Rodent Barrier FAQs
Common questions about BaseShield™ SubBase Defence, sub-base barriers, installation, and rodent protection for raised structures. For comprehensive guidance, see our full guide to preventing rodent access beneath raised structures.
Product Questions
BaseShield is a rolled sub-base barrier system manufactured from welded wire mesh and hot-dip galvanised after welding. It is designed to prevent rodent access beneath garden rooms, modular buildings, decking, and screw pile foundations. Each roll covers 25m² (1m × 25m).
No. BaseShield is a substructure protection system component — not a pest control product. It prevents access rather than treating infestation. It is installed during construction as part of the building's sub-base detailing.
BaseShield is designed for any raised structure with an open sub-base void, including garden rooms, modular buildings, raised decking, sheds on bearers, screw pile foundations, and other raised constructions.
Each roll covers 25 square metres (1 metre wide × 25 metres long). For larger projects, use multiple rolls with a minimum 100mm overlap between sheets.
The clear mesh opening is 7.66mm. This is small enough to exclude all common UK rodent species including juvenile mice, which need a gap of approximately 6-7mm to pass through.
The wire diameter is 0.80mm. The welded construction provides rigidity and resistance to gnawing that exceeds loose-weave alternatives of similar gauge.
Yes. BaseShield is hot-dip galvanised after welding. This means every weld point and wire surface is fully protected against corrosion — critical for a product designed for permanent ground-contact installation.
Installation Questions
Ideally during the foundation stage of a new build, before the structure is placed on its foundations. This is the easiest, fastest, and most effective time to install it.
In some cases, yes — but it is significantly more difficult and may require lifting sections of the structure or removing skirting. New-build installation is always recommended where possible.
No. BaseShield can be cut with standard tin snips and secured using common fixings. No welding, soldering, or specialist equipment is required.
For a typical domestic garden room (15-30m²), approximately 15-30 minutes. Larger commercial structures will take longer.
No. BaseShield is an open mesh product. Water drains through freely and air circulates normally. It does not create moisture traps or restrict sub-floor ventilation.
Comparisons & Alternatives
Yes. Chicken wire has larger hexagonal openings, thinner wire that rats can gnaw through, and is typically not galvanised for long-term ground contact. BaseShield is a purpose-built, welded mesh product with a 7.66mm opening and hot-dip galvanised finish.
Skirting only blocks access from the sides. Rodents can burrow from below, and mice can exploit small gaps. A full sub-base barrier like BaseShield covers the entire footprint and prevents access from every direction.
A sub-base barrier addresses the root cause — access — rather than treating the symptoms. Poison and traps require ongoing maintenance, pose risks to other animals, and do not prevent future rodent access.
Ready to protect your structure?
Order online for fast UK delivery or speak with us to discuss your project requirements. BaseShield™ SubBase Defence covers 25m² per roll.