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Paving should be laid on a level & firm well drained base to ensure long
term stability and service. Top soil etc should be removed to an approximate depth of 200mm over
the area to be paved. Mark out the area clearly with retaining boards or pegs and adjust
their height to the required finished surface level, ensure you allow a gradual
fall of 1:60 away from any buildings & walls for surface drainage. Ensure
that the finished paving surface level is at least 150mm (two brick courses) below
the level of the DPC membrane.
Excavate & rake level the ground area to ensure an even depth. Compact the desired
area
using a garden roller or tamper. Lay at least a 75mm deep sub-base of hard-core
and compact well.
After compacting, the sub-base, rake in sand to any voids and compact again. Spread a layer of sharp sand across the sub-base, to
a compacted depth of 35mm.
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It is advised to start with full flags laying them adjacent to a fixed point,
such as the house or boundary wall. Work towards the edge which as it may be adjustable,
Or start from a corner on the longest straight edge.
When laying more than one size of paving stones based on a random pattern,
or if you are laying a circle or other design, we recommended that you dry lay the paving
flags first & check, make sure you are happy with the pattern.
The best method for stability dictates the paving should be laid on a full bed of
mortar using a wet
mix of 5 parts building sand to 1 part cement. This is the recommended
norm for Natural Sandstone Paving.
It is advised you take the paving flags from different crates of open packs for
the best random affect to your patio or driveway.
Paving flags must be tapped down to the required level, use a piece of softwood between
the wooden mallet and flag or use a rubber mallet. Continually check
levels and falls with a spirit level, during the laying process. Place the spirit level
across the top surface profile of a number
of flags at a time to ensure the levels
are correct.
It is important to maintain correct spacing between the flags, if preferred,
for random patterns the joint widths can vary according to individual taste.
Please see these diagrams to help you lay the paving in the correct pattern
Paving Diagrams
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Pointing should be completed after the laying work has been completed. United Stone
recommend you use GEOFIX (dry mix) as this prevents staining of the paving surface
experienced when using more traditional (wet mixes). GEOFIX is a dry based powder,
which is simply brushed into the joints and left to set over an 8 hours period.
GEOFIX reacts chemically when exposed to the atmosphere, no water is required hence
there is no staining to the paving flags, if the product is utilized correctly.
Smoothing or raking out the joints
later when the mortar has started to set with
a specialist pointing tool.
Traditional methods may be preferred
using a semi-dry mortar mix of 6 parts building sand to 1 part cement. Take care
not to stain the paving surface as removal once stained is virtually impossible.
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United Stone recommend you seal your paving flags after they have been laid and
brushed clean. Apply 3 to 6 coats of AQUASEAL patio sealant. When applying ensure
to work the length and breadth of each flag on each coat applied (crossways pattern).
Make the application annually to prevent staining from spilled drinks etc.
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