Important Factors to Remember When Choosing a Soakwell
Many homeowners, especially those in rain-prone areas, insist on installing soakwells for good reasons. Not only do they prevent waterlogging (hence keeping erosion, wall dampness and termites at bay) but also guarantee the structural integrity of the building in the long run. However, choosing the right one for your house can be a daunting task. There are always many factors to think about. To ensure you pick the right one, here are few important things to consider.
Build Material
Soakwells are made from many different materials. The three most popular build materials are plastic, concrete and polypropylene. Since each material has its pros and cons, you need to discuss the best fit option with your contractor before signing the deal. The plastic option is very pocket-friendly and easy to install but may not last long. Concrete soakwells are known to be very durable and require minimal maintenance but expensive to install. Polypropylene came to correct the shortcomings of the concrete made soakwells. They offer similar quality but are easier and cheaper to install.
Cost
Whether you are building a house or simply replacing a soakwell, get one within your budget. But it won't hurt to stretch your budget a little to get something durable, just ensure you don't blow it. To get a good, affordable deal, look at cost in terms of purchase, installation and maintenance. Among the three main options, plastic soakwells have the lowest purchase price and you can install them yourself. But the high maintenance or replacement cost push the price higher. Concrete wells are highly priced and expensive to install, but the minimum maintenance cost pushes the overall price down. Polypropylene soakwells cost less than the concrete option, are easier to install and require minimal maintenance, making them generally cost-effective.
Durability
If you don't want to be stuck with never-ending maintenance bills and disputes with your neighbours and regulating authorities, you cannot afford to forget quality considerations. After all, who wants to spend their hard-earned cash on something that breaks down tomorrow? There is no debate concrete soakwells are the most durable in the market. Once installed, you can be sure it will be years before you think of repair or replacement. If you want equivalent strength and tenacity but at a slightly lower cost, polypropylene soakwells are arguably the second-best option. Plastic ones may not be the most durable but still do the work.
Talk to a paving contractor for more information.