We all know British summers are becoming less predictable, from weeks of scorching sunshine to sudden intense thunderstorms. While the rain after a heatwave is often a welcome relief, the reality is that hot weather can make your property more vulnerable to flooding.
The Problem: Dry Ground Can’t Absorb Water Quickly
Soil becomes less absorbent when it has been baked hard in the sun. So when the rain finally comes, instead of soaking into the ground, it simply runs off quickly. This means pooling on driveways, flooding patios, and overwhelming drainage systems.
Flash flooding is especially common after prolonged dry spells and it’s a challenge every homeowner and contractor should be ready for.
The Solution: Soakaway Crates
There is a simple and cost-effective solution - soakaway crates. These underground modular units store excess rainwater temporarily, then let it slowly percolate back into the ground. If you think of them as an invisible sponge beneath your lawn, driveway, or garden they are designed to take the pressure off your drains when storms hit.
How They Help in Hot Weather
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Coping with sudden storms: They temporarily hold large volumes of water, preventing surface flooding around your property.
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Relieving pressure on drains: Reduces risk of local sewers from overflowing after heavy rain.
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Futureproofing your property: With weather extremes predicted to become more common, a soakaway system offers year-round protection.
Choosing the Right Soakaway Crates
At Cotterills, our team of specialists can provide you with expert advice on the right type of soakaway crate system for your property or building project. Things to consider include but are not limited to the following:
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Load-Bearing Capacity: For driveways, heavy-duty crates are required to withstand the weight of vehicles.
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Volume Needed: This is calculated based on roof area and average rainfall in your region.
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Wrap in Geotextile Membrane: This is to prevent soil ingress, keeping the soakaway effective for years.
Hot Weather Installation Advantage
Summer can actually be the best time to install soakaway crates — dry ground makes excavation easier, and you can get the system in place before unpredictable late-summer storms arrive.
Ready to Protect Your Property?
At Cotterills, we stock a wide range of soakaway crates, membranes, and complete kits to help you manage rainwater efficiently. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a DIY project or a contractor fitting systems for clients, we’ve got the right solution at the right price for you.
Explore our range of high-quality soakaway crates and related products on our website or contact our team of experts for personalised advice. Just give us a call on 0121 351 3230 and we’ll be happy to help!
