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At Vodaland, we make it simple to choose the best drains for your project, thanks to our wide range of products and informative articles. In this blog, we will let you know what projects slot and channel drains are ideal for plus highlight the associated benefits to eliminate any guesswork when it comes to installing a drainage system.
What’s the Difference Between a Slot and Channel Drain?
You may have come across this article not even realising there were different types of drains to choose from. That is why we wanted to start by highlighting the differences between channel and slot drains.
Channel drains are larger, making them perfect for bigger surface areas. They are also installed with the top visible ground, which means they are often avoided for residential projects. They are also ideal for managing heavier flows of water. Slot drains are still effective at removing water but are better suited to smaller spaces as they have narrower openings.
The sleek designs can be used to install a drainage system without ruining the aesthetics of a space.
How to Choose Between Slot and Channel Drains?
There are a few factors you should consider when deciding between a slot or channel drain. To help you out, we have summarised these below:
● Aesthetic - Although drains offer an important purpose, they can look unsightly. If you are looking for a more discreet solution, slot drains are ideal as channel drains are larger and more industrial looking.
● Installation - Channel drains require more surface shaping meaning they are best to fit during construction. Alternatively, they can be installed in spaces post-build, but more area needs to be made available for a proper fit (i.e more ground works will need to be factored into projects). Slot drains are easy to install in finished surfaces as they only require a narrow amount of space.
● Maintenance - When undertaking a project, you should also consider the longer term implications of choosing certain fixtures. Drains require varying levels of maintenance, making this an important factor. Slot drains need more frequent cleaning as the smaller passages can lead to blockages. This isn’t often an issue within residential spaces as it can be easier to notice when issues arise. However, for larger areas, channel drains are best suited as they require less maintenance.
● Water Exposure - If you are working on a project for a space that will have more water to remove, a channel drain is best. However, for spaces with limited surface water to remove, slot drains are ideal.
When Are Slot Drains Better for a Project?
We recommended opting for slot drains when designing driveway, garage, patio, and gardens. Some examples include the Mini Slot Channel System and the Stainless Steel Slot Drain T Shape.
When Should Channel Drains Be Used?
Channel drains are best suited to large-scale and commercial projects, such as when designing car parks and landscaping public spaces. We offer a broad collection of products including the Easy 2 Drain Plastic Channel, Easy 100 Polymer Channel Drain with Galvanised Grate, and the Easy 3 Channel Drain with Cast Iron Grate.
Explore our collection to find the best drain for your project.
