Remove tiles along the house?

[sofieosterlund]

We are getting the garden ready and I want to remove the tiles closest to the house and put gravel there instead. Is that okay or will it impair the drainage?

 

[Anna_H]

It improves at once.

 

[lars_stefan_axelsson]

It rather improves.

Well, we need to be a bit cautious here. The drainage is typically not designed to handle surface water. It relies on an upward waterproof layer (or at least one that is not wide open). Now, the original poster likely doesn't have exposed drainage directly under the gravel, and a waterproof layer can be arranged with, e.g., plastic if they don't have blue clay, but it's something to consider.

So, as long as the drainage isn't exposed to surface water due to a change in the surface layer, it matters less what it's made of. Paving stones or gravel can be equally fine. Personally, I have paving stones as they provide a good edge for the robotic lawnmower and less weed, etc. to clean up.

 

[Kallebo]

As long as the ground slopes away from the house, the drainage should handle any surface water! The potential risk would be if the stormwater carries debris that clogs the drainage system.

 

[pacman42]

I have a slope away from the house on an underlying layer, then a gravel layer that collects the water to a surface water drainage around the house, then fabric on top of this and thereafter paving stones and grass as desired. Sure, sometimes the grass closest to the house dries out if you don't water it, but it is worth it.