A. Drainage
Good drainage prevents the accumulation of sub-surface water underneath the paved area know as sub-surface ponding.
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The excavated surface should have a fall (minimum 1:50) so that any moisture will flow to a drainage point.
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It is recommended that the top of the paving is a minimum of 75mm below the damp proof course of the building.
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Place a plastic membrane against any exposed foundation.
B. Sub-grade
The sub-grade is the upper part of the soil, natural or constructed, which supports the loads transmitted by the overlying paving.
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All vegetation and top soil must be removed.
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Must be well drained and compacted.
C. Sub-grade
The base-course is the foundation for the pavers.
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The base-course should be made from gravel or G5 and can be stabilized using cement.
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Varies in thickness between 50mm and 120mm depending on the type of sub-grade and whether the paved area is for a footpath or driveway.
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Footpath pavers can be laid without a based-course where the sub-grade material is compact and uniform.
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The compacted surface should be tight or close knit to prevent migration downwards of the bedding course material.
D. Bedding Course
The layer that the pavers rest on. Well graded, washed river sand is used as a bedding course material for paving.
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Between 20mm and 25mm thick.
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Carefully screed (level) with a straight edge.
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Must be moist when the pavers are placed.
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Cement may be added to the base-course to further stabilize this layer.
2. Setting out
Ensuring tha your paving pattern stays aligned.
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Use setting out lines (this is a grid of string/nylon lines spaced at exact intervals).
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Constantly re-check your lines in all directions while installing the paves.
3. Handling of products
To minimize damage to pavers during transport
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Transport in an upright position.
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Carry pavers by hand to the laying area, underside to underside.
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Cobbles should be transported in a wheelbarrow and be packed and unpacked individually by hand.
4. Laying the Pavers
ALTO TILES products are designed to resemble natural stone, and do have variances in dimensions and colour.
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Product must be drawn from different consignments to ensure blending of different batches.
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Use a rubber mallet to bed large flagstones, ensuring that any highs and lows are evened out.
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Uneven pavers should be rotated to match adjoining pavers, or replaced and used for cutting.
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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, ALTO TILES pavers can be cut
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With a brick cutting machine or;
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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;
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Reinforced concrete.
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Kerbs e.g. Tulbagh Barrier Kerbs.
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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.
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A 1:3 cement / plaster sand slurry mix is strongly recommended.
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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.
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Rinse sponge frequently in clean water. Any residue will result in cement staining.
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Freshly grouted pavers should not be trafficked.
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Cordoning off the new paving for 7 days, with no pedestrian or vehicle traffic, is recommended.
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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
It is recommended that newly laid pavers be compacted by:
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A light roller compactor with the vibrator switched off. This is the method used for cobbles and pavers.
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A rubber mallet. This is the method used for flagstones.
9. Use if sealants
Sealants may be used to prevent Staining and to enhance the colour, of the Smart Stone Product installed.
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Allow paving to dry thoroughly before applying the sealant.
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Seek professional advice before applying sealant.
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Copings and pavers around salt chlorinated swimming pools should be sealed but pavers must be totally dry and free from efflorescence.
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Ideally seal after efflorescence has subsided. When using sealants we suggest that you do a test patch on extra pavers.