1A. Drainage
Good drainage prevents the accumulation of sub-surface water underneath the paved area know as sub-surface ponding.
- The excavated surface should have a fall (minimum 1:50) so that any moisture will flow to a drainage point.
- It is recommended that the top of the paving is a minimum of 75mm below the damp proof course of the building.
- Place a plastic membrane against any exposed foundation.
1B. Sub-grade
The sub-grade is the upper part of the soil, natural or constructed, which supports the loads transmitted by the overlying paving.
- All vegetation and top soil must be removed.
- Must be well drained and compacted.
1C. Sub-grade
1D. Bedding Course
The layer that the pavers rest on. Well graded, washed river sand is used as a bedding course material for paving.
- Between 20mm and 25mm thick.
- Carefully screed (level) with a straight edge.
- Must be moist when the pavers are placed.
- Cement may be added to the base-course to further stabilize this layer.
2. Setting out
3. Handling of products
4. Laying the Pavers
StonQube products are designed to resemble natural stone, and do have variances in dimensions and colour.
- Product must be drawn from different consignments to ensure blending of different batches.
- Use a rubber mallet to bed large flagstones, ensuring that any highs and lows are evened out.
- Uneven pavers should be rotated to match adjoining pavers, or replaced and used for cutting.
- Concrete is brittle. Consequently it can be expected that up to 5% of the product will have small chips when delivered. This is normally allowed for by the paver when ordering. Chipped products should be used for cutting where possible.
5. Cutting
If necessary, StonQube pavers can be cut
- With a brick cutting machine or;
- With an angle grinder (with a diamond tipped blade).
6. Edge Restraints
Restrain the perimeter of the laid paving to prevent the washing out of the bedding sand (this will cause subsidence of the pavers on the edge and could result in movement of the pavers). Good edge restrains are;
- Reinforced concrete.
- Kerbs e.g. Tulbagh Barrier Kerbs.
- Edge pavers bedded in a concrete base.
7. Joint Filling
There are two types of paving installations; namely rigid and flexible paving. With the rigid installation method the spaces between the pavers are filled with a wet slurry mix known as grouting. Rigid installations are not recommended for DIY enthusiasts. With the flexible installation method dry sand is swept in between the pavers to secure them in place.
7A. Drainage
Grouting for a Rigid Installation Cast stone products are porous and must be thoroughly wet prior to the application of the slurry to avoid cement staining.
- A 1:3 cement / plaster sand slurry mix is strongly recommended.
- When a slurry is used, ensure that excess grouting is washed off the textured surface with a fine hose spray, or with a sponge immediately.
- Rinse sponge frequently in clean water. Any residue will result in cement staining.
- Freshly grouted pavers should not be trafficked.
- Cordoning off the new paving for 7 days, with no pedestrian or vehicle traffic, is recommended.
- Cure the grouting by wetting the paving and joints with a fine spray for a few days after grouting. Keeping the grouting moist will prevent cracks. Beware not to wash the grouting out.
7B Jointing Sand for a Flexible Installation
Alternatively, fine plaster sand or building sand may be used to fill the joints between cobbles and pavers in driveway applications.
8. Compaction of Paving
9. Use if sealants
Sealants may be used to prevent Staining and to enhance the colour, of the Smart Stone Product installed.
- Allow paving to dry thoroughly before applying the sealant.
- Seek professional advice before applying sealant.
- Copings and pavers around salt chlorinated swimming pools should be sealed but pavers must be totally dry and free from efflorescence.
- Ideally seal after efflorescence has subsided. When using sealants we suggest that you do a test patch on extra pavers.