CONCRETE & STONEWORK
The right product for the job depends on the type of stone , the size of the paving and the dimensions of the joints . i . e . 2-part , epoxy resin based , GftK vdw 815 + or GftK vdw 850 +, for joint widths from > 3mm , or > 5mm respectively , which are undoubtedly the best products we have seen for durable external porcelain tile jointing / pointing . This materials technology , and these specific high-performance paving jointing products are designed to be extremely durable and resistant for the long-term , just like external porcelain tile paving .
Porcelain needs non-permeable pointing , unless on a permeable bed … This is a widespread myth , possibly originally perpetrated because in most of the original / traditional porcelain paving countries , which lie around the Mediterranean , porcelain paving is jointed / grouted with impermeable , cement-based tile grouts that will retain their appearance for years into the future – in these climates . However , this is the UK , our green and pleasant land , where the climate , gardens and building standards are very different . Patios , terraces , and any other outdoor areas of tiled paving , in both domestic and commercial premises will tend to become green , stained or discoloured far more quickly , and will require jet wash cleaning , even porcelain !
The suggestion that porcelain tile grouts must be non-permeable when laid on full concrete beds rather than consolidated granite chippings as prevails in Italy and around the Mediterranean , is also a bit of a ‘ red herring ’. The UK ’ s only fully independent source of paving information , including information on use of external porcelain paving explained this in some detail in an excellent article https :// www . pavingexpert . com / faq _ permeable _ mortars _ 01
Therefore , this myth is also untrue . Like all external paving in the UK , the porcelain tiles should be laid to recognised falls , ensuring water run-off away from property and / or into adequate surface drainage provided . The now established UK method of laying porcelain with a bonding slurry ( usually SBR ) on the backside , and placing directly into a full wet mortar bed , also prevents any possible theoretical water underflow and frost delamination . In any event , there is absolutely no evidence of any such sub-surface , freeze-thaw damage to any paved surfaces anywhere throughout most of the UK . NCC Streetscape is the
UK ’ s exclusive agent and distributor of GftK ’ s vdw 2-part epoxy mortars ( they are wet-slurry applied and are not so-called ‘ brush in ’ s ) are now used extensively as the pointing / jointing mortar with porcelain paving throughout the UK . This proven UK track record now extends beyond 7 years , which is significant given the very recent growth in porcelain paving , and in our opinion also , there is no issue in the UK using permeable jointing mortars on relatively impermeable bases . Permeability is also a question of degree , as both bedding mortars and / or concrete bases are also always permeable to some extent . This is especially true using a typical 5 or 6-1 bedding mix .
For more advice or assistance with your specific porcelain tile paving project including selecting the right jointing product , the estimated consumption and the installation , visit our website https :// www . nccstreetscape . co . uk / index . html and the specific page regarding porcelain paving here : https :// www . nccstreetscape . co . uk / type-of-paving-unit / porcelain-paving . html or call our paving team on 01257 266696 for FREE Expert Advice .
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