them. This keeps your gravel surfacing free of weeds for longer. With grass grids, a synthetic base is provided with specific properties that are conducive to the sowing of grasses.

All surfaces, whether dealing with gravel sheets, grass grids, pavement stones, tiles, or wood will always require - minimal – maintenance. With ECCOgravel sheets, this maintenance is limited. Maintenance can be subdivided in 4 groups:

SURFACE LAYER

Occasional inspection is advisable depending on the traffic volume and how the surface is used. It is recommended that you cover the honeycomb sheet again in places where it is exposed.

LEAVES

Preferably clear any leaves once a year by raking, blowing, or vacuuming. Tests have shown that the minimum fraction of your gravel can never be less than 4 mm if you wish to avoid gravel pulverisation.

SOIL | MANURE

If soil or manure ends up on the surface, this is best removed with a shovel down to the honeycomb structure. A new layer of gravel (± 1 cm) on top of the honeycomb structure is sufficient to recreate a perfect surface. The soil or manure that has washed into the hollow spaces of the honeycomb structure will have no effect on water permeability.

WEEDS

Consider the following points in preventing weed growth.

Do not use gravel types that have a high porosity. High porosity = water is retained longer = more weeds.

Do not use gravel types with high lime content, as this promotes weed growth.

Create a foundation that has no nutritive constituents and that drains water well.

Any remaining weeds (from seed already present in the soil initially) can be prevented from growing by the geotextile (anti-rooting mat) at the bottom of the ECCOgravel® grids. The weeds can be removed easily by hand, as the roots are concentrated in the honeycomb structure. It is also possible to remove the weeds using hot air or burners. These solutions are preferable to chemical weed killers.

Absolutely, thanks to the open structure of the geotextile (anti-rooting mat) of all our ECCOgravel grids.

In order to guarantee an open and water-permeable structure, it is best not to choose gravel fractions finer than 4 mm. After installation, the gravel will compact, but water permeability will be guaranteed in the long term if you avoid the use of a fine fraction.

If fine particles (e.g. dust, sand, earth, remnants of leaves, …) wash onto the surface over time, this will not affect the water permeability. These fine materials will fill the voids without continuing to be compacted there. The gravel will continue to distribute the load. Due to the presence of the anti-rooting mat at the bottom of the honeycomb structure, fine fractions (e.g. dust) will not wash into the underlying foundations. This guarantees the water buffering properties of the foundations in the long term.

Either too little gravel was used during the placement, or the wrong kind of gravel was chosen. If gravel compaction is significant after placement (this is especially the case if the minimum and maximum fractions show strong variation), this is in itself problematic. This will only manifest itself during the first few weeks after placement. Once compaction is completed, the gravel will not sink any further. The anti-rooting mat underneath the ECCOgravel® sheet helps to ensure this. We strongly advise against the mechanical compaction of the gravel after the installation of the gravel sheets, for instance with the use of a vibrating plate.

For ECCOgravel 40 Double, about 80 kg of gravel per m² is provided, for ECCOgravel 30 Double about 65 kg of gravel per m². The surface layer must be about 1 to 2 cm (depending on the type of gravel).

The gravel in the honeycombs forms a rough surface onto which the loose gravel grabs hold. Because of this, the top layer will show only minimal shifting. Covering the honeycombs with a layer of gravel not only produces the best aesthetic effect, but also maximises the protection of the honeycombs. However, this top layer cannot be too thick, or the effect of gravel stabilisation is lost. The ideal thickness for the top layer is 1 to 2 cm.

Of course you can, if the foundation structure is sufficiently solid. For more information on placement, see here.

In areas where vehicles are parked, an ECCOgravel® sheet system is the perfect solution. The foundation for ECCOgravel® sheets can be designed in such a way as to cope with water from the roadways as well.

With such a foundation, ECCOgravel® can handle the occasional heavy traffic as well. ECCOgravel is therefore ideally suited for parking areas, fire accesses, driveways, etc. A tight reversal manoeuvre of a tractor-trailer combination should be avoided at all times. ECCOgravel is not suited for forklift trucks (due to the tight turning circle these vehicles have).

In places with very intense traffic and speeds over 10 km/h, we recommend that these areas receive a bound surface (asphalt/concrete).

No, for the sale of all our products we work with a network of certified distributors. Our distributors buy our products in large quantities, allowing the consumer (both contractor and private persons) to get the best prices. Moreover, our distributors assist you with technical advice regarding your project.

Yes, but keep in mind the following matters:

Never use more than 150 kg cement/m³. If you use more, the foundation will no longer be water permeable.

Do not use stabilised sand if the soil type has low water permeability. If this is the case, we advise that you use a gravel foundation.

Yes, by doing the following:

Firstly it is important that the depth of the manhole reaches to the rainwater reservoir. As for placement, the pavement stone cover must always be just below the finished surface level. The pavement stone cover must therefore be positioned no higher than the bottom of the ECCOgravel sheets.

We advise against the use of stabilised sand in this setting, as you would need to break it open every time you wanted to reach the rainwater reservoir/water well. As a solution, we propose a concrete block placed on heavy-duty plastic (allowing you to pull out the concrete block with relative ease whenever necessary). You can then place the ECCOgravel on this concrete cover. In this scenario, we advise that you cut the sheets to the size of the pavement stone cover (same size or at the most 5 cm larger), so that you do not need to move a large surface in sheets and more importantly gravel every time.

Lastly, it is important to mark the location of the cover in order to find the rainwater reservoir, for instance by applying markings to a wall. One alternative is to indicate the corners of the ECCOgravel covering the rainwater reservoir with a different colour of gravel.

There are two types of soiling to which we have already provided a solution:

• Soiling by splashing water. Our solution for this is our floating configuration (available for KIT gabion baskets).
• Soiling due to moss. With ECCOfence KIT & ECCOfence Alubox, we recommend that you clean the stones with a power washer after installation, which will make them less susceptible to moss and keep them from soiling as quickly.

No, ECCOfence nets are galvanised, only the tips of the net wires (where they have been cut) can develop minor rust.

Yes, ECCOfence mitigates a minimum of noise in comparison to a standard sealed fence.

Yes, a concrete pier or strip footing must be provided with a minimum width of 50 cm and at least reaching the load-bearing ground. Then the gabion baskets must be anchored to the concrete using anchor bolts.

ECCOfence KIT & Alubox gabion baskets cannot be moved.

No, when ECCOfence gabion baskets are correctly installed and anchored, and when the prescriptions regarding concrete foundations are observed. Extensive tests have shown that the ECCOfence gabion baskets cannot fall over when they are correctly installed. In one extreme test, a 25-tonne bulldozer attempted to topple the ECCOfence, unsuccessfully.

Yes, they can be used as retaining walls with a maximum height of 100 cm. Wherever the ground to be retained comes into contact with the gabion basket, a mat must be put in place to prevent washout. 

Under normal climate conditions, the ECCOfence gabion baskets will last a lifetime. 

No, they cannot as they cannot be anchored. If you stack gabion baskets, you run the risk that they fall over or become displaced.

No, this will not happen in any environment with normal levels of soiling. We advise that you clean the stones after installation, removing the haze and therefore the feeding ground on which moss thrives.

No, because ECCOfence gabion baskets are anchored with anchor bolts that have a diameter of 12 mm. These anchor bolts exert such an amount of force (allowing the gabion basket to be solidly anchored) that stabilised sand or screed would crumble. Gabion baskets must always be anchored in concrete (at least 350 kg cement/m³).

If you do not anchor ECCOfence gabion baskets in concrete, they may fall over. The only safe way to install a gabion basket is to anchor it in concrete (at least 350 kg cement/m³).

A. Advantages for the community

• Water management
  In urban areas, there is a high degree of waterproofing (= large proportion of pavement in comparison to the total area). As a result, little or no precipitation can penetrate the soil, any such precipitation immediately flows to the sewer system via impermeable surfaces. Thus, even relatively small showers may cause a temporary overload of the sewer system, resulting in local flooding. This may be prevented by building larger sewers which may dispose of the water faster and in larger quantities. However, this is expensive and merely moves the problem to another area. Another solution is to immediately dispose of all precipitation (= increasing the retention of precipitation). This may be done in many ways, including through the construction of rainwater reservoirs or green roofs. The latter reduce the drainage of precipitation, meaning that peak flows are lower, the sewer system is not (or less) overloaded, and no (or less) serious flooding occurs. The ECCOsedum green roof system provides an annual precipitation discharge of 50%. There is no difference in water discharge between flat and sloping green roofs with a gradient up to 15°.
• Air and water purification
  The urban environment is not only different from its surroundings in terms of climate, but also in terms of air pollution. A green roof may have a major influence on this as its complete system of vegetation, substrate, and micro-organisms not only captures, but also degrades harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, benzene, and dust particles. Green roof vegetation extracts dust and CO₂ from the air. In addition, it captures harmful substances such as nitrogen oxide, hydrogen sulphide, etc. and is able to encapsulate and immobilise noxious particles thanks to its stomata. In this way, green roofs contribute to a better environment through air purification. Furthermore, precipitation contains many harmful substances. If contaminated precipitation flows through a green roof first, part of the pollution is filtered before flowing into the waterways. Consequently, green roofs and other greenery have an important protective function.
• Habitat development
  Buildings and other infrastructure take up space, as a result of which loss of habitat always occurs. Despite the fact that green roofs are not a full substitute for lost natural habitat, they may form an important landscape element for both fauna and flora. Green roofs may serve as a temporary habitat (as a stepping stone and as a temporary place of refuge), but also a replacement habitat and as a basic habitat. The extent to which certain plant and animal species are present depends on many factors such as the type of green roof, the manner in which the vegetation was applied, and the presence of flora and fauna in the area. In any event, blooming sedum plants are a major draw for butterflies and other insects that feed on nectar. In other words, green roofs may contribute to the increase of various plant and animal species (so-called biodiversity).

B. Benefits for the roof owner

• Longer lifespan for roofing
  A green roof lasts longer than regular roofing (even twice as long compared to a flat roof with bitumen covering). The presence of the layered construction protects the roofing from:
  a. UV radiation: this breaks down materials due to the photochemical reactions; in case of a green roof however, the radiation is absorbed by the vegetation.
  b. heating, freezing, and temperature fluctuations of the roof: extreme and fluctuating temperatures cause friction in the roofing, as a result of which tearing occurs or seams may break (especially in case of bitumen roofing). A green roof tempers the temperatures through the presence of the vegetation and the substrate. This causes lower maximum temperatures and higher minimum temperatures, in addition to much smaller fluctuations in temperature. The extent to which temperatures are tempered depends on the thickness of the green roof.
  c. uneven heating of the different roof layers: this results in blistering and deformation of the seals. This is not possible with green roofs, because fast and extreme fluctuations in temperature do not occur.
  d. mechanical damage: roofs may become damaged by hail. In the case of green roofs, the impact of the hail is absorbed by the different layers.
• Thermal insulation of the roof
  The aforementioned lower maximum temperatures and higher minimum temperatures are a result of the insulating effect of the green roof. Therefore, not only is the roof waterproofing subject to a more moderate temperature regime, but heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer are also reduced, with the effect being the most pronounced in summer.
• Sound insulation
  The green roof absorbs sound. However, the exact magnitude of the sound absorption is difficult to measure. The overall effect also depends on the surface and the structure of the greenery.
• Visual benefits
  In addition to less extreme temperatures, higher humidity, and cleaner air, green roofs also contribute to a better living environment and health through their visual effect. A view of greenery has a positive effect on a person’s mood, and therefore on a person’s physical health. Furthermore, the look of a green roof changes with the seasons, resulting in a pleasant variation of the view.
• Environmentally friendly image
  By creating a green roof, businesses will develop a more environmentally friendly image. Working in a green environment also has a positive psychological effect and may contribute to increased job satisfaction and thus a higher productivity.
• Financial benefits
  Most people assume that a green roof is more expensive than a traditional roof. This is true only if one compares the cost of purchasing a green roof to that of purchasing a traditional roof, but the longer lifespan enjoyed by green roofs ensures that the price difference in the long term is minute or non-existent. All things considered, green roofs are more economical.

There are two parameters to consider during the installation process of ECCOsedum green roofs:

• Prevention of washout or shearing of the substrate
• Shearing of the entire green roof system due to the incline of the roof

For the above reasons, there is a limit to the roof incline. Based on the gradient and the corresponding customised roof structure, the following categorisation may be made:

• Gradient between 0 and 3° (0 to 5%)
  The ECCOsedum system can be placed without any additional precautions.
• Gradient higher than 3° (over 5%)
  The ECCOsedum system can be placed without any additional precautions, thanks to the specific construction of ECCOsedum green roofs, erosion protection is not necessary for these kinds of slopes.
• Gradients higher than 15 to 20° (27 to 36%)
  Here, an additional system is installed to prevent the shearing of the substrate layer. Such systems can be divided into two groups. (1) Systems that reduce the gradient by means of a stepped system (similar to a terrace structure) or (2) systems that divide the substrate layer into compartments by means of a slat system. The distance between adjacent slats is determined by the gradient.
  --> Slat systems can in turn be divided into (a) slat systems installed underneath the roof waterproofing: these can be made out of wood and have a longer lifespan but require an additional protective layer if the slats do not have rounded edges. This is to prevent damage to the water-retaining layer. The additional water retention that may accumulate behind the slats will also have a negative impact on the shearing of the substrate later; or (b) slat systems that are installed above the roof waterproofing: The slats are generally made from plastic. For inclines up to about 11° (20%) they may also be made out of wood. The wood will decay over the years, but as the substrate becomes rooted throughout, the substrate layer is firmly anchored. A slat system that is installed above the roof waterproofing has the advantage of not influencing the roof waterproofing and not causing water stagnation.

Yes, because bee mortality is caused by (in order of importance):

• the large amount of maize that is being planted: maize has pollen with a very low calorific value, so that bees assuming they have sufficient supplies for winter end up weakened by a lack of nutrition;
• the presence of the varroa mite and parasitic fungi;
• the use of pesticides. Note that this only comes in third place. Imidacloprid (Confidor) in particular is subject to heavy criticism. Complaints have also been voiced regarding the application of a mix of different pesticides. When examining garden plants, 57 substances were found, almost all of them legal, but classified by some environmental organisations as toxic and therefore as poisonous plants. As a result of these actions, chains and supermarkets are required to deliver plants that are free from any illegal and toxic substances. They are asking their suppliers to sign a statement to this effect.

ECCOsedum trays are cultivated with absolute respect for beneficial insects. The time of application and the choice of pesticide are crucial in this regard. The ECCOsedum nursery registers pesticides, fertilisers, and energy under the Ecas-certified MPS label.

The following parameters were taken into account while selecting plant types:

• Aesthetic value (e.g. flowering): large variety of at least 10 sedum types.
• Drought resistance depending on substrate thickness, substrate composition, and water buffering. Since each sedum type thrives best under slightly different climatic conditions, a large variety of sedum plants provides more security.
• Speed of multiplication, this in order to prevent overgrow by one specific type
• Regenerative capacity after extreme drought.

Different flowering periods: when pre-cultivating ECCOsedum green roofs, use is made of cuttings: these are offshoots of mother plants that are snipped off. To determine the proper dosage of sedum cuttings for each variety, it is important to know how fast they multiply after planting (to avoid monoculture). By making use of growing fields (mother plants), each with one type of sedum plant, the correct mix of cuttings can always be guaranteed, which is important for the variety of the green roof.

ECCOsedum contain at least 7 types of sedum:

1. Sedum Immergrunchen
2. Sedum Album
3. Sedum Reflexum
4. Sedum Sexangulare
5. Sedum Acre
6. Sedum Spurium
7. Sedum Lydium

Although the list of benefits is long, there are two things that must be considered:

1. Heavier construction
   The installation of a green roof adds weight to the construction. In most cases, the load-bearing structure is sufficiently strong to carry a green roof.
2. Price
   The cost of purchasing a green roof is a factor that is not to be ignored, but green roofs are more economical in the long term. They do away with the need to invest in a (costly) drainage system, green roofs reduce temperature fluctuations (thermal insulation), and they mitigate sound (sound insulation), lastly green roofs ensure that your roofing will last longer because it is protected among others against UV radiation and hail.

1. Installing an ECCO PE400 root-resistant layer, if necessary. A root-resistant sheet is not always required in case of EPDM or PVC, unless expressly instructed by the manufacturer.
2. Installing the ECCOprotect 400 protective layer: these 2.10 m x 40 m rolls are installed with 10 cm overlaps. These rolls are available by the m².
3. Installing the ECCOsedum green roof trays: the green roof trays are held together by a click system and are cut using a saw or a grinding disc. The RHP substrate is held together by the roots of the sedum plants. When cutting, do try to keep the water buffering layer intact by cutting only to half height.
4. Vegetation-free zone: In case of more elevated roofs, we advise against having the ECCOsedum trays reach to the roof edges (vegetation-free zone of +/- 30 cm). This area is then filled with roof gravel, preferably 40 -80 mm. Finer fractions are not recommended in order to prevent weed growth. This vegetation-free zone has multiple purposes:
   preventing splashing precipitation from soiling the adjacent building
   protecting the water drainage against clogging as a result of ingrowing vegetation
   preventing the vegetation from hanging over the eaves
   preventing any outbreak of fire from spreading from/to the vegetation
   preventing the vegetation layer or substrate from being blown away by wind forces
   preventing the wind from blowing up the sides of the ECCOsedum trays
5. Cutting the sedum tray, if necessary: only cut the top layer, keeping the bottom layer (water-buffering layer) intact.

The ECCOsedum green roof system consists of 3 layers:

1. Drainage layer: The trays have a structure designed in such a way that rainwater that cannot be absorbed by the green roof system can drain away without obstruction to the drainage points. The lower drainage holes are 1cm from the bottom so that even non-capillary water can be stored to a limited extent.
2. Substrate layer – water buffering layer: The cassettes are filled with substrate up to full height (8cm). In some places (at the level of the emergency spillways) the thickness of the substrate is 3.5cm. The minimum thickness of the substrate is therefore 3.5 cm - the average thickness is 6 cm. The substrate layer has several functions. It provides nutrition and water for the vegetation and provides oxygen and anchoring of the roots. ECCOsedum uses a roof garden substrate, composed of lava, pumice and green compost.
   Volume of water buffering per tray: 32.5 litre/m²
   Granularity: 0-12mm
   Volume weight of substrate after compaction in dry state: 0.78g/cm³
   Volume weight of substrate after compaction at maximum water capacity: 1.27g/cm³
3. Vegetation layer: The pre-cultivated extensive green roof system is supplied with at least 7 species of sedum plants per m². The cassettes are at least 80% full-grown upon delivery.

• Our sedum trays are pre-cultivated to 80 - 85%. This gives you immediate results and we can call it a ready-to-use system. With a traditional construction, substrate layers and sedum cuttings/sedum mats are used, which always need a certain period of time to root and grow dense. This gives weeds the chance to grow in the green roof.
• The sedum trays are very easy to install and it can be done by one person, which ensures a very fast and efficient installation. In a classical construction, blowing carts or big bags are used.
• Since trays are used, they can be removed very easily in the event of any roof work after installation. With the classic system, the entire substrate layer must be removed and everything must be installed again afterwards.
• The trays ensure a constant substrate thickness. With classic systems, the thickness of the substrate can vary between 1 and 8 cm, which also leads to weed growth.
• In roofs with a slope, the substrate remains in the cassette. With the classic system, there is a risk of shearing and weed growth at the lowest point of the slope, as the moisture sinks to the lowest level and thus encourages weed growth.

Theoretically yes, but we advise against it as grass and gravel each have different properties: for instance, for grass you need to use a grass grid to which the grass roots can easily attach, while in the case of gravel you are trying to avoid the growth of weeds among others by using an anti-rooting mat. Also the mesh for grass grids is coarser, making it easier to sow grass into them, while gravel sheets have a finer mesh, allowing the gravel to stay in place better.

Yes, if the foundation structure is sufficiently solid. Grass grids are intended to pave green (grass) areas. This is to ensure that, should it be necessary, a car/truck can drive over it without completely destroying the grass. A typical application is therefore a fire access (which is only used in the event of fire and/or for sporadic access). Another typical application is a parking area or an access ramp to a carport where people park their trailers. With a solid foundation, ECCOdal® can handle sporadic heavy traffic.

In areas where vehicles are parked, an ECCOdal® grass grid system is the perfect solution. The foundation for ECCOdal® sheets can be designed in such a way as to cope with water from the roadways as well.

In places with very intense traffic and speeds over 10 km/h, we recommend that these areas receive a bound surface (asphalt/concrete).

For more information on placement, see here.

No, for the sale of all our products we work with a network of certified distributors. Our distributors buy our products in large quantities, allowing the consumer (both contractor and private persons) to get the best prices. Moreover, our distributors assist you with technical advice regarding your project. You can find a distributor here.

We advise that you use grass seeds that root deeply, increasing their resistance against dry spells. You grass seed supplier can provide more information on this topic.

More and more we are seeing issues with a shortage of groundwater on the one hand and flooding on the other hand, all because water is unable to permeate into the ground due to an increase in paved surfaces (concrete, tiles, paving blocks, etc.). This is why the Flemish Region has introduced stricter legislation on precipitation, effective since 1 January 2014: precipitation/rainwater must either be collected in a rainwater reservoir, or be allowed to permeate into the ground. Grass grids and gravel sheets allow you to have a water-permeable surface, therefore allowing water to readily permeate into the ground. This prevents both a shortage of groundwater and prevents flooding, all without having to invest in a costly drainage system. This also reduces our ecological footprint and prevents the limitation of natural habitats.

ECCOdal grass grids are made from recycled material (mix PE-PP), this allows them to remain flexible, even in freezing temperatures, and they will therefore not break. In addition, ECCOdal grass grids have expansion joints to deal with temperature differences, so the grass grids will not shift against each other. Moreover, ECCOdal grass grids are also suited for cars, making them the ideal surface for an (additional) parking area or driveway. Lastly, ECCOdal grass grids were specifically designed as grass grids, unlike other sheets that can be used both as gravel sheets and as grass grids. The technical specifications for ECCOdal grass grids are specifically aimed at grass filling, while ECCOgravel sheets are specifically aimed at a gravel filling. Finally, ECCOdal is a 100% Belgian high-quality product.

The RAL color used is 9005 (jet black).

To bend the ECCOborders Easyfix LI to a 90° angle, you must lightly grind the top and bottom edges of the garden border. After that, it is sufficient to bend the border around a post or sturdy table leg to a 90° angle. When it comes to very sharp curves, and not angles of 90°, our ECCOborders Easyfix CS (custom shape) is the most suitable option.

Depending on each project and the volume, the price of installing artificial grass includes the excavation, the installation of stabilisation, the levelling and the installation of the artificial grass itself.

When using Drainbase, an underlayer of about five centimetres of lava is recommended. A layer of geotextile is then laid on top of this, on which the Drainbase tiles are placed.

Since the cost price of both lava and geotextile and the Drainbase tiles is low, you have a budget-friendly solution for installing artificial grass that is also 100% water permeable.

A 50-gram non woven polyester geotextile is sufficient. The thicker the geotextile, the less water-permeable the end result will be.