Create a splash guard from gravel yourself

Hello everyone,

I have a topic again where I don’t know how to proceed on my own and therefore hope for your collective knowledge. Of course, I have already read on the internet, but I am still not sure how to do it properly. Our garden landscaper is unfortunately taking a lot of time to prepare the quote. That’s why I thought I could try to create the splash guard myself. Our house has a basement. Recently, an ETICS was installed, which ends approximately at the level of the top edge of the basement windows. The lowest insulation panels are wedge-shaped and get narrower towards the bottom. The garden landscaper said he would use a dimpled membrane there.

Question 1: What is the purpose of the dimpled membrane? I understand that it protects the ETICS from damage caused by stones? Question 2: Is the dimpled membrane somehow attached to the house? My idea was to pull it down a bit lower than the ETICS, where it then holds due to the earth pressure. Does that work? Are a few centimeters enough?

I only need a splash guard on two sides of the house. On one side, there is already a concrete edge. After laying the dimpled membrane, I would fill up with soil, put weed protection fabric on top, and then stones on that. On the other side, a new edge needs to be formed. For this, I would like to use paving stones that are already available.

Question 3: How do I make an edge for the splash guard out of the paving stones? Probably best with concrete. How do I do that?

The garages should also get a splash guard. There is no ETICS here, and so far there has partly been no splash guard at all. So, for 50-60 years, soil has been directly against the garage foundation. (Or on one garage there is a very thin insulation attached.)

Question 4: Should a dimpled membrane be installed on the garage? I don’t see a reason for that since there has been none so far.

Well, this has turned out to be quite a long story. Oh yes, I also have photos.
1. Garage
2. Side of the house with an already existing edge
3.+4. With some imagination, you might be able to recognize the wedge-shaped insulation here.

Many thanks in advance to everyone who has read this far

What I notice when looking at the pictures: In some parts, the ETICS at the very bottom is not completely plastered. So the part that will later be underground. Is that a problem?

I also found a picture from Sto showing how it was installed here.

What is the dimple membrane for? I understand that it protects the ETICS from damage by stones?

Yes, exactly.

Is the dimple membrane somehow attached to the house? My idea was to pull it a bit deeper than the ETICS, where it would hold by earth pressure. Does that work? Are a few centimeters enough?

No, it holds by counterpressure.

Should you install a dimple membrane at the garage?

You can do without it. however you do it: Take stones of your choice and insert them into lean concrete or throw lean concrete at an angle onto them and tamp it down firmly. It doesn't have to be much. You can do it on both sides or just one side. Roughly 20cm deep, 10cm wide. Create a slope for water drainage. I wouldn't be overly cautious... when the guys here explain how to do it, they make a big deal out of it ;) Then fill the gaps with gravel, ideally the same you used for the lean concrete mix. Finally, a water-permeable cover — fleece is not necessary. It doesn't matter which way the dimple membrane is installed: everyone has their own philosophy. Tip: If you're more of a fine motor skills person, stay kneeling by the curb stones, your man can hand you the gravel/lean concrete. P.S.: use more material if there is a parking space or something attached. Don't make the splash guard too narrow if you have space. It looks petty.

What I notice when looking at the pictures: Part of the ETICS at the very bottom is not completely plastered. So the part that will later be underground. Is that bad?

Yes, moisture can penetrate there. You should fill that in (as also shown in the STO picture) and apply a sealing slurry.

I'm currently digging out :D I'm wondering, how thick should the gravel layer actually be? So how many cm do I need between the fleece and the top edge?

When I look at the [STO] image, gravel must reach up to the bottom edge of the insulation. This is logical to me as a layperson, since water should not accumulate at the insulation.