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Paving slabs can be protected by the use of a suitable slab paving sealant.
Paving slabs can benefit from the use of slab sealant in several ways. Slab paving sealant can:
It is by no means essential to use slab paving sealant and remains a matter of choice. Sealants can sometimes change the colour of paving slabs and may affect the slip resistance of the surface. Always seek advice from slab paving sealant manufacturers about the benefits and use of their products.
If you are considering using slab paving sealant, this blog will discuss its use, application and compatibility when treating old and new paving slabs. The longevity and appearance of paving slabs can be influenced by good initial installation and maintenance in line with manufacturers guidelines, so this will also be covered.
The key considerations are around the compatibility of the sealant with your paving slabs and how and when to apply the sealant to get the best results:
There are a wide range of paving sealants available, with acrylic and polyurethane paving sealants considered as the best type to use with paving slabs. Look for products that are manufactured to the highest standards by companies certified to BS 5750 or ISO 9000 quality standards.
Always check the compatibility of the sealant you are considering with the paving slab you are intending to use it on. This is crucial if you intend to seal products that form a permeable paving system. The reason for this is it requires a compatible paving sealant that will still allow surface water to drain through the joints.
If you are sealing an area that has already been sealed, new paving sealant may not adhere properly. Most sealant manufacturers provide special products to remove old sealant before applying any new sealant.
Paving sealant is generally be applied with a watering can (with a fine rose attached) and a squeegee. But some sealants can be spray applied for quicker application.
For new slab paving, it is important to allow any moisture or efflorescence that may be present in the slabs or jointing material to disperse before sealing. This could take from two and six months.
For existing slabs, cleaning with a pressure washer is advised. This can dislodge jointing sand so this will need to be replaced. Two weeks should be left after cleaning to allow the moisture to dry out before applying the paving sealant.
Sealant should be applied on a warm, dry day, as moisture and cold can adversely affect the adhesion of the sealant to the paving slabs. As a 24-hour drying time may be needed between coats, a period of two or three warm and dry days would be ideal for the application process. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance when applying the sealant.
Correct installation is essential for the long-term performance and appearance of paving slabs. While the paving slabs are in direct contact with the people and vehicles that use the area, the sub base underneath is responsible for bearing all the weight.
The sub base must be designed and installed correctly to meet the expected loading for its traffic category. Failure to do so can lead to slabs becoming uneven and more likely to be damaged. This affects their appearance and makes it harder to maintain and clean the area.
Where permeable paving is installed, as well as providing the support for the slabs, the design of the sub base must be able to drain away the surface water. If it is not correctly installed, this can lead to surface flooding, damage to the paving slabs, and a costly removal and replacement of the whole system.
Simply enter a few project details and you’ll instantly receive preliminary sub base design drawings to use for your initial design and project pack.
Sub base specifier tool makes paving project planning easy
Regular cleaning and maintenance will help to sustain the overall aesthetic qualities of paving slabs. Keeping paving slabs clear of dirt by regular brushing will prevent it from building up and creating a place for weeds to grow between the joints in the slabs.
Cleaning with a stiff brush and soapy water will also help to maintain the visual appearance of the paving area. Always check with the manufacturer of the paving to learn which cleaning products are compatible, as strong acid-based products could damage the surface.
Checking and replacing any missing jointing material will not only improve the appearance of the paving. It will also help to keep the slabs in position and better able to withstand the designed level of traffic in the area.
Tobermore has extensive experience in supplying paving slabs to a variety of projects.
We understand how important the design and installation processes are to the final appearance and longevity of our customers’ products.
Craig McBride, Tobermore’s Technical and Product Training Manager, explains:
“The easiest way to produce a visually appealing and long-lasting hard landscaping project is to back up quality products by delivering on good design and installation. We have a wealth of services that support our customers through each stage of the project. This means the end result is one that people will proudly want to protect and preserve for a long time.”
If you would like to see for yourself why our products are worth protecting, we have a quick and easy sample service you can use. If you have any questions about protecting our products or would just like to know more about our range of paving solutions, please contact our sales team. They will be happy to guide you through the choices available for your project.
Excelling in form and function, our paving slab range features a variety of options that meet your project’s aesthetic aspirations and cost expectations.
