Grouting paving stonesis primarily used to protect individual elements of the pavement against their displacement. It can also play an important aesthetic role. However,the method of grouting the paving stonemust always be adapted to the technology of pavement construction. Seewhat to fill in the gaps between the paving stonesand what grouting technology to choose to make the pavement surface durable and aesthetic!
What to fill in the gaps between the cube? Photo Bush
Recent works on laying paving stones can perfectly emphasize its beauty, but if done sloppy, they can also destroy the whole effect.These last works are, of course, grouting, i.e.filling the free space between the stacked cubesThe grouting itself is quite simple. First, however, you need to selectgrouting technology- and for this purpose, it is worth having an overview of all methods available on the market.
Why is pointing paving stones so important?
Grouting paving stones is toprotect individual elements of the pavement against displacement. The material placed in the slots acts as a wedge, turning loose cubes into a uniform and strong plane.
There are several ways to fill the joints , and their selection depends primarily on the aesthetic expectations of the investor and the technology of execution of the lower layers of the pavement. These, in turn, can be divided according to several criteria, two of which will be important for us.
"The first of them is, in the greatest generalization,the division into permeable and water-impermeable surfaces The former include, for example, the traditional dry method, i.e. with the use of aggregate foundation. The latter, however, include, for example, wet surfaces, i.e. on a concrete screed or above the ceiling of a room insulated against moisture. The general rule for this parameter is that pavements should be constructed in such a way that the permeability of each successive layer, counting from the top, is greater than the previous one. Analyzing this in terms of grouting, it seems quite obvious thatover water-impermeable layers should also be impermeable "
The second, important because of themethod of grouting the paving stones , is the division according to the construction method. And here there are two main categories: rigid (bound) and elastic (unbound).
In the former, both the base and the ballast are combined with binders, such as the most commonly used cement.In the case of the second method, all construction layers remain flexible.Grouting should be applied in the same way- rigid on a rigid substructure and flexible on a flexible one. There are, however, some exceptions. Sometimes the so-called a semi-rigid system in which a flexible foundation is combined with a rigid filling of joints. Due to large design limitations, it has a rather narrow application.
Grouting paving stones with sand
Knowing the limitations of individual systems, we can take a closer look at the methods of grouting and the possibilities of their application.The oldest way to make joints in paved surfaces is to fill them with sandThe method is very simple and usually works perfectly. You just need to pay attention to a few details.
First of allfor grouting paving stones with sand it is necessary to use clean, washed aggregate It can be washed sand, but also ground granite or bas alt - depending on the aesthetic expectations and financial possibilities of the investor. Possible use of material contaminated with dust or clay may, on the one hand, cause permanent staining of the paving stone surface, and, on the other hand, accelerate the undesirable growth of plants in the joints.
Second thing -the joints between the cube must be of the appropriate width . If the gaps between the ankles are too small, they may even be damaged or the appearance of numerous bumps and unevenness. The picture below shows it perfectly.
Effect of improperly performed pointing of paving stones. Photo pixabay.com
Grouting paving stones with sand gives a flexible surface , with very high water permeability. Grouting in this way should be performed systematically along with paving.However, this system has some drawbacks. Over time, the aggregate between the cubes will be washed out, so it will need to be replenished seasonally. The second problem may be the appearance of plants in the crevices that will need to be removed. Such a surface should also not be washed with a pressure washer.
Paved pavement with water permeable joints. (1) Paving stone jointed with aggregate or resin joints, (2) Sand bedding, (3) Substructure, (4) Drainage layer (protected with geotextile), (5) Native soil, Photo Bush
Grouting the ankle with joints based on resins
The second, definitely more modern one, isusing a resin-based groutThese are usually preparations that are sold ready-to-use. They can be slurried with water, they are also self-compacting. Before pointing, it is worth moistening the ankle with water, which will reduce absorption.The result of using resin-based jointsis a frost-resistant joint with high water permeability.It is also very flexible, which perfectly compensates for the thermal expansion of the ankle. Therefore, it can be used in the same way as aggregate pointing, but it has much more possibilities when it comes to aesthetics. It is mainly about a much wider choice of joint colors.
Pavement with waterproof joints. (6) Paving stone jointed with cement-based (or other waterproof) material, (7) Cement-stabilized sand bedding, (8) Dampproof insulation of the slab, (9) Reinforced concrete slab, Photo. Bush
Grouting paving stones using the impermeable method
While the two previousmethods of grouting paving stonesare characterized by high water permeability - the third one is characterized by almost zero level of this coefficient, or even complete water tightness. So it can be used above ceilings or for surfaces placed on a concrete screed.We are talking about cement-based preparations. However, they should not be confused with ordinary cement mortar, used, for example, for bricklaying. This is a much more complicated specific. It is characterized by the highest strength of the methods presented here and the possibility of full control of the binding process. An important thing that must be remembered is the fact that in order not to damage the elements,the joints must not be filled to the full height of the cube
