EcoScape® SoftBond® & SoftBond®+
A blend of EcoScape® rubber mulch; combined with a binder; mixed on site and levelled out to provide a more natural looking and cheaper option than some synthetic and rubber surfacing options.
Cost Effective To Install:
- In many cases, no need for a retained engineered sub base.*
- Single layer coverage.
- Same day curing.
(*Consideration should be given to the drainage capability and levels of the proposed surface on which the SoftBond® will be laid and when appropriate a suitable drainage layer installed.)
Problem Areas Solved:
- Small areas which were previously considered uneconomical to install are cost effectivly covered.
- Areas where digging a foundation is a problem e.g around tree roots.
Enhanced Aesthetics:
- Natural looking shreds, ideal for playgrounds, woodland areas and creating naturescapes.
- 6 standard colours can be mixed for a blend of shred and binder, that ages through weathering, creating shades of colour depicting the natural landscape.
Satisfies Environmental Demands:
- 100% recycled rubber mulch.
As An Impact Absorbing System
Tested In Accordance With BS EN1177: (2008)
- A range of systems available, subject to proposed ground conditions and critical fall heights.
- SoftBond® 'Free-zone' and 'Play-zone' systems with a critical fall height guide ranging from 0.7m- 2.1m on to concrete; and from 1.8m-3.3m on to consolidated clay soil (some incorporating 'EcoBase' system technology). Please consult with an EcoScape advisor.
- SoftBond®+ a finer more compact system is available for areas of higher wear.
>> SoftBond® Installation Storyboard
>> SoftBond® Colour Palette
SoftBond® General Installation Guidlines
We deliver the mulch in 10 kilo bags and the binder in 25 kilo kegs to site as a single delivery package. (Unless purchased in large volume, then larger containers are available)
This system is designed to be installed for a wide variety of applications, subject to the performance requirements for your particular application and your existing site conditions, the need of sub-grade preparation may vary.
For example if a woodland pathway or around trees, simply consolidating the soil and allowing the SoftBond® to follow the contours around the trees, would achieve the desired effect; however, if around a high piece of playground equipment, it is essential that a consistent thickness of the SoftBond® is maintained appropriate to the hardness of the proposed base on which it is to be laid, in order to benefit from the appropriate impact absorbing qualities of the product; in some cases this may require a greater degree of levelling or ground preparation.
We have more detailed installation guidelines available on request but very briefly:
Using a paddle mixer, blend in 1.8 - 2 kilo of binder per 10 kilo bag of much (ratio 18%-20%) - this is normally mixed for around 3-5 minutes or until it looks evenly wet (weather conditions will affect this).
Transfer the mix to the appropriate position on the geo-textile and spread out to desired depth using a floor trowel. The final look can be left 'rough' or spend a little more time tampering it down for a smoother or tighter finish, in particular for playground or activity trail applications.
Fit up to the chosen edging detail or simply taper the edges and bury under the soil to finish.
These are not fully detailed instructions; so please speak to us for further details on installation methods should you wish to self install; note that although we are happy to supply materials to allow any competent person to self install for some basic applications; there are of course many variables during the mixing and laying process which can affect the finished result. So if you should you have a requirement for any predetermined performance, we strongly recommend the use of professional installers.
Tips on ideal working conditions: The ground or the material should not be wet at the outset and ideally it should not be rained on during the first 24 hours after installation.
Minimum working temperature +5 degrees Celcius for 12 hours after laying.