Rainwater management has become a critical issue in construction and landscaping, particularly as climate change alters precipitation patterns.
The UK, known for its variable weather, is experiencing shifts that include increased rainfall intensity, leading to more frequent flooding and waterlogging problems. According to the UK Met Office, annual rainfall has increased by about 5% since the 1960s, with some areas experiencing up to 20% more rain in heavy downpours. This trend presents significant challenges for groundworkers, landscapers and builders tasked with developing effective water management strategies for residential, public and landscape projects.
The increase in rainfall intensity and frequency poses several challenges:
Flooding: Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, damaging properties and infrastructure.
Waterlogging: Saturated grounds hinder landscaping efforts, affecting soil stability and plant health.
Drainage Capacity: Existing drainage systems may not cope with the increased water volume, necessitating upgrades or replacements.
Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions that ensure effective water management while being environmentally responsible. Hauraton, a market leader in the drainage solutions industry, offers a range of products designed to tackle the challenges of rainwater management effectively. Its solutions are particularly relevant under the UK’s evolving construction standards, emphasizing sustainability and performance. For new build developments, residential driveways and landscaping projects, Hauraton’s DRIVETEC channel is a reliable and practical option. It offers numerous installation and safety benefits, making it highly desirable for contractors and builders:
Ease of Installation: DRIVETEC features a lightweight design, starting from only 3.26kg, with a tongue and groove connection, enabling quick and smooth installation. This allows projects to be completed swiftly without compromising on performance, critical for the fast-paced schedules on housing developments.
Durability: Despite its lightweight nature, the channel is robust, providing long-lasting performance under frequent use.
Versatility: Suitable for various applications, from residential areas to public settings, DRIVETEC adapts to different project needs.
Aesthetic Appeal: With a variety of modern grating designs made from composite and ductile iron, it blends into any landscape project.
Safety: The bolted grating ensures a lockable and ultra secure surface, whilst the ‘heel-safe’ design provides extra safety for users by preventing heels and small objects getting caught. Ideal for frequent foot traffic on residential driveways. .
Sustainability: Every 1 metre of DRIVETEC channel is made with recycled material, equivalent to 42 half-litre recycled polypropylene bottles.
Other lightweight and sustainable solutions are also available in the range, including TOP X, RECYFIX Standard and RECYFIX PRO. These products provide a range of load class options and grating designs, catering to diverse project requirements.
Product Comparison Table (Landscape products)
| Product | Load Class | Grating Options | Material Composition (Base) |
| TOP X | A 15 | Mesh or Slotted – Composite or Galvanised Steel | Recycled Polypropylene (PP) |
| DRIVETEC | B 125 | Heel-safe – Composite or Ductile Iron | Recycled Polypropylene (PP) |
| RECYFIX Standard | A15 to C250 | Galvanised Steel, Stainless Steel or Ductile Iron | Recycled Polypropylene (PP) |
| RECYFIX Pro | A15 to D400 | Composite, Galvanised Steel, Stainless Steel or Ductile Iron | Recycled Polypropylene (PP |
Sustainability is at the core of Hauraton’s business philosophy. The business is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and ensuring environmentally responsible manufacturing processes.
The use of recycled polypropylene (PP) materials extends across the majority of the portfolio. All composite channels are 100% recyclable after use. Utilising recycled materials helps reduce waste, conserve natural resources leading to a decrease in greenhouse gases and a smaller carbon footprint. As environmental regulations become more stringent, incorporating eco-friendly products ensures compliance with new government policies.
The UK’s Future Homes Standard, set to be enforced in 2025, encourages the use of low-carbon alternatives and recycled materials, while considering the entire lifecycle of building materials to ensure they contribute to the goal of net zero emissions. This is underscored by Labour’s manifesto, promoting the use of low-carbon materials in new homes by 2025, encouraging local sourcing and sustainable practices to reduce the construction sector’s carbon footprint.
Hauraton’s linear drainage effectively meets the growing challenges of rainwater management in the UK. By prioritising sustainability and performance, they offer a path forward for groundworkers, landscapers, contractors, and merchants seeking to navigate the increasing demands of the construction industry. As climate change continues to influence rainfall patterns, choosing the right products for drainage and water management is essential. With Hauraton’s solutions, professionals can achieve their project goals while contributing positively to the environment.
For further information on Hauraton’s linear drainage solutions click here
