Protection of paving slabs - prevent the appearance of problems
It is not so difficult to care for the sidewalk tile, as it may seem at first glance. Moreover, if you pay attention to some of the nuances, it generally can be minimized. The problem is easier to prevent than to solve. For this purpose, it is necessary to remember clearly what to do is strictly not recommended, but what to pay special attention to. First, to facilitate further maintenance of the coating can be, if you carefully approach the selection of tiles. It must be made of concrete of grade M 200, M 250 or M 300.
The porosity of such material, its strength and hardness make it possible to obtain a durable and resistant to external influences road surface. The higher the grade of concrete for strength, the more quality coverage you get! Secondly, carefully observe the operating conditions of the track. If it is intended only for pedestrians, then do not tempt fate and navigate it on a particular vehicle.
Third, do not use salt solutions, other salt-based substances, ice-corrosive chemicals to remove contaminants and high solids. Practice shows that they accelerate the process of destruction of the coating and corrode its color( if there were coloring pigments in the composition of concrete).Fourth, it is not recommended to use metal shovels and scrap to clean snow and ice. An alternative to them will be products made of wood and plastic.
Dark stains on the paving slab: the main causes of the occurrence and control of them
The appearance of dark spots on the surface of the paving slab is the smallest problem that you can expect when using it. The reason for this phenomenon is the uneven drying of the coating. This is especially true for tracks that are unevenly illuminated throughout the length of the sun's rays. In more shady areas, the drying process slows down. Often, the presence of dark spots can be detected before laying the tiles, since they are formed during the process of its drying and shaping.
Usually the material is supplied packed in dense polyethylene, which does not at all contribute to a good ventilation of the air between the tiles. It is the evaporation of moisture in such a closed space and leads to the appearance of dark undried spots. The solution to the problem will be the use of special impregnations that increase the degree of moisture resistance of the already laid coating, and a competent process of drying the tiles before installing it. Special compounds intended for impregnating sidewalk tiles and increasing its moisture resistance are called hydrophobizators.
Timely treatment of paving tiles with a hydrophobizing liquid, due to its deep penetration into the coating( 10-20 mm) and the formation of a protective layer on its surface, allows not only to prevent the appearance of ugly dark spots, it gives the necessary dirt and antiseptic properties, increases frost resistance and reduces the degreeadhesion between the track and the ice .Thus, impregnation for paving tiles helps ensure that the pavement withstands more freeze-thaw cycles than normal and is easier to clean from the ice crust.
As for the dark spots that appeared before the tiling, experts advise not to panic. In the open air during the operation of the track such spots disappear within 3-6 months. However, if you have the opportunity to remove the packaging film and lay the tile face up, do not neglect it. Avoid storing the tiles "face to face"!And the next most difficult obstacle on the way to beautiful paths are high.
Vysly on the paving slab - get to know the enemy closer
The highs can not only spoil the appearance of the tracks, but also speed up the process of their destruction. They represent the white spots formed on the surface of the tile in connection with the dissolution of the water contained in the composition of the concrete salts. This is the so-called "yield of salts".Provoke its atmospheric precipitation, dust and gases, temperature fluctuations. Poor quality of concrete is also a risk factor, especially if too hard water, accelerators of the solidification process or it has a high degree of porosity was used for its milling. Washing out of salts leads to destruction of the concrete structure, facilitates easy penetration into its pores of moisture, decrease in strength, etc.
Please note: Depending on the operating conditions of the tracks, the highs may disappear on their own( natural flushing) and reappear! However, the process of their independent disappearance may not be delayed for one year.
It is recommended to fight with solids with the help of special cleaning agents. Today, we can distinguish two large groups of such cleaners: the first is designed to clean the paving slab from the newly appeared white spots, and the second - to eliminate more complex heights and pollution. The process of applying these agents is practically the same, but stronger acid cleaners require preliminary dilution with water in the proportions indicated on the package.
Apply the formulation to a dry surface in 1-3 minutes with a brush, roller or spray. After the reaction, the surface of the tracks is cleaned with a damp cloth, a jet of water or a dry brush. After two days - after completely drying the tiles - you can proceed to protect its surface with impregnation. Thus, to keep the attractive appearance of the tracks from the paving slab is quite easy and not too expensive. The main thing is that the care is carried out in a timely manner.
