Information: Common Paving Installation Problems Most paving installation problems have a snowball effect, where one problem leads to another, causing yet another problem. This ultimately results in complete and irreparable failure of a paved area.
EARTHWORKS
EDGE RESTRAINTS
LEVELLING
Paving problems are mainly caused by inferior earthworks. When a paving site’s sub-base has failed due to incorrect earthworks, the result will be disastrous and irreparable.
Inadequate or inferior edge restraints will lead to movement and subsequent loss of jointing sand.
Uneven paving is unsightly and dangerous to walk on.
COMPACTION
BEDDING SAND
JOINTING SAND
Inadequate compaction of the sub-base will cause pavers to sag, resulting in water ponding, as seen in Drainage image below.
Inferior or insufficient bedding sand might cause pavers to move and break.
When jointing fails, pavers will move and edges, will chip or break. This might then lead to other problems.
DRAINAGE
CAREFUL HANDLING
CEMENT STAINING
Incorrect drainage will cause ponding, so that water infiltrates the sub-base, causing it to fail.
Careless and indiscriminate handling of paving will cause chipping and breaking.
Cement grouting can cause permanent stains on paving if the grouting is not correctly cleaned off the pavers.
CUTTING
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
SKILLED ARTISANS
Good cutting will create a beautiful effect. By contrast, bad cutting will be very unsightly.
If paved lines are not straightened and broken pavers are not removed, other problems could result.
Installing finishing touches is a skill. Small details, done incorrectly, can ultimately ruin an otherwise good installation.
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