Construction forums are full of contradictory information onconcrete paving stone impregnationMany people wonderwhether it is worth impregnating paving stonesand how do it. To dispel these doubts, we asked Buszrem experts for help. Seewhat gives the impregnation of paving stones , what is it for, andwhen and what to impregnate the paving stones withso that the surface remains in perfect condition for many years !
Paving stones after impregnation
Fig. Bush
Is it worth impregnating the paving stones?
Experts agree thatconcrete paving stones do not require any additional protective measuresAbsolutely, each of them should be characterized by water absorption below 6%. This is in line with current standards and is sufficient to fulfill its role for decades to come. Such information should appear on the packaging (pallet) with the cube.So there is no need or obligation to impregnate the paving stone surface
Sowhat does the impregnation of paving stonesand in what situations can it be beneficial?
Wellthe task of the impregnation of paving stones is, above all, additional reduction of absorbencyFor users, it is important in a situation where dirt may occur, which is better to remove before it penetrates the stone (e.g. engine oil stains or grease and ketchup after grilling on the patio). For this reasonit is worth impregnating paving stones on garage driveways and terraces for grilling and eating meals It is especially worth choosing an impregnation treatment in places that are intensively used and at the same time exposed to the above-mentioned contamination of the cubes, such as around car workshops or paved gardens and terraces next to restaurants.
Factory-impregnated paving stones
"If you decide to lay paving stones in places particularly exposed to dirt, it is worth choosingpaving stones already impregnated at the stage of its productionIf you purchase such a paving stone, appropriate provisions on the security system should be included in the descriptions of individual products. For example, Buszrem usesthe technology of additional ankle hydrophobization SCN(Clean Surface System) on selected smooth and aged ankles. Thanks to this, the cube is sealed from the inside during production. It is much more effective than surface impregnation and perfectly protects the surface against stubborn dirt."
When should I impregnate the paving stones?
Whenwe want to impregnate concrete paving stones ourselves , it is necessary to pay attention to a few necessary elements.
First of all,must pass at least one month after the cube is manufactured.This is the time when the concrete obtains its maximum strength (each pallet has labels with the cube production date). If the pavement is clean and free of efflorescence - it can be impregnated.The abovementioned efflorescence on paving stones is a white bloom that may appear in the process of concrete maturation.If you can see efflorescence on the new block, do not impregnate it!The impregnation clogs the capillaries and the efflorescence will not be removable. Some cube manufacturers suggest not impregnating for 2 years. This is the time when the phenomenon of efflorescence should stop completely.
"There is only one but. The appearance of efflorescence may result not only from the natural behavior of concrete.The reason may also betechnological problem consisting in making a wrong foundation . dry cement to improve the stabilization of the foundation may cause the water evaporating from the ground to transport calcium carbonate to the surface of the cube indefinitely. But errors in the construction of the framework are a separate problem. "
The third condition ispositive ambient temperature during impregnationIt is also important that the surface is not exposed to strong sunlight or rainfall for about 5 hours after impregnation. Remember thatsurface impregnation of paving stones provides only temporary protection of the surface
How to apply waterproofing to paving stones?
Before impregnating the paving stonesthe surface should be thoroughly cleaned. For this purpose, the cube is rinsed with water under pressure from a garden hose or a pressure washer. When the paving stone is completely dry, just before waterproofing,the paving surface should be additionally swept with a brush It is necessary because any particles of dust and sand remaining on the ankle will permanently stick to its surface during impregnation.Apply the impregnationto the thoroughly cleaned cube using a long-pile roller or a pressure sprayer. The treatment should be performed in accordance with the instructions attached to the purchased impregnation.
What should I impregnate the paving stones with?
There is stillchoice of impregnation for paving stones , which will affect the effectiveness of the impregnation and its durability. Let's not be influenced by advertising, but just check the composition.Water-based impregnations are cheap, but not durableIt can be assumed that they will protect the surface for about a year.
The second group isimpregnations based on silicones and butanol . They are popular because they give the ankle a saturated color (as if it was wet). The aesthetic effect disappears when the solvents of such impregnation completely evaporate, which, however, does not affect its properties.
The most expensive group of impregnants for paving stonesare polymer impregnations. They do not give such aesthetic effects as those based on silicones and butanol, but they retain their properties for the longest time.
