Useful Information
Porcelain paving
Manufactured from the finest raw materials, under strict controls allows us to obtain the exceptional technical characteristics which sets porcelain paving apart.
Anti-slip surface resistance
• Porcelain paving = R11
Finishes are intentionally manufactured with slightly uneven colour tones and surface decoration, these subtle variations set these products apart.
The use of a slurry primer to the reverse of each paver is both essential and more importantly critical to the overall performance of Bradstone porcelain paving.
We recommend the use of Bradstone Bradbond for this.
Apply as per instructions given on the tub. Applied to the underside using a stiff brush, it provides an exceptional bond between paver and the full wet bed underneath.
Mixed to manufacturer’s instructions and applied with care it forms an immediate bond which prevents the pavers from lifting or potentially moving in the future when correctly laid.
Bradstone porcelain paving can be cut on site and mostly to any size. We recommend the use of a portable saw (table saw, petrol driven disc cutter, rechargeable angle grinder) fitted with a good quality diamond porcelain blade. The blade should be water fed for dust suppression and to keep the blade cool. Scoring the product first and sawing from the face downwards will help to alleviate the potential risk of edge/surface chipping.
Bradstone porcelain paving can be cleaned by applying a suitable cleaner. We strongly recommend the finished laid area be thoroughly cleaned/washed down which helps
remove general building dirt, grout residue and any grease deposits that may be present. It is also recommended that periodic cleaning with a porcelain cleaner will help to keep the paving looking its best.
Dependent on the type of stain/surface residue present (i.e. suction marks, grease, grout, general building site dirt,) there is a wide range of off the shelf specialist cleaners
available. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first before applying to any test area.
IMPORTANT:
When laying any porcelain paving over 800mm, remember to only stagger the paving to a maximum of 33% of the length:
Joint widths should still be at least 5mm. Using spacers will help to achieve uniform joints
Slurry Primer
The British Standard recommends that a slurry primer (should as Bradbond) should be applied to the underside of all paving prior to laying to improve adhesion
Differential Weathering
Differential weathering can cause patchy dark discolourations on the surface of individual units. Again this will generally diminish over time and will not affect long term
performance. This is due to differential weathering where the surface of the paving has cured at different rates. All decorative products will weather and change appearance
over time.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence can appear on all paving products as white patches or a lightening of the surface colour, but seems to disappear when wet.
It is formed by a normal chemical reaction which causes calcium hydroxide (lime) to migrate through the damp paving surface and then react with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere resulting in a deposit of calcium carbonate crystals. Efflorescence is very unpredictable in its occurrence and can happen at any time of the year but is more prevalent in winter.
Although there are cleaners available, efflorescence is a natural phenomenon and will generally disappear with the natural weathering process and the passage of time. It does not compromise the integrity of the paving. Aggregate Industries cannot accept responsibility for the effect of efflorescence which can be a characteristic of all good quality products with a high cement content.
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