Blokpaver Pavers - Important Information
Important information and and useful hints for the Blokpave product range.
Efflorescence
A white deposit known as efflorescence may sometimes appear on any concrete or masonry product. It does not affect structural integrity and will dissipate over time. Efflorescence is not indicative of a flawed product. Efflorescence is a temporary condition where salts migrate via evaporation to the surface of the paver. This is a transitory phenomenon as the pavers acclimatise to their new environment. Efflorescence may be temporarily removed by stiff brushing. Alternatively contact Brikmakers for cleaning instructions.
Physical Characteristics
Blokpave Concrete Pavers are manufactured to exceed the requirements of the Australian and Industry Standards (Australian Standard AS/NZS 4455 - Masonry Units and Segmental Pavers and CMAA T44 Concrete Segmental Pavers Guide to Specifying). Blokpave pavers are manufactured with chamfered top edges which minimise chipping and spalling and facilitates the removal of water from the surface of the pavers. Faces without chamfers may be prone to chipping. Most Blokpave pavers are made with space nibs on the sides of the unit which automatically provide the minimum joint width when installed. Blokpave pavers meet or exceed pedestrian slip resistance guidelines in Australia Standard AS/NZS 4586.
Cutting
Prior to cutting please fully wet the product. This will reduce the chance of cutting residue staining the product. It is also important to ensure all residue is washed from any cut product prior to laying.
Staining
Occasionally various types of stains, blemishes or efflorescence may become visible on the paver surface. These are typically caused by tannins, humus and salts from the surrounding soil/environment. To protect your paving it is recommended your pavers are laid on clean salt free sand and that they are sealed.
Tyre Markings
Tyre marks may appear on the pavement surface. This may occur due to the tyre compounds, vehicle weight and action of the power steering.
Garden Mulches
Mulches contain tannins that can leach onto paving. Avoid dumping mulch directly onto paved areas and minimise water run off from the mulch onto the pavers.
High Pressure Cleaning
The use of high pressure water cleaning is not recommended unless performed by a professional, as it may damage the paver surface.
Sealing
To protect your finished project and to allow easy cleaning it is recommended that your paving be sealed. In particular paving in coastal areas or harsh environments. The application of a sealer will protect your investment and maintain the pavement's appearance. Brikmakers recommends and distributes Concrete Colour Systems sealer range.
For further information contact Sales on 1300 360 344.
Salt Water Pools
Where paving is to be used around a pool it is recommended that the pavers along the edge are protected with the appropriate sealer
Chipping and Breakage
Some minor chipping and breakage may occur during the delivery and installation of the product. It is recommended that this product is used for cuts. This should not exceed 5% of the completed project.
Dimensions
Brikmakers manufactures its products utilising state of the art paver production equipment that moulds the pavers using high pressure and high frequency vibration. This process ensures that the product supplied is within the allowable dimensional tolerances specified in Australian Standard AS/NZS 4455. Product dimensions quoted are nominal and subject to variation due to product colour and batch. Numbers per square metre quoted are nominal and subject to variance due to installation.
Ground Preparation
Paving must be laid on a compactable sand bed of at least 30mm thick. The sand must be clean, well graded with no soluble salts, containing no roots or rubble. Failure to use clean sand may result in your pavers becoming stained.
Product Presentation/Installation
Every effort is made to provide products consistent with samples. As all our products are made with naturally occurring raw materials and differing manufacturing techniques, variations will occur. Colour, surface appearance/texture and size variation will occur naturally within and between batches. It is recommended that there is careful inspection of all pavers delivered and appropriate blending and supervision during installation to ensure satisfactory results. Colour variations may exist between different paving formats of the same colour type.
Laying
For best results it is important to blend products from various packs as you lay. It is recommended to maintain a 2-3mm joint between pavers for clean jointing sand to be swept between the pavers to provide effective lock up.
Jointing Sand
Jointing sand must be clean, sharp, and well graded with no soluble salt or clay. Brikmakers recommends white finishing sand. For further information contact Sales on 1300 360 344.
Villagepave/Renopave
Our Villagepave and Renopave ranges are rustic products that feature subtle variations in size, colour and surface finish. This rustic nature is intended as part of the product's appeal. To obtain best overall results the product must be blended from several packs during laying. Villagepave is acceptable for use in driveways with a recommended herringbone pattern.
Masonry Blocks
Concrete masonry products are subject to shrinkage over time. This issue must be incorporated into the design stage. Control joints must be used at least every 6 metres of walls using concrete masonry products that are not reinforced (not in excess of 6 metres). Please contact a Brikmakers sales representative or refer to AS3700.
