SureCell®, the easy sub-base option from SureSet
Looking for an easy to install sub-base?
We’ve got you covered – look no further than SureCell®!
There’s no over-emphasising the importance of building on a good foundation, whether you want to lay a garden path with resin-bound paving or build a house! We can’t say too much about the latter, but as the UK’s leading manufacturer of permeable resin-bound paving, we know a thing or two about sub-bases and the laying of them. SureCell is the ideal sub-base for SureSet, although we should add that it’s not a prerequisite. Let’s a closer look.
What Is SureCell?
Also known as ground reinforcement, SureCell® is our own cellular grid structure sub-base made from 100% recycled plastic.
Features of SureCell
- Easy and quick to install - a 50m² driveway can be laid in one day
- Available as 'supply and lay' or 'supply only' in a TradePack® to install yourself
- Can be reused
- Can be used with resin bound paving, loose stone and grass
- Low/no-dig option - full depth is only 82mm
- Can be laid directly onto levelled sub-grade (i.e. soil/stone)
- Fully permeable and compliant with SuDS
- Can be made stronger by doubling the depth of SureCell
- Super-strong and high load bearing (full technical and environmental information can be found at the end of this Blog)
- Covered by our 18 year guarantee
- Provides natural filtration: as surface or rain water seeps through the sub-base a natural filtration takes place – reducing or removing impurities and pollutants caused by oils and metals.
SureCell Within The Layers
Every SureSet paving project is comprised of a few layers, and as the sub-base, SureCell is in the middle. You’ll be glad to know that it’s just three layers to a fully permeable surface solution…
From the top down there are three layers to a fully permeable surface - each one an integral part of the reinforcement and filtration system:
First (top) layer
10mm SureSet (SuDS mix) installed @ 30mm depth.
Second layer
SureCell infilled with gravel – suitable for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. For heavy use another layer of SureCell is added.
Third layer
After the removal of vegetation and debris to create a level and compacted sub-grade, a geo-textile membrane layer is laid to prevent the upward migration of fine soil particles.
Alternative top layers
SureCell can also be infilled with plants and/or grass – providing protection for vegetation, natural drainage and softening the look of a space – or crushed rock or gravel – providing a strong base suitable for pedestrian and light vehicular traffic.
Edging options
- Aluminium
- Timber
- Brick
- For a natural look the SureSet layer can be rounded off (recommended for pathways only).
Environmental benefits of SureCell
Made from 100% recycled material (HDPE), grid structures create a fully permeable reinforced stable base, without the need for a cementitious or bitumen based products. HDPE is inert and stable, with an expected lifespan of over 50 years.
CIRIA, the leading body in SuDS research, states that a permeable surface can remove 60-95% of suspended solids and 70-90% of hydrocarbons.
With a grid structure being built-up rather than excavated down, the no dig situation eliminates potential damage to trees and plants.
No digging and reducing the amount and type of infill a grid structure requires, reduces the need for heavy machinery. This has a knock on effect on pollution and the carbon footprint and minimizes on-site disruption from dust, erosion and runoff.
The long-term design life of grid structures mean that maintenance, associated environmental and long-term environmental costs are significantly reduced.
Technical information
- A SureSet aggregate size of 10mm requires a standard depth of 30mm
- SureCell 52mm depth fully connected cellular reinforcement structure infilled with well compacted 4/10mm crushed aggregate to BS EN 12620
- For heavier applications two layers of 52mm SureCell can be installed.
As you can see, SureCell is an excellent choice of sub-base for your SureSet paving project, whether it’s residential or commercial. Let’s explore some of the benefits of our product and of other reliable sub-bases.
The Benefits Of A Reliable Sub-Base
It can be tempting to take a relaxed approach to sub-bases, especially if you’re looking at re-paving an area that already has concrete, asphalt, or other paving that can be used as an alternative to SureCell. Don’t give in to that temptation, as a reliable sub-base will enhance the performance of the SureSet paving.
A few of the other benefits of a good sub-base are:
Uniformity of support – Using SureCell as a sub-base offers uniformity of support, which is essential for excellent long-term performance. If the sub-base is made of several different materials in different places, the performance of the paving will differ in each of those areas.
A stable platform for paving and more – If you lay paving or you build a structure on an unstable foundation, it won’t be long before cracks appear. Laying our resin-bound paving or other paving products on the stable base provided by SureCell means you don’t need to worry about cracks. Your paving will also be able to handle the impact of vehicles and heavy, regular foot traffic.
Decreased differential movement – No matter what sub-base you use, some differential movement will happen. It’s a result of the soil swelling and shrinking as a result of water content, meteorological, and seasonal changes, so there’s nothing much to be done about it. However, a reliable sub-base can minimize the extent and impact of that differential movement.
If you want to get the most out of your SureSet permeable resin-bound paving, make sure that you give it the best base and sub-base. You can lay it over an immaculate concrete or asphalt surface, but if you really want to be sure that you’ve done a great job with your paving project, be sure to use SureCell.
Watch our SureCell installation video.
For more information please visit our website, call 01985 841180 or email us.
