1. Material reception
Check that the slabs have not suffered any damage during transport.
Verify the product according to the manufacturer’s technical sheet (dimensions, spacers and dimensional tolerances).
2. Layout planning
Depending on the desired pattern (continuous joint, staggered joint or others), and the logistics involved in the project (storage area, access, etc.), it is very important to determine a starting point for the layout and beginning of the slab installation, as this will condition the rest of the work.
It is necessary to begin and finish the installation without stepping on the already installed paving, in order to prevent unnecessary stains or damage to the pieces. A good starting point can minimize the number of finishes and generally reduce execution costs.
3. Checking levels and water drainage points
Before beginning slab installation, it is necessary to check all access points, control the flatness and slope of the base (minimum slopes of 1.5%, with recommended slopes of 2 – 3%) and verify that the mortar thickness is always homogeneous, 3 – 4 cm.
It is very important to design a water collection system with proper drainage capacity to avoid water accumulation on the surface.
4. Preparation of surfaces and slabs
To improve adhesion between the mortar and the concrete slab, as well as between the paving slab and the bonding mortar, it is recommended to moisten both the concrete slab and the paving pieces. This will prevent the mortar from drying too quickly on a hot and dry concrete base (for example, in summer), and likewise, between the mortar and the paving, it will prevent moisture absorption from the mortar when it comes into contact with a completely dry slab.
Before beginning installation, it is advisable to open two pallets of the same material, so that pieces from both pallets can be mixed during installation. In this way, any possible tonal variations between slabs are avoided.
5. Installation
For slab installation, we will use cement mortar with a minimum dosage of 380 kg/m³ (1/4) with the current nomenclature M – 10 (compressive strength of 10 N/mm²) and a thickness between 3-4 cm.
The mortar must be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions and under optimal conditions before being used on-site. A plastic consistency mortar must be prepared (Abrams Cone 4-6).
The installation is carried out on a mortar bed. The mortar bed installation should be done by spreading small surface areas, avoiding mortar setting.
Plastic composition mortars (Abrams Cone 4 – 6).
The slabs will be coated on the back with a mixture of cement and water to improve adhesion.
Plastic composition mortars (Abrams Cone 4 – 6).
The slabs will be laid on the concrete base, previously coated on the back with a cement and water mixture to improve adhesion.
The entire surface of the slab must rest on the mortar bed to avoid breakage under load.
6. Joint filling
After laying the slabs, the joints will be filled with washed sand, with a grain size of 0-2 mm, by repeatedly sweeping the surface until the entire joint is completely filled.
Under no circumstances should joint filling be carried out using cement slurry, as this would alter the appearance and texture of the paving.
7. Opening to use
Foot traffic should be avoided during the following days and auxiliary vehicle traffic should be avoided during the following three weeks, while waiting for the mortar to harden.
The slab layout must be chosen in such a way as to avoid stagnant water formation, and the concrete slab should have a slope of 2 to 3%.
8. Maintenance
Prefabricated slabs only require surface sweeping and low-pressure water cleaning to prevent the joints from being washed out.
The joints must be refilled in areas where they have been damaged.
Slab installation diagram.
Contact us
🔎 Do you need information about our solutions for your project?
You can contact us through:
✉ comercial@breincofrance.com
