The cottage has long been a gathering place for the whole family in the summer. And the question arises of the need to create garden paths and areas where you can put a dining table and chairs. What materials to decorate a personal plot depends on the imagination and financial capabilities of the owner. Paving slabs occupy the golden mean in this matter: it allows you to satisfy flights of fancy along with financial affordability.
Advantages and disadvantages
Paving stones are made by pouring into standard forms, so the process of laying them is greatly simplified. In addition, components for the production of tiles can be introduced into the composition that affect its quality, wear resistance and other performance characteristics.
The advantages of this material over others include:
- variety of shapes, colors, textures;
- resistance to temperature fluctuations, humidity, loads in the presence of a wear-resistant corrugated coating;
- ease of installation and ease of installation work, including water supply and sewerage systems. The possibility of replacing one or more fragments in case of damage, repeated use with environmental safety.
Paving slabs have the following disadvantages:
- careful preparation of a leveled laying plane, with the creation of a sand cushion of a sufficiently large layer (especially on heaving soils and areas with a high level of groundwater, including seasonal rise);
- moisture entering the pores of the material, crystallizes upon the onset of frost, increases in volume, thereby destroying the tile from the inside, which affects its service life;
- additional backfilling of the joints is required, since the material of the inter-tile space periodically sags, it is necessary to remove rooting plants.
With all the advantages and disadvantages, the sidewalk still remains one of the most popular paving materials. And thanks to the variety, you can choose options with a minimum of disadvantages.
Varieties and characteristics
Remains of tiles produced back in the 70s of the last century can still be found in some places. Of course, it is already difficult to call it a tile, but nevertheless it is a solid road surface. Manufacturing technologies, and in connection with this, physical characteristics have changed since then. Yes, and the forms are from simple to the most bizarre.
Paving stones are classified based on the type of technology used for its manufacture.
. One of the most popular types for paving sidewalks and playgrounds. It is made on a special vibrating table by pouring a liquid composition into prepared plastic molds for casting.
The vibrations of the vibrating unit allow the material to be compacted, which helps to obtain a durable tile. The casting method makes it possible to manufacture various shapes and sizes.
The tile will be ready for laying in a few days, but it will gain its strength characteristics only after a month.
The maximum service life is 15 years.
. The cells of the press matrix are poured with concrete mixture in liquid form. Further, under the influence of a vibrating punch from above, the mixture is compacted. When the concrete mixture is compacted to the desired degree, the punch and matrix rise up, and the finished tile remains on the platform to dry.
Among the advantages of the method are high productivity and good quality of products with increased strength. The disadvantage is the possibility of manufacturing only simple geometric shapes.
The duration of operation of such pavers is more than 25 years. Therefore, pressed is more often used where the strength of the coating is more important than beauty. More commonly used in high traffic areas.
. It is produced at high pressure of 150-250 kg/cm2 hydraulic press, which compacts concrete mixtures. Due to the equal pressure on the entire surface, a material quality with high homogeneity is achieved. The manufacturing speed is quite high, but the disadvantage is the high porosity of the product. When moisture gets inside the pores in winter, the integrity of the structure is destroyed, which affects its durability.
So, depending on your preferences, you can choose a tile for any operating conditions. Often, the high cost pays off with the advantages that this or that type of paving has.
Features of choice and purchase
The appearance of the product will best tell about the quality of the tile. Well, if it is folded in stacks or on pallets.
The uneven color of different products indicates the heterogeneity and poor mixing of the composition of the concrete mix during manufacture.
Wrong "geometry" will tell about the violation of the manufacturing process. Yes, and laying skewed paving stones is still a pleasure, not to mention the unevenness of the surface after laying.
If there are brown stains or stains on the reverse side, then unsifted sand with clay was used for the tile. In the future, this will affect its performance.
When a tile is knocked against a tile, a sonorous sound should be made - this is a sign of a high-quality product. The sound will be muffled if additional additives were used to obtain a glossy surface or the amount of water was exceeded during production, which leads to a decrease in the strength of the products.
An excessive increase in the concentration of dyes can also adversely affect the quality.
For safety, you can buy one tile and try to break it. The uniformity of the material, the absence of voids and cracks will indicate the good quality of the products.
In the case of cheap paving stones, it is better to beware. Making quality products requires ingredients that improve the composition of the concrete mixture and specialized equipment along with labor costs. In this case, the "cheaper" goods can only be due to the quality and violation of manufacturing technology.
Technology of installation of street paving stones
To maintain a flat paving surface of a garden path or sidewalk for many years, you need to carefully prepare the base for laying paving slabs. By the time of installation, the curbs should already be installed.
The pavement coating can be mounted on a sand-cement mortar, on a mixture of sand and cement in a ratio of 1:5, or on building tile adhesive.
Installation on a cement-sand mortar (cement M400 or M500)
The finished solution is applied to the concrete base with a layer of 2-3 cm and leveled with a notched trowel. The tile is laid in a layer of mortar with a slight pressure and an inter-tile gap of 5 mm. During the laying process, a rubber mallet is used. Compliance with the pavement plane is checked by means of a level and a rule, with constant monitoring of the slope. Three days after the mortar has set, the tile joints should be sprinkled with dry sand using a mop, broom or broom. A week later, when the sand is compacted, the gaps between the tiles are rubbed with mortar.
Adhesive laying
It is the most expensive method, but is usually used at joints with other coating material, where it is impossible to install a curbstone. The substrate must be perfectly level, dry and clean. Paving slabs on a concrete base on glue is made at a temperature of 15-22 degrees, in fine weather. Use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive evenly on the back of the tile. The paving stones are installed on the base, the seams are set, the overall level is checked. The glue hardens faster than the solution, and the adhesive mixture needs to be prepared in small volumes. Installation of large areas will have to be carried out in several stages.
When laying on glue, movement on the laid surface is unacceptable.
Dry laying on a sandy or cement-sand base
The thickness of the mixture layer is from 12 to 30 cm.
When laying the "dry" method, a significant shrinkage of the mixture layer or dry sand occurs. The tile is recessed into the mixture or lifted with sand. Alignment is made by light tapping with a mallet and checked by the building level. Intertile seams are filled up immediately as paving. Laying is carried out “from oneself” with movement along an already paved surface with filled seams.
With this method, shrinkage is about 3 weeks, after which you can start grouting the tile joints. At the time of paving the tiles, the base material must be dry. Before laying, you need to make sure that there is no precipitation for the next few days.
In order for the tiles to sit exactly on the level, in the future you need to press down the entire surface with a vibrating plate. In the absence of a vibrating plate, immediately when laying, they use a trim of a wide board about 1.0-1.5 meters long. It is laid flat on several tiles and nailed with a mallet at one level.
First, it is better to make a “pattern”: lay the tiles on a dry surface, taking into account the pattern and number the edges with complex details. For trimming, use diamond circles on the stone.
- the beginning of laying is made directly from the curbs to the center or from one of the corners, in the direction where the water will tend to drain;
- with all laying methods, a gap of 5 mm is observed (the process can simplify the use of special crosses or rails. They will help to lay rows of tiles evenly even on curved sections);
- the quality of the fit of the material is carried out with the help of a mallet - a rubber hammer;
- orientation of the level constantly takes place in accordance with the set level beacons and the horizontal of the laying surface is periodically measured;
- the resulting seams in all ways are covered with clean sand or a dry sand-cement mixture, and then spilled with water;
- for a tighter fixation after filling the seams, it is recommended to keep the laid surface wet during the day;
- movement on the laid surface with filled seams is allowed no earlier than after a couple of days.
Conclusion
In the presence of a huge market for paving materials, paving slabs take first place in sales among the entire spectrum. Paving stones are what makes the roads under our feet comfortable and beautiful. And the knowledge that the work is done independently will bring only pleasure.
paving slabs- This is the most demanded and popular material for paving. Today, paving slabs are used everywhere: for finishing summer cottages and garden plots, pedestrian areas, cottage paths, and areas of boarding houses. Paving slabs create convenience and comfort, while giving the territory a neat look.
Paving slabs are produced in the following ways:
- vibrocasting– when concrete is poured into a vibrating container. Vibration removes air, so that the tile acquires a smooth and even surface.
- Vibrocompression- compaction of concrete with a press. The surface of this tile is rough, however, it is frost-resistant.
Advantages of paving slabs
- Saving money. Paving slabs are a technological material, as they are laid manually or with the help of a slab laying machine. Maintenance of paving slabs does not require high costs, while its service life is 30 years.
- Convenience of paving slabs. Paving slabs are not only durable, they are highly resistant to chemical, physical and mechanical factors.
- Environmental friendliness of paving slabs. Unlike an asphalt surface, paving slabs do not emit substances harmful to health. On summer days, the surface of the paving slabs is cool, which makes it more comfortable.
- Aesthetics of paving slabs. Thanks to the pigments that are used in the production, paving slabs retain the entire color range, and the colors remain saturated and bright for a long time. Paving slabs can come in a variety of designs, so they can be used to implement various ideas for laying them, which will give the area an attractive and individual look.
- Prices for laying paving slabs: on average, laying paving slabs on a crushed stone base will cost you 1450 rubles / sq.m, on a concrete base - 1900 rubles / sq.m
Examine carefully the tile sample offered to you:
- the concrete mass must be homogeneous,
- the color of the front side must also be uniform,
- check for cracks or voids.
In the event that the seller does not object, buy one or two tiles that you want to purchase. There are times when, after purchasing a product, a different quality is found, not the same color and thickness. At home, test your samples for strength with a heavy object.
You can choose paving slabs depending on your preferences, on the location of the tile, shape, size, color, thereby creating harmony with the surrounding interior. You will not have any problems with this, since today there are tiles of various designs.
The advantages of paving slabs have long become obvious to many. That is why paving slabs are used in many cities on the streets.
It decorates squares and park paths, access roads to organizations, squares and small areas. No less often, paving slabs are used in private construction, when it is necessary to pave paths in a country house or in a country house. Many owners are so accustomed to attractive and modern tile on the paths that they would never trade it for a more modern or more expensive material.
The popularity of paving slabs is easy to explain - this material is practical and inexpensive. On our pavements, such tiles are often in a deplorable state, but this is the result of the activities of those people who buy the cheapest models, and the need for road repairs is rarely thought of.
If you choose the right material, then you can purchase products that will last a long time.
Benefits of paving slabs for the home
You can talk about the advantages of the material indefinitely. But is paving slabs as versatile as construction shop consultants describe it? First, let's discuss the positive aspects that any professionally cast paving slabs should have.
- There will be no puddles on it, all the water will go into the seams, the road will dry as quickly as possible after the rain, and ice will not form in winter.
- Environmental friendliness at a high level. The tile will not be affected by heat, it will never emit harmful fumes.
- Reliability. If you choose a material from a trusted manufacturer, then it can last more than 15 years and withstand huge loads (up to six hundred kilograms per square centimeter)
- Impressive appearance. The range offers tiles of all colors and shapes, the designer will be able to find an option that allows you to achieve harmony.
- Easy repair. This is not asphalt, here you can easily replace a damaged element.
Due to the fact that there are a lot of color and shape options for tiles, you can create a unique pattern on your tracks. Laying masters create real masterpieces, which, moreover, serve for a long time without changing their original qualities and properties.
How to make a choice?
How to find good material? If you need really high-quality paving slabs, then you should look at ltsr.ru/vibropress/trotuarnaya_plitka/. When choosing such a material, we recommend paying attention to several nuances.
To find out how high-quality a product is offered, you need to simply knock on it. If the material rings, then the manufacturer is conscientious. Deaf sounds indicate the opposite - a lot of water was added at one of the stages of creation, and this negatively affected the strength.
Be sure to take into account the cost - you should not buy tiles that are too cheap to save money. Be careful when buying saturated colors. This material contains expensive pigments, but some manufacturers add low-quality dyes instead. Such a product cannot resist the effects of water, it will soon fade and crack.
We recommend that you inspect the tile before purchasing - there should be no cracks or chips. Be sure to look at the reverse side, where there may be yellowish spots that indicate the presence of clayey sand in the product.
Equipping the site, you will probably wonder how best to decorate the paths and paths. One of the possible options for covering paths in the garden is paving slabs. About the features of this material - we will tell in our article.
Paving slabs, pluses:
- Paving slabs allow you to pave paths and platforms of any size and configuration.
- If necessary, lay additional, or "forgotten" communications, there is always the opportunity to remove paving slabs, perform work, and lay it again.
- Lack of evaporation in the summer heat.
- If perennial plants with a branched root system are planted next to the sidewalk, the tile coating will not violate their natural need for water and gas exchange. If the rhizomes of the trees are located under the tiles, then the paving will not be able to harm them, due to the fact that it passes water and air.
Paving slabs, cons:
— Paving slabs become slippery in winter.
- If installed incorrectly, the tile coating can give uneven subsidence.
Requirements for paving slabs
- Frost resistance - at least 200 freeze and thaw cycles
— Strength — not less than 30 MPa/cm2
- Water absorption - no more than 5% by weight
- Abrasion - no more than 0.7 g / cm2 per year
Tile selection
There are two types of paving slabs - vibropressed and vibrocast. They differ in the method of production, on which the strength characteristics of the product depend. The choice of one or another type depends on the plans for the operation of the tile. It is advisable to use vibropressed tiles if cars will drive on a paved surface. If you want to tile paths in the garden, you can give preference to vibrocast tiles. It withstands less loads than vibropressed, but at the same time, the service life can be much less than that of vibropressed.
When buying a tile, inspect it carefully. Both in the case of vibropressed and cast tiles, the shiny surface indicates that either special additives or additional water were introduced into the concrete during production. Moreover, if additives improve concrete, then water worsens the strength characteristics of products. You can check the quality of a tile by hitting one tile against another: if the sound is ringing when struck, then the tile is of high quality, while a dull sound indicates an excess of water.
Paving stones can be bright, saturated in color, but in order to maintain the quality characteristics of such products, strict proportions must be observed in the production and expensive pigments must be used. It is almost impossible for the buyer to check this, but if you choose a cheaper bright tile, its quality is probably lame. Excessive color saturation of cheap tiles indicates an overdose of dye, which will not be slow to affect the strength characteristics of products.
If you buy tiles from different batches, make sure that the color of the products does not differ. It is sometimes very difficult to choose the same color in different batches, therefore, try to buy products in one batch at once, however, in the New City Group of Companies, the technologies for coloring tiles are strictly observed and you can always buy the selected tile, and you will definitely hit the color. The same can be said about the size of the tiles.
The products of the Novy Gorod company are produced by vibrocompression on new equipment. Today, the company's own factory produces a large selection of paving slabs. The company also sells road curbs, paving curbs for tiles, concrete pipes and well rings.
Photos provided by our client.
The times when all sidewalks and squares of settlements were completely covered with asphalt pavement are gradually disappearing, this is clearly seen in the central streets of large Russian cities - Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan and many others. Asphalt is being replaced by undeservedly forgotten paving stones or paving slabs, which, although more expensive to manufacture and install, can give a completely new look to any street, avenue or square.
But in addition to cities, paving stones or paving slabs have recently been increasingly ennobling their own plots and country houses - because today this can be done quickly, relatively inexpensively and, most importantly, very beautifully. If you are also thinking about laying paving stones or paving slabs in your yard instead of a banal stone powder, as was often done before, our article will help you understand the main advantages and disadvantages of this coating and make the right choice.
About paving stones and tiles
The material of paving stones and paving slabs can be of various shapes, colors and sizes. Of course, the standard rectangular shape is most often used, because. it is cheaper to manufacture, transport and much easier to install.
However, recently, more and more often you can find such original forms of stone that you can almost lay out pictures on the sidewalks from them - various rhombuses, irregularly shaped rectangles, "puzzles" and many other geometric shapes.
Any paving stone is made in one of two ways: vibrocasting or vibrocompression. By and large, there is no significant difference in these methods.
The material from which paving stones are made, most often concrete, less often clinker (clay) or natural stone (basalt, marble or granite) is the most expensive, but also the most durable option.
Paving stones have become so popular due to many positive qualities compared to other coatings: it looks very beautiful, allows you to implement various design ideas in the landscape, is quite strong, durable and resistant to stress, puddles do not form on it after rain, etc.
And you can buy paving stones or paving slabs of any type from the largest supplier in Moscow - the company Mos bruschatka, get acquainted with the range and prices on their official website.
If you are thinking about using paving stones or paving slabs on your site, pay attention to the main pros and cons of this coating before making your final choice in favor of one or another material.
Paving stone advantages:
- the first and, perhaps, the most important advantage of this type of coating is strength, reliability and durability: paving stones made of artificial materials last at least 30 years, and the service life of natural stone products may well exceed a hundred years;
- important for many is the fact that the paving stones are made of absolutely environmentally friendly and harmless to people and animals materials;
- perfectly tolerates low and high temperatures, which is a very important quality for our latitudes;
- paving stones and paving slabs are a very convenient coating in terms of transportation and installation;
- in most cases, the plates can be removed and reused;
- excellent appearance compared to any other types of outdoor coverage usually leaves no one indifferent.
Disadvantages of paving stones:
- of course, the main drawback compared to many other coating options is a rather high cost, however, with the development and automation of production technologies, it is constantly decreasing and today almost everyone can afford to cover the patio of a country house with paving slabs;
- in the case of paving stones made from natural materials, their extraction and processing is a rather long and laborious process, but for the end buyer this only means a higher price;
- the need to competently and efficiently organize drainage so that the paving stones serve for many years - it’s not possible to simply lay tiles in the yard;
- the construction of pavement paths has a rather high noise level and is not always convenient when driving a car and walking in heels.
As you can see, the coating in the form of paving stones or paving slabs, with all its advantages, also has some disadvantages, but for many they will be insignificant, because the durability and beautiful appearance most often outweigh the slight inconvenience of operation.
