BaseShield™
Sub-Base Defence System
A rolled galvanised mesh barrier installed at ground level during construction — sealing the full footprint beneath garden rooms, decking, modular buildings and screw pile foundations before access becomes a problem.
Coverage
25m² / roll
Roll Size
1m × 25m
Mesh Opening
7.66mm
Finish
Hot-dip galvanised
The Problem
Raised Structures Create an Exposed Void Below Floor Level
Garden rooms, decking and modular buildings are installed above ground level — on bearers, concrete pads or screw pile foundations. This creates a continuous sheltered cavity directly beneath the floor structure.
That cavity is warm, dry and largely undisturbed — conditions that make it highly attractive for nesting. Without a physical barrier, the void is accessible from any point at ground level, regardless of how well the structure above is built.
Perimeter cladding and skirting boards are installed above ground level. They improve aesthetics but they do not seal the sub-base. Access occurs below the visible line, where no amount of surface detailing provides protection.
The void is created by design
Every raised structure — whether on bearers, pads or screws — creates an open sub-base cavity. This is an inherent consequence of elevation above ground level.
Problems develop unseen
Activity beneath a structure is concealed from view. By the time signs appear internally — noise, damage, soiling — access beneath the floor is already well established.
Perimeter details don't protect the base
Cladding, fascia boards and skirting run above ground level. They leave the sub-base perimeter open. Only a full-footprint ground-level barrier closes these access points.
Why this matters at build stage
Once the floor frame is set and the structure is in place, full access to the sub-base is gone. The correct window to install protection is during construction — before the floor structure goes down.
Timing Is Everything
Build Stage vs After Installation
There is one window to protect the sub-base correctly. Once the structure is complete, that window closes permanently.
Correct approach
Build Stage Protection
- Full sub-base area accessible
- Barrier covers the complete footprint
- Integrated into the construction sequence
- Permanent, maintenance-free result
- No disruption to the build above
After the build
Retrospective Attempts
- Restricted access beneath structure
- Perimeter-only coverage at best
- Disruptive to the building and garden
- Rarely achieves complete coverage
- Ongoing issue without a permanent fix
The Solution
BaseShield™ — Designed for Sub-Base Installation
BaseShield™ Sub-Base Defence is a purpose-built sub-base barrier system, developed specifically for installation during construction beneath raised structures. It is not a repurposed agricultural mesh or a cut-down rigid panel — it is engineered for this application.
The rolled format — 1m wide, 25m long — deploys flat at ground level, covers standard bay spacings cleanly and overlaps without cutting or shaping. The barrier is positioned before the floor frame goes down, when the full sub-base footprint is accessible.
Hot-dip galvanising is applied after welding — ensuring every joint is protected. The 7.66mm clear mesh opening is the engineered specification for rodent exclusion at ground level beneath UK raised structures.
Purpose-built barrier system
Engineered specifically for sub-base installation beneath raised structures — not a general-purpose mesh product applied to a different problem.
Full-footprint coverage
Installed flat at ground level before the floor structure is set, forming a continuous barrier across the entire sub-base area — not just the visible perimeter.
Designed for construction integration
The rolled format allows fast, clean positioning during the build process. Standard bay spacings covered without on-site cutting or awkward panel handling.
Engineered for ground-contact durability
Hot-dip galvanised after welding for long-term corrosion resistance in damp, soil-contact conditions — the most demanding part of any raised structure installation.
Installation
How BaseShield™ is Installed
Installation integrates directly into the standard construction sequence. No specialist tools, no additional trades, no separate mobilisation. The rolled format is designed to be handled by the site team already on the build.
The earlier in the sequence it is installed, the more effective the result. Positioning before the ground screw frame or bearer structure is fixed gives full, unobstructed access to the entire sub-base footprint.
Installation adds minimal time to the build programme — typically under 30 minutes for a standard garden room footprint. Once in place, the barrier requires no maintenance for the lifetime of the structure.
Positioned flat at ground level
BaseShield™ is placed on the sub-base or compacted ground before the floor frame is set. This is the most effective stage — full access, full coverage.
Unrolled and overlapped to full footprint
Rolls are positioned with a minimum 100mm overlap at joins. The 1m width covers standard bay spacings cleanly without excess waste or cutting.
Secured at the perimeter
The mesh is fixed at the perimeter using methods appropriate to the foundation type — whether concrete pad, timber bearer or screw pile system.
Build proceeds over the barrier
The floor structure is built directly over the installed barrier. Once in place, BaseShield™ provides continuous sub-base protection for the life of the structure.
Pricing
BaseShield™ Sub-Base Defence
Covers up to 25m² — typically sufficient for a standard garden room footprint in a single roll.
Larger structures require additional rolls. Overlap joins by 100mm. Trade pricing available for volume orders.
Why specify at build stage
25m²
Coverage per roll
A single 1m × 25m roll covers the entire footprint of a standard garden room. Larger projects scale directly.
< 30 min
Typical installation time
Rolled format deploys flat, overlaps cleanly, cuts with standard tools. No specialist skills required.
Build stage
Only window for correct installation
Full sub-base access exists before the floor frame is set. After construction, coverage options are limited.
Applications
Where BaseShield™ is Specified
Any raised structure with an open sub-base void benefits from a physical ground-level barrier. These are the most common applications.
Garden Rooms
Garden rooms on bearers, pads or screw piles create a sheltered sub-base void. BaseShield™ covers the full footprint during construction, before the floor frame is set.
Composite Decking
Decking sits on a frame above ground — an open void that is rarely addressed during installation. A full-footprint barrier is the appropriate solution, installed before the deck frame is fixed.
Modular Buildings
Off-site and modular structures are positioned onto a prepared foundation frame. The sub-base is accessible for barrier installation before the module is delivered and positioned.
Screw Pile Foundations
Screw pile systems create the ideal configuration for barrier installation — the barrier goes down after the screws and before the floor frame, integrating cleanly into the construction sequence.
Technical Specification
BaseShield™ Sub-Base Defence — Product Data
Engineered for permanent ground-level installation, BaseShield™ is manufactured to consistent technical standards. The hot-dip galvanising process is applied after welding — ensuring full corrosion protection at every weld joint, not just the wire surface.
The 7.66mm clear mesh opening is the critical performance specification — sized to prevent entry by common rodent species encountered beneath UK raised structures.
Contact us for project-specific technical queriesTechnical Data
| Roll size | 1m × 25m |
| Coverage per roll | 25m² |
| Construction | Welded wire mesh |
| Finish | Hot-dip galvanised after welding |
| Clear mesh opening | 7.66mm |
| Wire diameter | 0.80mm |
| Installation stage | During construction · pre-floor frame |
| Overlap at joins | 100mm minimum |
Complete Build System
Part of the Forti Nova System
BaseShield™ is a substructure component — specified alongside the other systems that make up a complete garden room or raised structure build.
Ground Screw Foundations
Screw pile system forming the structural base. BaseShield™ installs after the screws and before the floor frame — the ideal integration point.
ExploreBaseShield™ Sub-Base Defence
Rolled mesh barrier installed at ground level over the full footprint before the floor frame is set. You are here.
← You are hereSteel Frame Garden Rooms
Pre-engineered LGS frame structures. BaseShield™ is installed before the frame is erected, integrating cleanly into the construction sequence.
ExploreSpecifying a complete garden room build? Forti Nova supplies ground screws, sub-base barrier, steel frames, EPDM roofing and composite cladding from one depot.
Discuss Your BuildWho We Supply
Self-Build & Homeowners
Installing a garden room or decking structure and want to protect the sub-base at build stage? Order direct from our depot or call the team to confirm quantity for your footprint.
- Order direct
- Single roll or multiple
- Technical support
Builders & Garden Room Installers
Specifying sub-base protection as part of your standard build? We supply trade quantities with consistent availability and competitive pricing.
- Trade pricing available
- Volume supply
- Specify on every build
Decking Contractors
Composite decking creates the same sub-base void as a raised building. BaseShield™ integrates into the decking installation sequence before the frame is fixed.
- Integrates into standard sequence
- Trade accounts available
- Consistent stock
Supplied from Our Blackburn Depot — Trade & Public Welcome
BaseShield™ Sub-Base Defence is stocked at our depot and showroom in Blackburn, BB1 3DL. Available to collect or for nationwide delivery. Call 01254 433987 to confirm availability and arrange supply.
Whether you're specifying a single roll for a home project or ordering trade quantities for multiple builds, our team can confirm stock, advise on quantity and arrange delivery to suit your build programme.
Visit Our Showroom
Unit 1–3 Bridgewater Business Park
Gladstone Street
Blackburn, BB1 3DL
BaseShield™ FAQs
Common questions about sub-base barrier specification and installation.
Specify Sub-Base Protection at Build Stage
One roll. Installed in under 30 minutes. Permanent protection for the lifetime of the structure.
£349 + VAT · 25m² per roll · Call 01254 433987 · Blackburn BB1 3DL