In the final part of our Simply Do It Yourself series we highlight some important information regarding the products we supply.
Colours

It's the natural colour variations in Bradstone Natural Sandstone Fossil Buff that make it so covetable.
The colours depicted on our website are as accurate as modern technology allows. Tonal variations are evident in all manufactured and natural stone products; we therefore recommend that colours are judged from actual materials.
This is of significant importance when selecting a natural stone product which, by its very nature, will exhibit considerable deviations from slab to slab. It is important to view a range of samples to acknowledge the authentic diversity in colours, texture and markings.
Manufactured products are designed to simulate natural stone and naturally occurring aggregates are utilised, therefore variation between batches can occur. To produce an overall natural appearance when using two or more packs of product we suggest that individual products are drawn from each pack and mixed on site at the onset of the project.
Reconstructed stone products will weather in a similar way to natural stone, therefore the effect of the elements and site conditions may cause some colour change dependent on the degree of exposure.
After laying, some natural stone products may exhibit a brown colouration when oxidation of any iron content occurs.
Maintenance/Cleaning

Sealants such as Signo Flexiguard can help protect porous products against ingrained soiling from dirt, staining from oil and water based contaminants and even moss and algae growth.
Regular maintenance is required to keep the overall appearance of the product in pristine condition. We recommend thoroughly washing paved areas with warm soapy water and brushing off with a stiff broom three or four times a year.
High pressure washers are not recommended for use on wet cast manufactured paving.
Simply Paving cannot be held responsible for the possible effects or damage caused by the contamination or application of some chemically based products which come into contact with a concrete surface e.g. some weed killers and acid or alkaline based cleaners.
Common salt should not be used to de-ice wet cast paving. To prevent possible surface damage always use a proprietary brand of de-icing product expressly formulated for use on concrete.
Drainage
When laying a patio or path close to a house or dwelling it is essential that the finished paving surface level is at least 150mm below damp course level and should slope away from the building. A fall of 1:60 is generally sufficient). All paved areas should be gently sloping to allow excess water to be directed away and should always be laid on well drained ground. Any base preparation should also allow for drainage. Poor drainage may result in water retention and may affect the weathering characteristics of the materials.
Pointing

Please check the recommended joint widths for your chosen product. Many product dimensions allow for a 10-15mm joint width.
For best results a strong semi-dry mortar mix is recommended (with sufficient water content to bind but not so much as to stain the paving when introduced). Pointing is best completed as laying work progresses and should be carried out during dry spells of weather and sufficient pointing mortar should be mixed to be used within 30-45 minutes (less in hot weather conditions). After this time it may become too dry to bond. If spaces between paving are filled with sand, modified sand or decorative stone, moisture may be held in the joints and water may penetrate the sub-base for excessive periods of time, resulting in the possible occurrence of dark staining on the top surface or around the edges of the paving.
Suitability
Manufactured products are reconstructed stone and the paving range is primarily intended for domestic landscape use. Simply Paving cannot accept any liability in respect of products being used for an inappropriate purpose.
In the unlikely event of products reaching you in less than satisfactory condition, please contact us immediately. Simply Paving cannot accept responsibility once the product has been laid.
Efflorescence
Simply Paving cannot be held responsible for this naturally occurring phenomenon, which can be characteristic in quality concrete products containing a high cement content. In their early life concrete products may exhibit an apparent loss of colour and efflorescence may appear in the form of a bloom or stain on the face of the product. This is a result of an interaction between the cement used to manufacture the paving and the natural environment
Natural stone flags can also exhibit the effects of efflorescence when laid on a mortar bed. When water is drawn up from the mortar bedding to the surface of the stone, "salts" are transported with it. Although the water will evaporate over time, the "salt" deposits will be left behind on the surface of the stone. These too will disappear over time, but can take a number of months.

Efflorescence can be a characteristic of all good quality products with a high cement content.
The effect generally disappears with the combination of the natural weathering process and the passage of time and its appearance is not detrimental to the performance of the material.
Health and Safety

Always wear suitable safety equipment when handling our products.
Many products within our range are heavy. It is recommended that items over 25kg or those that are awkward in shape should be handled by more than one person, or suitable lifting equipment is used. It is suggested that work gloves are used to prevent abrasion to hands and lime burns from wet mortar.
Eye protection (safety goggles) should also be used when cutting with either chisels or rotary disc cutters, also respiratory protection (dust mask) should be used to avoid dust inhalation with using high speed cutters.
Please Note
All dimensions quoted on our website are nominal and are subject to manufacturing tolerances and actual sizes will vary as products are designed to replicate natural stone which features riven profiles and irregular fettled edges. Our suppliers policy is one of continuous improvement, innovation and development and as such we reserve the right to change specification without notice.
If you require any help, please give the Simply Paving office a call on 0800 032 6306 and we will try to assist you in all aspects of your landscaping project.