CORE TERMS (PAVING & WALLING)
Product
All products should be carefully inspected for defects or damage upon delivery and prior to being laid or fitted.
Product Information
Within Tobermore, design and development of products is a continuing process, and product information is subject to change without notice. Accordingly, please check with Tobermore to ensure that the product information you have represents the most up-to-date product information.
Delivery Tobermore will ship your products as soon as they are ready, due to yard storage restrictions all products must be delivered within 28 days of the material being ready for delivery.
Prior to Installation
Prior to opening the packs check that all the batch code labels match. The batch code labels can be found on the outer packaging. For example, 04D22N.
It is good practice to sort products to ensure consistency of colour, texture and dimensional tolerance. Any defects must be reported without delay. If products are installed with any form of defect which was clearly apparent prior to installation the installer will be responsible for all costs incurred to rectify the issue.
Installation
All products should be installed in accordance with the latest British Standard.
Colour / Shade & Texture
Tobermore produces paving and walling products with excellent density and durability. All products are manufactured in batches using naturally extracted raw materials including aggregates, pigments and cement etc. Products such Braemar, Sienna, Fusion, Mayfair Flags, Manhattan, City Pave and Fusion Kerbs are manufactured using premium naturally occurring granite aggregates. To achieve their final appearance some products undergo secondary processes, this involves shot blasting or grinding the surface of the product.
Whilst we have several factory procedures in place to help control shade, colour and texture within and between batches we cannot guarantee consistency. This is due to the natural materials and secondary processes. Therefore, slight variations in the finished products is normal between and within batches. These variations actually enhance the character and natural beauty of the products.
To achieve the best possible finish we recommend the following advice is followed to evenly distribute any slight variations in shade, colour and texture over a large area.
When the circumstances allow complete one area of paving, one retaining wall or one house / building by using products taken from the same batch. This is achieved by checking the batch code label displayed on the packs.
Always, thoroughly mix products from a minimum of three packs.
Where products are supplied in packs with vertical slices always take them “vertically slice by slice” this ensures that colours are distributed evenly.
When the circumstances do not allow the use of products from the same batch then it is extremely important to minimise possible colour banding /shading by always, thoroughly mixing products from a minimum of three packs concurrently with some overlap between deliveries / batches.
Where products from different batches are being installed in the same area of paving, wall or building it is the installers responsibility to carry out a colour match check by comparing colours from each batch. If a noticeable variance in colour / shade or texture is visible, do not proceed with the installation and contact your supplier for further guidance.
Mixing thoroughly from a minimum of three packs is of particular importance when installing single colours such as Golden, Buff, Natural, Charcoal, Graphite, Silver, Mid-Grey, Sandstone, Alto Silver, Aaron Stone, Jura Grey and Innis Black.
During installation the installer must make regular visual checks to ensure the blending of colours is consistent.
We would always recommend that when purchasing products, especially in larger quantities, that they are all ordered at the same time.
Please note that the colour of new products will inevitably vary compared to those that have been installed for a period of time as weathering does take place.
All colour illustrations are as accurate as the printing process will allow. For a more accurate colour match please refer to actual product samples, which can be provided.
Colours and textures illustrated are representations and therefore should not be expected to be an exact match.
The overall visual appearance of a completed installation should only be assessed from the normal viewing distance. Variations in colour/shade and texture are technically harmless, do not affect the products performance and are not deemed to be a product defect.
We will not be held liable for any discolouration or staining caused to the product which has been stored incorrectly.
Note: Whilst we strive to ensure consistency, complimentary products such as Kerb Specials, Step Flags, Facing Brick Specials, Historic Circles etc. may not be an exact colour / texture or shade match to the standard version of the product as they will have been manufactured at varying times using different processes.
Tegula
Tegula is manufactured using a secondary process that distresses the edges and corners of the blocks to give the desired aged antique appearance. The process randomly distresses the blocks, therefore some blocks will be more distressed than others will, this is completely normal and does not affect the product performance.
Staining
Some chemicals that are commonly used in gardens such as lawn feed containing Ferrous Sulphate can stain concrete products. Any chemicals that are spilt must be removed immediately by rinsing away with clean water. Please check the information on the instruction label of the container holding the chemical.
Moisture
Occasionally, after installation, some units may show variations in shade and have a patchy appearance. This is due to the varying amounts of moisture within the concrete and the ground. The drying out process of concrete continues in-situ after installation. Some units may also retain more moisture than neighbouring units and take longer to dry out. This is caused by the variations in density of the naturally extracted aggregates used in the manufacturing process. Given time and natural weathering, the capillaries within the surface of the concrete will gradually close and any patches or moisture retention will dissipate as the product matures. This does not affect long-term performance.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit that occurs naturally on the surface of concrete materials. It usually appears as a white deposit but can also be brown or yellow in appearance. Tobermore use market-leading technology to significantly suppress the occurrence of efflorescence, however, if it occurs, it may mask the colour of the product for a period of time, but tends to be washed away gradually by rain. Tobermore do not replace products with efflorescence. Packs of products which have had packaging removed should always be re-covered with appropriate packaging to prevent the occurrence of secondary efflorescence.
Surface Scratches
Minor scuffs or bruises may occur during delivery, movement onsite, and installation (for example, during any plate vibrating process). In Tobermore’s experience, these marks usually weather off through time.
To reduce the risk of surface scratches we strongly recommend the use of a vibrating plate with a rubber protective mat.
Ordering
To avoid waste, please ensure that your contractor accurately measures the area on site before ordering products. In Tobermore’s experience, dimensions taken from a project plan can vary significantly from the final layout.
Depending on the layout of the project, we recommend ordering an additional 2 - 5% of material to allow for cutting, detailing and wastage.
Manufacturing & Quality Systems
Tobermore is a BS EN ISO 9001, BS EN ISO 14001 and BES 6001 registered company. Tobermore uses an integrated management system to manage all health & safety and environmental issues.
Product Maintenance
Routine cleaning and maintenance is required to keep the overall appearance of products in pristine condition.
All concrete products can develop algae, lichen, and moss growths due to environmental conditions and may require cleaning. Areas adjacent to plant borders and trees may discolour from the transfer of plant life. Tobermore cannot accept responsibility for any of these conditions.
Queries & Complaints
Please contact one of Tobermore’s Paving & Walling Centres or offices (contact details at www.tobermore.co.uk) with any queries or complaints. Any complaints must be notified to Tobermore without delay.
CORE TERMS (PAVING ONLY)
Paving installed unbound should have a close joint width of 2-5mm to allow for the dimensional tolerances of products and to create a gap to allow the brushing in of kiln-dried jointing sand. The straightness of lines will be dependent on workmanship and product tolerances. String lines must be used to help achieve straight lines.
Tobermore do not recommend Butt jointing as this will make achieving straight lines more difficult.
Product Maintenance
Light coloured paving blocks and flags emphasise tyre marks and oil spills on the driveway. Please note that these products will need more maintenance if the overall appearance is to be maintained.
Initial Cleaning
When an area has just been paved, allow it to settle for a few days. After this, you may wish to lightly hose down the paving to remove any excess sand or dirt. The area should then be treated with a weed killer suppressant 2-3 times per year as required.
General Cleaning
Paving requires regular maintenance, including regular sweeping to prevent the build up of detritus. Tobermore recommends that paving is cleaned 2-3 times per year.
For general cleaning of dirt and algae, vigorous brushing with a stiff yard brush with plenty of hot detergent solution (washing up liquid or non-bio washing powder), thoroughly rinsed with clean water, should suffice. Repeated treatment may be required for paved areas sited beneath trees or in permanent/near permanent shade.
A light power hose at medium pressure is generally all that is required to clean general dirt and grime. Any jointing material which is removed must be replaced. Do not use high pressure powerwashers as aggressive power-washing can damage the product surface. A trial area should be tested before large scale powerwashing takes place.
Moss, Lichen and Algae
Thick growths of moss or lichen must be removed first by scraping out the joints and then treating the area with a moss killer such as anti-moss paving cleaner. Anti-moss is designed to remove moss, lichens and algae. It is best applied in dry weather. After being applied it will take a few days to be fully effective. Once the moss and lichens have been killed, they can easily be brushed off. Anti-moss also leaves a residue in the sand joint which will help reduce the likelihood of re-growth. The manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed when using any cleaning agent.
Weeds
Large weeds should be removed by hand and then the area treated with a weed killer (available from any good garden centre). Smaller weeds can then be treated directly with weed killer and these weeds should start to die within days. The manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed when using any weed killing agent.
Block Paving Sealer
It is possible to seal block paving with a resin material which combats staining and weed growth and which also enhances colour and appearance. The acrylic sealer is sprayed onto the block paving and forms a ‘skin’ on top of the paving and the jointing material giving an easily maintained finish. The manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed when using any sealing agent.
FOR HYDROPAVE PRODUCTS
Installation - Hydropave
Tobermore recommends that its Hydropave products be installed in conjunction with a BS EN 7533-13:2009 designed permeable paving system.
Note: A permeable paving design relies heavily on using the correct aggregates. Prior to installation, we would ask you to test both the 4/20mm coarse graded aggregate and also the 6.3-2mm bedding and jointing grit as per the relevant British Standard specification (BS EN 13242:2002). In particular, the material should be categorised as LA20 according to Table 9, SZ18 according to Table 10 and MDE15 according to Table 11 within this standard. The grit should be insoluble in dilute hydrochloric acid and should be naturally occurring material. In our experience, incorrect use of aggregates is one of the most common reasons for failure of a permeable paving system.
Joint Filling
All joints must be filled to the top with 6.3 – 2mm grit to prevent movement and spalling of the blocks. We recommend that after a few weeks use, any joints which have settled and are not full, are topped up with grit. Joints should be kept filled at all times. You will need approximately one tonne of grit for every 100m2 of 80mm paving.
Note: Care should be taken that the permeable joints do not become contaminated as work on the scheme is completed. Special care needs to be taken when soft landscaping is carried out so that soil does not enter the joints. When this type of work is being carried out, the surface of the permeable paving should be protected by an appropriate cover to protect the joints from being contaminated.
FOR FACING BRICK PRODUCTS
Installation – Facing Bricks
Please refer to Tobermore’s detailed Guide to the use of Tobermore concrete bricks
Good Practice during Construction
- If mortar dry’s on the surface of the bricks it will stain the product and may not be removed.
- Mortar extruding from joints should be removed when the mortar is wet and during the process of laying.
- Any mortar smears on the brick surface should be removed by dry or wet brushing.
- Scaffolding should be installed as per regulatory instructions. Please note that mortar can drop and hit the scaffolding and then also go onto the wall. You should inspect the work area at all times to ensure the brick surface remains mortar free.
- When it rains be careful that any wet mortar on the scaffolding does not get ‘splashed’ onto the wall.
- When work stops or is interrupted by inclement weather conditions, brickwork should be protected immediately with polythene sheeting that is held in place with a suitable fixing. If new brickwork is not protected efflorescence, patchy mortar colour, patchy brickwork and staining can occur.
- Bricks should always be covered with polythene sheets to avoid getting damp or dirty when not being used.
General Cleaning Advice
- It is always important to keep bricks as clean as possible while laying and tooling. See Good Practice above.
- If mortar has been allowed to dry on the surface of the bricks the options you have to clean it off are as follows; Each process should be tested first and should ensure the facing bricks are not damaged - Dry brushing b. Wet brushing c. Using a ‘like coloured’ brick to rub the stained brick d. Pressure washing - should only be used as a last resort as it will damage the surface and the mortar joint if not completed correctly (this method cannot be attempted until the area has been allowed to set for a minimum of 7 days).
- Acid cleaning should be avoided.
FOR COUNTRY STONE PRODUCTS
Installation - Country Stone
Tobermore’s Country Stone products are designed to recreate traditional stone sizes and to co-ordinate with standard cavity wall construction. When used in housing projects, a clear cavity must be retained.
All work must be protected during construction and must be designed and built in accordance with accepted industry standards and practice. Builders familiar with conventional brickwork will find that similar installation principles apply.
Joints can be finished flush or tooled depending on the overall effect required. Raked joints are not recommended. It is vital that all horizontal and vertical joints between Country Stone blocks must be compacted and free from voids. Shell bedding should not be used.
FOR SECURA PRODUCTS
Installation - Secura
All Secura products should be installed in accordance with British Standard BS8002. When constructing a retaining wall, ensure that you follow the design provided by the scheme engineer.