Now for almost every site and territory there are enough materials on the basis of which you can make a high -quality track, site or any other surface. Each year, new and improved materials appear on the shelves of construction stores, which differ from the predecessors not only by different characteristics, but also by the external component. Ultimately, people who plan to carry out work on arranging surfaces have a difficult choice. A huge range of products is not always positive news, since you can always make a mistake, just choosing not the most suitable material.
Content
If we are talking about creating sites or roads, then it definitely makes sense to pay attention to the paving slabs. Practice shows that this resource is an ideal ratio of price and quality. Moreover, the unambiguously strong side of the material can be called general practicality, thanks to which you can equip this or that territory even to a beginner who does not have enough experience for such work. It is enough to study the main details of the process so as not to encounter troubles. However, this is far from all aspects associated with the use of paving slabs. There are still many details that you need to know immediately before work.
In this material, we will examine in detail all the features of paving slabs, as well as the process of laying this material without the use of the border. We will not bypass the various difficulties that are usually arise among beginners during such work.
Features of the use of paving slabs
As we have already said at the very beginning, paving slabs are a universal choice for the most diverse works associated with the arrangement of surfaces. Of course, it is advisable to use this material precisely on the street, and the area and climatic features of the territory are not much important.
Thus, paving slabs, obviously, are used as a coating for the pedestrian parts of the city. In addition, the material is often covered by carriageways, sites near houses, territories around private structures. Sometimes sidewalk tiles are used to create garden paths. It becomes clear that this material can be used for a wide variety of goals, and all this thanks to the versatility of paving slabs. Unfortunately, other materials that are also used to create road surfaces cannot boast of this advantage. This suggests that paving slabs have practically no competitors who would have the opportunity to supplant the resource from the market. However, the versatility of tiles is far from the only trump card to which the material can boast.
We have already mentioned that paving slabs are ideal options in the ratio of price and quality. This is really true, given the many new materials that gradually gained popularity. Moreover, most new materials are offered at an inflated price. That is why, against the background of the appearance of new materials, the sidewalk tile continues to be at the top of popularity among similar coatings.
It makes sense to consider the main advantages and disadvantages of paving slabs to make the most conscious choice.
Advantages and disadvantages of paving slabs
The strengths of this material are as follows:
- Price. Unlike many other materials that gradually fill the shelves of construction stores and supermarkets, paving slabs are characterized by a rather modest price tag. It also suggests that the owners have the opportunity to spend more money on the material, thereby, if necessary, cover a large area of \u200b\u200bthe territory. Moreover, do not forget that paving slabs can be released in artisanal conditions. We are talking about personality production, which will cost even cheaper than buying from one or another seller. However, do not conduct large -scale experiments, since without a thorough study of recommendations to create high -quality tiles will not work.
- Range. As you know, paving slabs can have a wide variety of dimensions, as well as external features. This is due to the fact that paving slabs are often available on the basis of concrete, which is poured into special forms. Accordingly, this allows you to get just such products that are necessary for specific conditions. Do not forget about various dyes and other resources with which tiles can gain certain characteristics. Despite this, in most cases, people make a choice in favor of the classic variations of the tiles, since it is they who fit the best in the most diverse areas. In some cases, experiments are definitely welcome, but they do not always end successfully.
- Strength, durability. Surely it is these characteristics that are the most important for people who plan to carry out quite large and responsible work. Obviously, the quality of paving slabs depends on the quality of the concrete mixture, as well as components. Often there are no problems with this, so the tile without any problems serves faithfully for many years. Do not forget about frost resistance. This characteristic is of particular importance in those regions where in winter the temperature drops to a record low values. Frost resistance means the ability of the material to withstand repeated freezing. Accordingly, in some cases, the frost resistance of paving slabs should be high, since otherwise it will begin to collapse in a couple of seasons, and after that it will have to be completely rid of it.
- The practicality of use. As we have already said, paving slabs can be released without any problems in artisanal conditions. This does not need a lot of equipment, it is only necessary to thoroughly know the technology of production. If we are talking about the process of laying the material, then everything is also quite simple here. Obviously, it will not work out without studying the process, but it will be difficult to make a mistake in such work.
Disadvantages of paving slabs:
- Slippery surface in the winter. As you know, in winter the roads in the city often become slippery. Unfortunately, paving tiles also supports ice, and this is very dangerous, given that the tile is often placed around the country houses. Of course, in such a situation, everything possible must be done so that the slippery surface of the material does not constitute any problems. We are talking about sprinkling tiles with sand and many other tricks that are not particularly difficult.
- The uneven shrinkage. Despite the simple tile laying technology, many people frankly ignore the main recommendations. Accordingly, sometimes an uneven shrink of tiles occurs, and, in turn, this creates many problems associated with movement on the created surface. In 90% of cases, this drawback is associated with the not the most responsible actions of the workers, and the remaining 10% can be associated with the notable basis for laying tiles.
It can also be noted that much depends on the specific area where the tile laying process is performed. Often the reason for the problems is the concrete mixture itself, which does not meet the most elementary requirements.
Production of paving slabs
As already mentioned, paving slabs can be released in artisanal conditions. It must be borne in mind that today there are all the conditions necessary to create paving slabs of good quality in non -production conditions.
It is worth focusing on the fact that it is far from always advisable to hold such events with your own hands, since this, often, only creates problems. First of all, this applies to conditions when very few material needs very little. Accordingly, personal production should be arranged only when you need to release a huge amount of tiles.
- First of all, you need to get forms that will subsequently be filled with concrete mixture. You need to understand that this is a responsible step, since we are talking about the size and shape of the tile that will be created. On sale you can find a variety of forms for tiles, but first of all you should pay attention to quality products. Often, forms of proper quality have a price tag from $ 1. For large -scale work, several forms should be purchased at once so that the process will go as soon as possible.
- Next, you should go directly to the creation of the necessary volume of concrete, which will fill the acquired forms. For the practicality of the process, several containers (buckets) should be purchased, as well as use a concrete mixer. Experts indicate that per 1 sq. m of sidewalk tiles will need to be involved in one full bucket of cement (you should make a choice in favor of the A-S-400 brand), three buckets of sand, 200 g of plasticizer, as well as up to 400 g of dye. As for the volume of water, it often depends on the brand of concrete, as well as the features of other components. When mixing the components of the concrete mixture, it should be borne in mind that the components are added gradually, and it all starts with sand, cement and water. It often takes about 2-3 minutes to completely knead the concrete mixer. Accordingly, you can carry out the process quickly and efficiently. The finished mixture can be immediately poured into forms.
- Next, we need vibrational equipment, which allows you to tightly compact the concrete mixture, and make the future tiles really strong and reliable. This often requires a vibration table, or a vibration site. This equipment operates on the basis of vibration, and thereby removes all the voids present in the mixture. Literally in a couple of minutes the mixture should be completely compacted. Such an event is held with all forms filled with a mixture. As we have already said, it is better to use several forms so that the process passes as quickly as possible. Otherwise, it will be necessary to devote a lot of time for each separate unit of products, which in large volumes of production is not the best solution. Within a few days, concrete should gain sufficient strength so that tiles can be used for further measures. During the above time, the future tile should calmly lay down in a place protected from precipitation and temperature extremes.
It is most important to remember that it is definitely not worth a hurry to rush in the manufacture of paving slabs, so it is the laugh that creates problems associated with the quality of the material, as well as some other aspects. If some detail of the process creates problems or misunderstanding, then it is definitely worth it to contact specialists who will not only answer all the questions of interest, but also share useful advice.
Pathoire tile laying technology
Creating a path (site) without a border
First of all, I must say a few words that the surface without a border today is really not uncommon. Such decisions allow you to save money somewhat, as well as do everything possible so that the site on which all work is carried out has some simplicity (or even minimalism). Also, do not think that there is some difficulty in creating a path without a border. Practice shows that such a solution, on the contrary, simplifies work, and makes them more relaxed. To create a track without a curb, it is only necessary to ensure the location of the tile at the same level with the soil. Accordingly, a single surface will turn out, which, obviously, does not need a border at all.
Preliminary actions
Before starting the process of laying tiles, we will need the following tools and materials:
- tile;
- sand;
- cement;
- hammer;
- rubber kiyanka;
- metal pegs;
- strong thread;
- rule;
- shovel;
- level;
- master OK;
- buckets;
- bulgarian.
It must be borne in mind that this list, although it is quite voluminous, but in the process some other devices and materials are often required. It is necessary to analyze the situation in advance, and, if necessary, stock up on the necessary resources. Immediately before construction work, you need to arm yourself with a list of all the necessary materials, and make sure that each position is available. This will guarantee that when laying tiles, there will be no unforeseen situations.
Laying tiles
- First of all, it is worth determining the issue related to the slope of the site. Experts note that the minimum slope (at least a couple of degrees) should be present, since we are talking about drainage after precipitation. If the tile is laid near the private house, then the slope makes sense to create in the direction of the street so that all precipitation is arrived there. Thus, the street becomes a zero point, and closer to the private territory, the slope will increase up.
- As we have already said, the creation of a tile plot will occur without the use of a border. Accordingly, it is necessary to provide conditions under which the surface from the tile will not spread. Accordingly, in the process we also need a cement mixture. Thus, you need to remove the soil layer (often enough 30 cm). Next, you need to arm yourself with a shovel and a rake in order to level the site as efficiently as possible. Again, it is worth recalling the very tilt, and it is already set at the stage of alignment of the soil after removing the 30-centimeter layer. Experts advise making a slope of 5 mm per 1 m of the length of the site. There is also a problem associated with the shedding of the soil. It can be solved quite easily, and this requires only a tamping of the soil. This process is often performed manually, however, you can pay attention to the use of a special rink (if we are talking about a large section), with which the process will pass quickly and efficiently. During tamping, you also need to moisturize the soil to ensure high efficiency of the process.
- Next, a layer of sand is created, the height of which should be approximately 7 cm. Using the rail, the surface can be qualitatively leveled, and can be controlled by ruggedness and using a stretched thread between pegs. As before, for high -quality sealing of sand, you need to abundantly water the surface with water (you should not be afraid to use too much water, since in the end puddles should form on the surface). For the highest quality seal, you can use a vibrating plate, but not everyone has such equipment at its disposal.
- For the tile laying process, but without the use of the border, a dry layer of cement mixture is best suitable. Most often, mixing with sand (the ratio of cement to sand - 1 to 8). This layer should be approximately 5 cm in height. As before, high -quality tamping takes place, and at the end the almost perfectly flat surface should be obtained again.
- Now the laying of the tiles begins. Again you need to pull the thread between the pegs to create the most correct level. It must be borne in mind that the tile can slightly shift the position of the thread, so there should be a minimum distance between the thread and the tile itself, which must be held over the entire surface. Experts recommend laying the tile diagonally. In addition, after laying each individual tile, you need to tap on the material using rubber kiyanka. However, this is done carefully, since tiles can simply crack from severe blows. If the tile sags too much, then it is advisable to increase the layer of cement-sand mortar. In the process, the position of the tiles should also be adjusted, since small displacements are quite possible, which, after all the necessary work, will be striking. While the tiles are only laid, you can make some adjustments, so you should not rush to fill the seams with sand.
- Ultimately, all the seams that are available on the surface can be filled with sand. Again, it is worth doing this process responsibly, since any voids present between units of material can make themselves felt in the future. Next, with the help of a broom, you need to remove all the garbage, and then make wet surface cleaning. After that, sand seams should settle slightly, and then another filling of the seams is carried out - now the final.
It is also worth understanding that the surface that was created is not intended for too large loads. If cars will move along such a site, then in a short period of time the tiles will shift, and the surface itself will no longer be so attractive. Accordingly, the surface of paving slabs is designed to move people. If you need something stronger, then a full-fledged surface of the surface with concrete is required, as well as the use of borders around the perimeter. Despite this possibility, paving slabs are almost never used to create carriageways, since the overall strength and other characteristics of the material do not meet the requirements that are advanced before full roads.
Despite this, if the place where the tile is laid is visited, then after a few years the surface will look not as presentable as before. It is worth considering all these factors before making a choice in favor of paving slabs to cover large sites.
