Now that you’ve selected the best blanket for your project’s success, it’s time to plan for installation. When properly installed, Erosion Control Blankets will last longer in the field and provide reliable performance that can satisfy common erosion control compliance requirements. This blog will dive into the installation for both a Channel Installation and a Slope Installation. Follow the below steps so you are not installing like Timmy above.
Slope Installation
1. Preparation
Clear the Site: Remove any large debris, rocks, and vegetation from the area.
Check Soil: Ensure the soil is firm and compacted. If necessary, grade the slope for an even surface.
2. Installing the Blankets
Position the First Blanket: Start at the top of the slope and unroll the blanket downhill. Make sure the blanket overlaps the previous one by about 3-6 inches.
Lay the Blankets Flat: Ensure the blanket is flat and taut with no wrinkles. It should follow the contour of the slope.
Secure the Blanket: Use stakes or U-shaped pins to secure the blanket to the ground. Install them every 2 feet along the edges and at 3-foot intervals across the blanket. Use a stake pattern recommendation below depending on the slope:
Ensure the stakes are driven at a 45-degree angle to hold the blanket in place.
Overlap Edges: Overlap the edges of the blankets to prevent water from eroding beneath the blanket. Ensure proper alignment between sections.
Anchor the Blanket at the Top and Bottom: Secure the top and bottom edges more frequently (every 6-12 inches) to prevent the blanket from shifting during weather events.
3. Seam and Edge Treatment
Edge Stakes: Along the edges of the blanket, place stakes every 6 inches to ensure no lifting or sagging occurs.
Slope Transitions: In areas where the slope transitions, ensure the blanket maintains proper alignment and is securely anchored to prevent slippage.
4. Final Check
Smooth Overlaps: Double-check overlaps and edges for coverage. Ensure no soil is exposed.
Check for Secure Fastening: Ensure all stakes are in place and that the blanket is securely held against the wind and water flow.
Water the Area: If applicable, water the area lightly to help settle the blanket and promote seedling growth if a seed mix is used with the blanket.
5. Maintenance
Regular Inspections: Check periodically for signs of shifting or damage, especially after rainstorms or strong winds. Repair or replace damaged sections as needed.
Channel Installation
1. Preparation
Clear the Channel: Remove any debris, rocks, or vegetation from the channel bed and sides. Ensure the area is smooth and free of large obstructions.
Grade the Channel (if necessary): If the channel isn't properly graded, ensure a consistent flow path is created, and the slope is uniform for the erosion control blanket to function properly.
Check Soil Conditions: The soil should be firm and compacted. If it's loose or uneven, rework the soil to create a better base for the blanket.
2. Unroll the Blanket
Position the Blanket: Begin at the upstream or uppermost point of the channel. Unroll the blanket lengthwise in the direction of the water flow.
Ensure Proper Orientation: The blanket should be unrolled parallel to the direction of flow. Ensure it fits tightly to the channel bed and sides.
Overlap Sections: When overlapping multiple blankets, allow a 3-6 inch overlap to prevent any gaps between sections. This ensures water doesn’t erode beneath the blanket.
3. Securing the Blanket
Staking: Secure the blanket using stakes. Insert these at regular intervals:
Every 2 feet along the edges.
Every 3 feet across the blanket, focusing more around edges and seams.
Change the stake pattern based on med. to high or high flow channels seen below:
Drive Stakes at an Angle: Make sure the stakes are driven at a 45-degree angle to properly anchor the blanket into the ground.
Anchor the Blanket at the Inlet and Outlet: Use extra stakes around the channel inlet (upstream) and outlet (downstream) areas, as these are high-stress points.
4. Securing the Edges
Edge Stakes: Place stakes every 6-12 inches along the edges to ensure the blanket doesn’t lift up during water flow.
Anchor the Blanket in the Channel Bottom: Install pins or stakes along the bottom of the channel at regular intervals to ensure the blanket stays in place during water flow.
5. Seam and Overlap Treatment
Check Overlaps: Ensure that the seams where blankets meet are well overlapped (3-6 inches), ensuring no gaps are left where water could erode beneath the blanket.
Edge Treatment: Stake the edges of the blanket every 6-12 inches to prevent any lifting or damage from water flow.
6. Additional Reinforcement (if necessary)
Add Anchoring in High Flow Areas: If the channel experiences high flow velocities, consider adding additional reinforcements like anchor trenching at the upstream end of the blanket to keep it in place.
Use Temporary Sandbags (optional): For additional protection, especially in areas with high flow, temporary sandbags may be used to hold the blanket in place until vegetation takes root or the blanket settles.
This is a general guideline based on best practices for installing blankets. Individual project site conditions and specifications can be unique and may require modifications to this installation plan.
Stake Options: Several different styles of staples and stakes are available for attaching the blanket securely in place. Choose between metal staples and stakes of different sizes and gauges, or from a selection of hardwood and other biodegradable options. Contact us for assistance. bmpsupplies.com/product-page/bmp-stakes
Helpful Tips for Installing Erosion Control Blankets
Drive staples into the ground until the staple is flush with the ground surface.
Use plenty of staples to keep blankets flat and firmly grounded.
Do not stretch blankets.
Do not exceed manufacturer’s directions on maximum slope angle for the product.
Overlap by at least 12 inches wherever the Erosion Control Blanket ends and another begins.
Uphill layers should overlap bottom layers. Stake below the flow level every 12”.
Walk-down the blankets to help secure the blanket to the soil. Poor contact results in erosion beneath the surface and also causes lower seed germination rates.
The blankets should be securely trenched at all ends.
If the blanket will only cover a portion of a slope (and not the whole slope), the highest edge of the blanket should be placed at least one foot above the average high water level.
Inspect the straw blanket weekly and after storm events until vegetation is established. Watch for erosion at the edges or beneath the blankets.
Repair areas damaged by erosion by pulling back the blanket from the affected spot. Add soil, tamp it down, and reseed. Reapply the Erosion Control Blanket, following installation guidelines.
For any sections of blanket not in close contact with the soil, apply additional stakes.
Consider if additional BMPs are needed to prevent any recurring problems.
For ditches with steep grades, consider installing check dams on top of blankets to reduce the impact of high-speed flows.
BMP Supplies is a trusted Manufacture of Erosion Control Blankets, view products here
The information contained herein is furnished without charge or obligation and the recipient assumes all responsibility for its use. Because conditions of use and handling may vary and are beyond our control, this blog makes no representation about, and are not responsible or liable for the accuracy and reliability of said information or the performance of any product. Any specification, property or application listed herein are provided as information only and in no way modify, amend, enlarge or create any warranty. Nothing contained herein is to be construed as permission or as a recommendation to infringe any patent.