Coarse stone topping
Many tracks are little more than layers of consolidated stone that over years have been added to as required. Topping stone can be used to fill areas where the track surface has been washed away by storm water or eroded by frost and vehicle use. Occasionally lengthy sections are topped with a layer of suitable stone to provide an even surface over a very worn base. DMS take particular care with the choice of stone for topping as well as the quantity and size of stone. The end result must be in keeping with other local traditional tracks and local stone used wherever possible.
Quantity, in particular, is important for the durability of the track. With too little stone, the track will be easily washed or worn away within a year or two, however, the right quantity will enable the track to stabilise properly and last for many decades. Insufficient quantity of stone is the most common reason for new or refurbished track surfaces to fail and is invariably a false economy. Depending on the desired finish, the topping stone can be further treated in order to break and partially pulverise the stone and then be compacted. To finish DMS ensure that stray topping stone is raked of the verges and from drainage features as appropriate.
