Drainage is needed to allow excess rainwater to flow off the roof. Drainage can be coarse granular material or a synthetic layer. Granular drainage may be lightweight aggregate like lava rock or expanded clay, slate, or shale. If the structure can support the weight, gravel or crushed brick or other similar material can be used. Granular drainage layers are typically 2" thick. Using granular drainage can replace some of the media thickness required. Synthetic drainage sheets will be lighter and are typically ½ inch thick. Regardless of the type of drainage used, it should always be separated from the media by a filter fabric to prevent fines from the media filling the drainage.