The aim of this guide is to help you understand how to correctly specify, design and prepare for
the installation of an outdoor surface and ensure that the surface will achieve the highest quality finish, meeting all
UK and European standards.
Client provides DCM with a project
brief. This includes: area size, depths,
measurements, colours, designs and an
accurate drawing.
An Account Manager will contact the
client to discuss the project brief and
request any further information. A quote
is sent and a site visit can be organised.
Client approves or requests amends to
quotation until sign-off is provided.
DCM prepares a file with all details. This
is checked internally and further
clarification may be requested.
DCM confirms with the client before
an install is due to ensure that the site
is ready.
An order acknowledgment is sent to
the customer. A date is agreed and
material is ordered.
A pre-install site survey can be arranged for £175 to check the sub-base levels and access on site for your peace of mind.
STAGE 2: INSTALL
Team arrive on site wearing full PPE,
present CSCS /DBS cards and sign in. Installers unload
equipment from vehicle. Heras fencing
is assembled if requested.
Materials / skips are delivered to site.
Measurements are taken of area and
installers take images throughout install.
Once equipment has been unloaded,
installers measure area, check dips,
report temperature / weather to
operations and compare site to
drawing / jobsheet.
The Operations team maintain regular
contact with the installation team
throughout the day.
Should any issues occur on site, such as
measurement variations and sub-base
issues, the Operations team will contact
the client to discuss recommended next
steps.
Installers take photos of materials
and groundwork conditions throughout the day.
Once completed, materials and equipment are cleared and the site is left clean and tidy.
STAGE 3: AFTERCARE
Pictures of the completed install are
emailed to the client with warranty and
maintenance information.
Customer feedback is requested and an
invoice is sent to the client.
Step 1: Design and Planning
Design and Planning
IMPORTANT PRODUCT CONSIDERATIONS:
Is the product to be used as a safety surface? – View the Surfacing Guide
It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that DCM are aware of any conditions on site which may prevent delays in transporting and delivering materials to the install area or which prevent DCM from completing a full working day (8am – 7pm). Additional charges may be incurred if upon arrival to site the conditions described on the pre-install questionnaire do not correspond with those on site.
DCM ASSUME THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
DELIVERY OF MATERIALS
Access to site is between 8am – 7pm on the day of install. Please let us know if deliveries can be made before the install date. This will save time on the day.
Inform DCM if access for delivery of materials is not available by articulated truck (max 2.5m wide x 12m length).
Access for delivery of materials is available within 30m of the site
UNLOADING DELIVERY
Access for unloading the delivery of materials is available within 30m of the site
Level area for wagon to unload. A Hiab can be requested if required.
PARKING / UNLOADING VAN
Free parking is available for DCM vans. Please advise if parking is an issue at quotation stage, along with details of the nearest available parking.
SITE ACCESS
It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure clear and suitable access for all deliveries and collections. If there is no suitable access an aborted visit fee will be applied.
Access to site should be clean and clear – DCM can supply boards for easier access over muddy areas etc if made aware in advance
Please inform DCM if access to site is via steps
Please inform DCM if access to site is through a building, or not available within 30m of the install area
SITE SET-UP
Free working space for mixing is available within 30 metres
of the site.
A level working area is available for a mixer and 3m x 3m
groundsheet
WORK BEGINS!
Welfare facilities are available onsite or nearby
If there is an induction, it will not last longer than 2 hours
You have made DCM aware that CSCS cards, RAMS, Method Statements or DBS cards are
required
Curing times are dependent on weather conditions (i.e. temperature, rainfall, humidity). Although we will leave the site secure, DCM cannot
be held responsible for animal prints (ie. fox, birds) or any vandalism to the area if the surface has not fully cured at the end of the working
day. Some surfaces, especially white EPDM with aliphatic binder can take between 4-16 hours to cure.
Security is provided by the customer. Please inform DCM in advance if Heras fencing is required.
If necessary, a site compound / container is provided by the customer when the install is taking place over multiple days
The surface is only as good as the surface beaneath!
View the surface overview to view correct product build-ups, and examples of good and bad groundworks.
Any deviations should be such that when a 3m long straight edge is placed
in any position on the surface, the gap between the straight edge and the
surface shall at no point be greater than +/-6mm.
The sub-base should be dry, level and compact all over
The surface should be clear of obstacles / piled debris
Edges should be installed to the correct depth
The base should be clear of weeds / moss
In addition to the above checklist, please be aware of the following when installing onto each of the below materials…
The surface should have suitable drainage (if installing a permeable product)
Macadam should be laid at least 7 days before installation to allow the oils in the materials to dissipate (30 days when installing bonded gravel). If installed earlier, there is a risk that
the sub-base may not bond correctly to the new surface or oils in the macadam will seep through and stain the wearing course.
