specified- for example non-slip or cool-to-the-touch in warm locations.
Specification is key to success, and that means understanding how the space will be used to ensure that the completed project is fit for purpose and strong enough to withstand weight tolerances placed upon it. This is especially important for public areas and if designers expect heavy use, planters, street art or heavy furniture. Understanding usage lays the groundwork for selecting the most appropriate and cost-effective substructure to support decking or paving chosen.
It must also be remembered that all elements of the paving / decking system must be suitable for exterior use, so only weatherproof and rotproof solutions should be considered.
Choice For the majority of applications, standard plastic pedestals offer the performance required for exterior applications at, or around, ground level. Look for a weight tolerance of at least 680kg / pedestal and temperature tolerance of-40 ° C to + 75 ° C to ensure a hard-wearing and long-lasting installation. If heavier traffic is anticipated, heavy duty plastic pedestals offer a weight tolerance of more than 1.5 tonnes each, with a breaking point of two tonnes. Standard metal pedestals can withstand three tonnes.
Wallbarn offers both plastic and metal pedestals in fixed head and self-balancing systems, allowing any sub-surface unevenness to be counteracted and imperfections, such as variations in paving slab thickness, to be smoothed out. Wallbarn takes pride in having a pedestal system suitable for almost any project, from 10mm to 1m + in both plastic and Class A metal. This wide choice allows contractors to cherry pick the precise heights and features they require, sourcing the entire system from one supplier with the benefits that delivers- one point of contact for customer support, site deliveries etc.
Systems include:
• MiniPad: the ultra low height solution suitable for paving, decking and rail systems with different headpieces. Heights range from 10mm to 40mm, with special grips allowing installers to adjust height whilst the slab is in situ. MiniPad is ideal for achieving exact levels. Clip-on 5mm extension plates provide additional height flexibility, particularly when the finished surface height is uncertain during the planning phase.
• Mega Balance: the ultimate one-stop solution with a weight tolerance of three tonnes and a height range of 25mm to 1025mm, Mega Balance offers unrivalled flexibility on site for paving, decking or the Wallbarn
DECKING
rail system. This self-levelling or fixed head pedestal reduces the need for multiple products, streamlining specification and installation. In addition, it can handle slopes of use to 5 % and is lockable by use of the‘ Grey Nut’, a top key system allowing in-situ height adjustments for paving.
• Mini Mega Balance: a gamechanger pedestal system delivering an ultra heavy-duty pedestal accommodating 25mm to 75mm height requirements with no wastage. Suitable for paving, decking and rail systems.
• Balance: engineered to counteract unevenness, Balance has a telescopic stem twisted by hand to achieve the height required to millimetric precision, from 25mm to 392mm.
Wallbarn also offers the Class A rated MetalPad EX; fixed height pedestals( 7mm to 17mm); the Universal range for paving and decking; rail system; accessories( including edging plates and slope correctors) plus a range of paving and decking finishes, including ExaDeck, cement fibre deckboards, and Bamboo Elegance. Refer to its website for full details of all substructure / pedestals systems and finishes. www. wallbarn. com
New Wallbarn Systems
Wallbarn has launched two systems that further enhance its approach to safety, design flexibility, flawless finishes and long-lasting installations.
Its new Gravity raised flooring system combines adjustable pedestals( including Wallbarn’ s own Universal, Balance or Mega Balance) with a continuous structural support grid to deliver highly stable paving, decking and even green roof finishes.
Also new is Perimeter Edging Plate, which creates a secure, precise, exposed edge detail for raised paving installations. Paired with Wallbarn’ s Mega Balance adjustable pedestals, the kit enables porcelain tiles and vertical risers to be bonded at exposed edges and corners, providing a clean, stable finish.
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