All the information held within this brochure was correct at the time of print and are subject to change. We would therefore recommend that you check our website for the latest information and digital brochure.
Alternatively, please contact our Group Technical Services on 03704 112233, email grouptechnicalservices@stonemarket.co.uk
Important General Technical Information
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a transient phenomenon of Ordinary Portland cement used in the manufacture of concrete products. The occurrence of efflorescence in the pores of the concrete can lead to the appearance of white patches on the surface or an overall lightening of colour, which is often mistaken for the product fading.
Whilst the appearance of efflorescence may be a concern, it is temporary and does not in any way affect the durability or long-term performance of the concrete. Natural exposure to weathering is generally sufficient to erode the efflorescence and it is always recommended that an initial period of weathering be allowed to take place.
Responsibility cannot be accepted for its occurrence.
For further information, contact Group Technical Services.
Other Weathering
Weathering and site conditions can occasionally cause other variations in shade to appear. Differential weathering can cause patchy dark discolouration on the surface of individual units. Again this will generally diminish over time and will not affect long term performance. Natural stone may develop added markings, deposits or patches as mineral content oxidises.
All products can develop algae and organic growths under certain environmental conditions and may require cleaning. Areas adjacent to borders, plant pots and trees may discolour from transfer of plant-life; specialist maintenance advice may need to be sought.
Stonemarket cannot accept responsibility for any of the above conditions. All building materials should be protected from bad weather, both during storage and after initial installation.
Maintenance
Paving materials require periodic cleaning to maintain their appearance. Regular sweeping to prevent the build-up of detritus is recommended.
Light coloured blocks, whilst structurally sound for driveway use, do emphasise tyre marks and oil spills on the driveway.
It must be accepted that these products will need more maintenance if the overall appearance is to be maintained.
Proprietary cleaning agents are widely available. However, care should be taken when buying cleaning agents as some varieties contain a concentration of acid, which can adversely affect the appearance of concrete products, clay and natural stone.
A trial on a small section of paving is always recommended prior to using on the full area.
For general cleaning of dirt and algae, vigorous brushing with a stiff yard broom with plenty of hot detergent solution (washing up liquid or non-bio washing powder), thoroughly rinsed with clean water should suffice.
Specialist cleaners are also available to purchase, which require less manual work. Repeated treatment may be required for paved areas sited beneath trees or in permanent/near permanent shade. In certain circumstances, prolonged contact with wet leaves can result in staining of the paved area. Such contact should be avoided wherever practical.
Power-washing
Power-washing with high-pressure equipment is not normally required. Should these methods be employed, the following precautions should be observed:
i. Paving should be thoroughly swept to remove detritus (loose debris) that could act as an abrasive agent when moved by the force of a power jet.
ii. A trial area should be tested before larger scale power-washing takes place.
iii. No more than a medium pressure should be applied.
iv. The power-washing lance should be held at an
oblique angle to the paving and at least 200mm (8”) from
the surface.
v. If excess sand is washed from the joints during the washing exercise, it is important that the joints are re-sanded with similar materials upon completion.
vi. If mortar joints between paving units are damaged during power-washing they should be re-pointed/made good with fresh pointing as required, to maintain the integrity of the paving.
For more information visit our website and download the Stonemarket Cleaning & Maintenance Guide.
Suitability/Application
The paving flags illustrated in this literature are primarily intended for domestic/landscape use only. The block paving products illustrated in this literature are intended for pedestrian and light vehicular overrun applications (driveways and similar).
Colour Variation
The colours shown in this literature are as exact as photographic and printing processes will allow. You can request samples from your local stockists or from our website. We strongly recommend that colours are judged and chosen from actual materials rather than photographic representation depicted herein. Although every effort is made to ensure consistency of product colour, variations between production batches can occur.
We therefore recommend that, when purchasing materials, especially in the case of larger quantities, they all come from the same batch and that products are thoroughly mixed on site by drawing from a minimum of three packs.
Mix blocks from a minimum of 3 of packs to ensure the correct colour blend.
Batch Variation
Concrete
Concrete products are made from naturally occurring materials, which means these materials can vary in colour, resulting in a slight variation in a finished product. Despite the use of quality materials, modern and up to date manufacturing techniques and quality control, variation between production batches can occur.
Whilst any differences are generally quite minor, they will be noticeable when units from two production batches are laid consecutively within a single area.
We would always advise that batch codes are checked to reduce the risk of product variation and ensure consistency of finish. To prevent this, when multiple packs are being laid in one consecutive area, please ensure you check that they are all from the same production.
The batch label will display the product code, with the first two letters identifying the works of origin and the week number indicating which week of the year the product was produced.
Porcelain
Colour variation can occur during the manufacturing process of porcelain products. To minimise any variation issues in our ranges, Stonemarket only source from first choice tiles, which means we only take product from a reduced colour scale. We aim to always send your order from the same batch code, which can be found on all packaging.
Please check all pack information is consistent before installation. The batch code is present on all packaging and is usually shown as a letter, followed by a number.
For our porcelain ranges where multiple sizes are available, we do not recommend mixing product of the same colour within the same installation, even where batch codes are consistent.
This is due to product being manufactured at different locations. For a multi-size installation, please select one of our project packs. If you have any concerns, please contact our Group Technical Services Team.
Natural Stone
The natural origin of stone means that variation in colour, texture and markings is inevitable and is an inherent characteristic of all natural stone. What differentiates Stonemarket natural stone from our competitors is that all our stone goes through an agreed selection process for colour, which creates a more subtle and consistent blend across a finished project.
If you have any concerns, please contact our Group Technical Services Team.
In natural stone iron spots can sometimes be identified, after installation. This is due to oxidisation of iron materials within the matrix of the stone. This does not affect the structural integrity of the stone.
Light coloured natural stone, whilst structurally sound for patio and driveway use, they can emphasise tyre marks and oil spills. It must therefore be accepted that extra maintenance will be needed to maintain the overall appearance.
Availability
Details of pack contents are listed for the guidance of stockists. Product dimensions and weight, etc. are nominal and subject to manufacturing tolerances.
Staining
Certain common garden chemicals such as Ferrous Sulphate can stain paving. Please check the information given on the container holding the chemical. If chemicals are spilt on the paving remove immediately by rinsing away with clean water.
Stonemarket Commitment to Quality & Innovation
Stonemarket is committed to innovative product development and manufacture. To help you obtain maximum enjoyment and long service from any Stonemarket product, we would be pleased to make you aware of the following:
The evolution of new product design is continuous and information is subject to change without notice. Customers should check with the stockist to ensure that they have the latest details.
All Stonemarket products are manufactured to the appropriate European Standard where applicable. Where products (or intended usage) lie outside the scope of a British (or European) Standard, Stonemarket own standard will be employed.
All products are supplied subject to Stonemarket Standard Conditions of Sale, a copy of which is available on request. Liability in respect of any statements, conditions, warranties, and representations made on behalf of the Company is limited in accordance with the terms set out in the Standard Conditions of Sale.
Prior to handling and installation, check the paving for damage. Complaints about visible damage will not be accepted after installation.
Health and Safety
Care should be taken when handling and installing Stonemarket products. Guidelines on the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) are available for all Stonemarket products, either on our website www.stonemarket.co.uk or through our Group Technical Services team.
Trademarked and Patented Paving System Permeapave is patented in UK and EP079168931.
® is used throughout the brochure to denote ranges that are registered trademarked in the UK (or in the UK/EU) in the name of Marshalls Mono Limited.
General Information
In the unlikely event that our product reaches you in an unsatisfactory condition, please report this to us immediately, where our expert team can assist you.
Please note that if you install the product with any known defect apparent prior to laying, then we may not accept responsibility for any costs incurred. Stonemarket would always recommend that you use our installation guidelines when installing our products.
When in any doubt we advise that you seek support from our Group Technical Team. We cannot accept any responsibility for our products that are not installed following our recommendations or are used for purposes other than those intended.
How to contact Stonemarket
Call: 03704 112233
Email: grouptechnicalservices@stonemarket.co.uk
For ideas, inspiration and product information please visit our website: www.stonemarket.co.uk
