Multifunctional green roofs drainage mats

EnkaDrain is a range of multifunctional high-performance geocomposites consisting of a durable synthetic drainage core of fused, entangled filaments and a nonwoven fabric thermally bonded to one side. For maximum strength and continuous flow even under high load, the entangled filaments are molded into a square waffle pattern or a U-groove configuration. The filter fabric is a spunlaid nonwoven that offers excellent filtering performance through its uniform open structure. It is dimensionally and thermally stable and exhibits high tensile strength per unit weight. The nonwoven is thin and flexible, yet possesses excellent tear and puncture resistance. To facilitate seamless installation, the nonwoven fabric overlaps the drainage core along one edge of the roll.

EnkaRetain&Drain is an all-in-one drainage and water retention layer. It combines the EnkaDrain green roof drainage mat with a highly absorbent lightweight water-retention fabric. This fabric is made of recycled synthetic fibres and holds more than 7.5 times its weight in water. The geocomposite comes in a convenient roll format. EnkaRetain&Drain is water-vapor permeable and therefore suitable for installation on conventional and protected membrane roofs. Like EnkaDrain, EnkaRetain&Drain can also contribute to LEEDs credits when used in a green roof. The long rolls of both products reduce installation costs by minimizing butt seams.

EnkaDrain provides drainage, protection and filtration in one simple-to-install product. No aggregate is needed with EnkaDrain. This reduces the total roof weight. The matting is installed with the nonwoven filter layer uppermost. The compression-resistant drainage core guarantees a multi-directional flow of water at high rates, while the nonwoven layer serves as a filter and separator from the substrate. The EnkaDrain product range covers a large number of different drainage mats, each designed for a specific purpose. The choice of the right product type depends on the specific roof structure and use. Certain types of EnkaDrain are designed for use in extensive or intensive green roofs. Others offer effective solutions for construction projects where roof gardens are intended to take vehicular traffic or other heavy loads. In all cases, EnkaDrain provides an air layer for better insulation and allows the roots to breathe.

The fabric of EnkaRetain&Drain absorbs water for continuous hydration of plant roots. Unlike reservoir drains where water is stored in segregated small “cups”, EnkaRetain&Drain provides a uniform supply over the whole area. It is in direct contact with the growing medium and therefore readily accessible by the plants. At the same time, excess water passes through the drainage core below.

For roof designs that require added protection of the waterproofing membrane, EnkaDrain and EnkaRetain&Drain can be delivered with a second nonwoven fabric on the lower face.

Looking for a green roof drainage mat in Europe or Asia Pacific? View the Enka Solutions range available in your region here.