Paving slabs: all the pros and cons when choosing. Advantages of paving slabs Disadvantages of paving slabs

After reading this article, you will see how the advantages paving slabs outweigh its shortcomings. And the video materials at the end of the article are additional confirmation of what has been said.

The advantages of paving slabs or, as it is also called, paving stones over most other coatings are very numerous. It is easy to distinguish them based on the following aspects:

Excellent physical characteristics.
Insignificant surmountable shortcomings.
Attractive feature.
Wide range of applications.

It's all about strength

Determining the advantages of paving slabs, we must not forget about the methods of its manufacture. If earlier it was made from pressed concrete, now, in addition to this material, various plasticizers, clay, stone chips, and dyes are added. All this ensures that the products maintain sufficient strength even under strong mechanical loads.

And at the mention of excellent physical properties, which the material acquires during the manufacturing process, advantages of paving slabs only increase. So, products obtained by casting can withstand up to 200 freeze-thaw cycles; products that are manufactured by vibrocompression - up to 300 cycles.

Cast paving slabs have a water absorption of only 5% of the total volume of water falling on it. Its service life at maximum loads is 10 years. The vibropressed paving slabs keep durability, do not fade for 25 years. Practically does not absorb moisture.

There is also a kind of paving stone blocks - products from natural stone(marble, granite). Paved paths made of such material practically do not wear out. In terms of strength, it exceeds concrete of the highest grade. The stone does not lose strength when exposed to acids, alkalis, which are contained in precipitation. It does not fade in the sun, does not darken and does not rot in a humid environment. The coating lasts up to 100 years. Only here the prices bite.

Cons of paving slabs from the point of view of physical characteristics, they can only be present if it is made in an artisanal way. Owners of private estates often purchase such products, attracted by a low price - but this is the only advantage of homemade paving slabs.

Unknown components, violation of manufacturing technology, imperfect pressing equipment - necessarily affects the quality and physical properties of the tile. It begins to break down shortly after installation, unable to withstand the weight of pedestrians, strongly absorbs moisture. It is very easy to distinguish handicraft products from industrial ones. To do this, lightly tap the tile on the tile. If the product is of high quality, a slight ringing will be heard.

In outline

People who doubt are always wondering how the pros and cons of paving slabs outweigh each other. Let's figure it out.

The advantages of paving slabs are as follows:

always available for general sale;
varied in color and shape;
does not retain moisture;
withstands severe frosts;
does not overheat in the heat;
environmentally friendly;
easy and quick to install;
easy care.

Cons of paving slabs:

ice forms on the surface in winter;
absorbs moisture, which, with a sharp decrease in air temperature, causes the destruction of the structure of products from the inside;
with dishonest laying between the tiles, grass sprouts, which also destroys their integrity;
with improper paving, the path to the garage soon begins to sag under the pressure of the wheels of the vehicle.

If we compare

The advantages of paving slabs are obvious when compared with other coatings. Unlike concrete, pebble, asphalt paths, sidewalk paving stones:

Has an aesthetic look. The garden and adjacent green areas are perceived as neat and well-groomed.
Thanks to the ability to combine various color and figured elements, the coating is an adornment of the garden landscape.
Lets pave small areas for the arrangement of leisure and recreation of various configurations. Yes, and the paths on the site can be given an interesting shape with the help of tiles.
When heated, the product does not change shape, retains a solid structure. But it does not fade in direct sunlight. Does not crack during prolonged use.
After heavy rain, puddles do not form on the coating. Water seeps into the soil through the gaps between the tiles. Due to the dry layer under the tiles, moss does not grow in the gaps.
Too narrow gaps between the pavers ensure the cleanliness of the entire coating after a heavy downpour. The earth is not smeared on its surface.
The tile over time does not emit toxic substances, fumes, as it consists of natural materials.
If it is necessary to conduct or repair communications under the paving slab coating, it can be quickly and easily removed. After repair work the tile is also easy to install again.

Right place

The numerous advantages of paving slabs over other coatings created a big boom around this material among the owners of private houses and country estates. Nowadays, paving stones pave paths in the garden, yards, playgrounds in front of gazebos and playgrounds. Some homeowners lay tiles around the perimeter of the walls of the foundation, basement. It is here that the shortcomings of paving slabs are fully manifested.

After seasonal rains, all the moisture goes through the gaps between the tiles into the sand and gravel "pillow", on which it rests, and stagnates there. As a result, the foundation, the basement, gradually begins to dampen and collapse. To prevent this from happening, instead of tiles, it is better to fill the places adjacent to the house with high-quality concrete. It does not absorb moisture; streams of water flow down from its surface to a safe distance from the house.

Significant shortcomings of paving slabs are also revealed when laying it in the yard. The coating, except for moisture, absorbs all liquids, including gasoline. In hot weather, when the tile heats up, liquids begin to evaporate from the "cushion". As a result, there is such amber in the yard that it is difficult to breathe. The situation is even more aggravated if a dog lives on a tiled floor in a booth. In hot weather, the air in the yard is filled with the smell of animal feces.

If a parking lot is immediately equipped for a car, paving slabs, which have previously absorbed drops of gasoline and exhaust gases, begin to exude toxic carcinogenic vapors when heated.

Paving stone, although it has a high density, is a hygroscopic material. Therefore, it is worth laying it out in environmentally friendly places: gardens, parks, recreation areas. Being natural material, pavement paving stones in the absence of unpleasantly smelling liquids do not exude harmful fumes. This is indeed a very beautiful coating that can decorate any landscape.

Now you know all the advantages of paving slabs, and you can choose products for your site. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for this. Beautiful colored paths, a paved tennis court will become interesting design solution for garden landscape.

When wondering which paving slabs are better, it is advisable to trust the professionals. How to choose the right tile? You should contact a specialized company in the catalog of which a wide range of products is presented.

Features of paving slabs

Paving slabs are a material intended for ennoblement of various territories. Its main task is landscape design and giving an attractive appearance to different areas.

Many are wondering how to choose paving slabs for a summer residence or for any other area. The most important thing that consumers usually pay attention to is the external features of the material. When choosing, it is also necessary to take into account the performance characteristics of paving slabs, since it must withstand heavy loads, the impact of negative external factors and serve as long as possible.

Types of paving slabs

If you ask yourself what kind of paving slabs are, then we can distinguish several types of this material:

Cement-sand. The most economical tile option, which is very popular due to the fact that moisture does not linger on the surface.
Vibrocast. In the process of tile production, plastic compositions are used. She has a special appearance which is similar to brick or wood flooring. Basically, such tiles are used for paving paths on garden plots and adjoining territories of country houses.
Vibropressed. It is made from a concrete mixture, which is poured into molds subjected to pressure with vibration. This tile has a strict shape and a rough surface. The material is most often used for paving paths in in public places.
Granite. Such a tile made of natural stone easily tolerates temperature changes and has a long service life.
Rubber. Relatively new material, which is made on the basis of crumb rubber. Such a tile has softness and high elasticity. The material is most often used for installation on playgrounds, footpaths and other areas that are subject to increased safety requirements.

The choice of material depends on where it will be installed and how actively the tile will be used. The material is usually chosen for its intended purpose. For example, if cars will drive on the tile, then preference should be given to products that are produced by the vibropress method, since they can withstand heavy loads and have a long service life.

Advantages of paving slabs

The material has such positive features:

excellent appearance in comparison with other types of coatings used in the open air;
strength, reliability and durability - artificial material serves at least 30 years, and the service life of natural stone products can be more than a hundred years;
tiles are made from absolutely environmentally friendly and harmless materials;
products perfectly tolerate low and high temperatures;
elementary care and ease of cleaning from pollution;
paving slabs are easy to transport and install;
the possibility of creating many styling options, thanks to a large selection of shapes, sizes and colors;
if necessary, the material can be removed to be reused.

Many people wonder how to choose paving slabs for a car. main feature which it must possess is high strength and withstand heavy loads. Also, tiles should be laid on concrete base with all necessary standards. Only in this way can the material withstand big weight vehicle.

Disadvantages of paving slabs

Any material has its drawbacks. Paving slabs have the following negative features:

extraction and processing of material is a rather long and laborious process;
in order for the tile to serve for many years, you need to competently and efficiently organize drainage;
uneven drawdown with improper installation;
the design of the tracks has a rather high noise level and is not always convenient when driving.

Paving slabs, with all their advantages, have some disadvantages, but for many they are insignificant, since the attractive appearance and durability of the material cover all the disadvantages.

Choice of tile thickness

Both the visual component of the coating and how well the material will lie on the selected area depend on the thickness of the paving slabs. This parameter defines a specific area of use and is the main performance indicator that determines the choice. The following types of tiles are distinguished by thickness:

Pedestrian. Thickness about 30 mm. This tile is designed for paving garden paths, sidewalks, adjacent blind areas and other areas.
Universal. Thickness - 50-60 mm. Designed for laying paths, parks and other recreation areas.
Monolithic. Thickness - 70-80 mm or more. Designed for parking lots, alleys for trucks, and for other areas with heavy loads.

The thickness of the tile affects its cost. The most budgetary is pedestrian, and the most expensive is monolithic.

Forms of paving slabs

Paving slabs vary in shape. There are several varieties:

pavers,
honeycomb,
gzhelka,
clover,
flower,
parquet,
wave and others.

A wide range of shapes and colors allows you to create unique material compositions. The number of styling options is limitless. You can come up with your own composition or seek help from professional designers.

Secrets of a successful purchase of paving slabs

How to choose the right paving slabs? It is necessary to pay attention to such features:

Color. Too bright a shade indicates that there is a lot of pigment in the material, which leads to a decrease in the strength of the tile.
Structure. If you break the tile, then scrap quality material must be evenly painted, without cracks, voids and chips.
Surface. The surface of paving slabs should not have bubbles and cracks.
Strength. The tile must have high strength, because then it will last as long as possible, even under heavy loads.
Specifications. When choosing a tile, you should ask about the availability of laboratory tests for products.
Moisture resistance. The tile is designed for laying outdoors, so it can withstand exposure to moisture. You should choose a material with high level moisture resistance.
Resistant to temperature extremes. The material must have maximum resistance to heat and frost.
Abrasion resistance. The tile must be covered with a special composition on all sides so that it does not deteriorate from mechanical stress.
surface feature. Glossy tiles have a more attractive appearance than matte ones, but the second material is more reliable and lasts longer.
Price. A quality product is produced on expensive equipment in compliance with technological processes. That is why the material cannot be too cheap.

Thus, paving slabs should have the following basic properties:

thickness required for certain tasks;
optimal dimensions;
frost resistance;
high quality production;
durability.

When purchasing paving slabs, it is imperative to calculate how much it will be needed, since getting it can be a problem, since tiles from different batches may differ in size and shade.

If you are wondering which paving slabs to choose for the yard or for any other area, it is better to trust the experts in resolving this issue. It is advisable to ask for a quality certificate, which reliable companies provide without hesitation.

High quality at a bargain price is sold by a specialized company that works with the largest factories on special terms, thanks to this, customers significantly save on the purchase decorative material. To, it is enough to contact the managers.

If you are used to believing that the appearance of your favorite city depends solely on the imagination of architects and the quality of the work of landscapers, you are mistaken. Imagine that old cracked paths made of asphalt or concrete run between magnificent buildings or wonderful lawns and flower beds. Agree that the aesthetics of such a picture is completely absent. A comparison suggests itself with a dwelling richly furnished with modern household appliances, decorated with luxurious wallpaper, but having a terrible floor made of old boards.

Thus, the appearance of the city significantly depends on how well and aesthetically finished its sidewalks are. With the help of new techniques, it was possible to create a material that can pave city streets with maximum quality and beauty. This material is paving slabs. Yes, until quite recently it was produced exclusively in gray color and had only two or three possible forms. Now she is able to show off with amazing wealth, concerning both colors and shapes.

Let's start with such an advantage of paving slabs as durability. This material is able to last many times longer than asphalt or concrete. Continuing the conversation about the pros, one can note the ease of laying paving slabs, excellent aesthetic performance, and simplicity in case of need for repair work. In addition, puddles cannot form on such a surface, since water will simply go into small gaps between individual elements.

IN last years has become a very fashionable trend landscape design. Shopkeepers strive to ennoble the area in front of the outlet, summer residents are engaged in their own plots. Of course, it is unlikely that someone, trying to achieve the external beauty of a personal plot, will make paths using asphalt. In many European countries the streets are lined with just the same paving slabs, which once again speaks of its high class. When considering whether paving slabs are beneficial, take into account the fact that in very hot weather it almost does not heat up, does not soften, unlike asphalt.

The advantages of the material should be replenished with the fact that in case of need to repair underground utilities, rough dismantling is not required. A section of the track is simply carefully disassembled, while maintaining the integrity of each individual tile.

Designers will also appreciate the benefits. You can vary the shape and color, thereby creating beautiful compositions and patterns on the tracks.

Of course, in order for you to appreciate all the advantages of paving slabs, you need to responsibly approach its installation. Don't neglect preparatory work, excavate the soil layer correctly, foresee the required slope level without errors and make drainage.

You can answer whether paving slabs are profitable by considering some of the features of its manufacture.

The production of this product is carried out:

By vibrocasting and the use of plasticizer additives.
By vibrocompression of the dry mixture.

Using these techniques, it is possible to obtain raw materials with a minimum porosity index and a minimum water content.

Due to the fact that special cement is used in production, paving slabs have significant resistance to cold, and are able to withstand a huge amount of frost and defrosting.

To get what you need color solution, a number of pigments are used in production. Pigments should have good resistance sunshine and precipitation to keep the color bright for a long time.

Photo

It is impossible to say exactly when natural stone was first used for paving roads, but archaeologists discover the fact of the use of paving stones for arranging driveways during excavations of very ancient civilizations that existed 7,500 or more years ago.

With the advent of asphalt and concrete roads, they were practically forgotten, rolling up obsolete pavements under new modern coatings. But now this material, unique in its characteristics, is gaining popularity again. And it's not just about fashion trend, a and in exceptional strength natural stone. However, paving can be done with both granite and artificial counterparts.

Varieties of paving stones

To date, there are three main varieties of paving stones, which are made from:

natural stone
concrete
baked clay (clinker)

The most durable, almost eternal and most suitable for Belarus is considered granite paving stones, because it is not subject to wear and has a minimum coefficient of hygroscopicity. That is, such a coating does not absorb moisture, therefore, it does not collapse during freezing and thawing.

concrete pavers, most often called paving slabs, is made by vibration casting. It is practically not inferior in strength to varieties from natural rocks, but it absorbs moisture, so it can crack and crumble over time.

Clinker pavers, in fact, which is a burnt brick, is also characterized by a high degree of strength and durability.

Now let's look at the pros and cons of each type in more detail.

Paving stones from granite

Among benefits natural stone for paving roads and sidewalks can be noted:

Complete absence chemical compounds and dyes, therefore, when heated, toxic substances are not released, and the natural color does not fade and does not lose its original saturation.
, thanks to which aesthetic decorative patterns are created by alternating elements that differ in color.

Weather resistant. Rain, snow, frost or heat leave no trace.
Quick drying after rain and no puddles, as granite does not absorb moisture, and all the water goes between the seams into the ground.
Different texture of the surface, which can be full-sawn, chipped or sawn-split.

Flaws stone paving stones also have.

Difficulty in laying chipped elements, which significantly increases the cost installation work. In addition, such a surface is not very comfortable to walk on, so this species mainly used for road construction.

The sawn surface becomes slippery when wet, so it is necessary to buy paving stones that have passed the bush hammering procedure, which gives the necessary anti-slip roughness.

concrete pavers

pros artificial pavement made of concrete elements rectangular shape look like this:

More affordable cost.
Attractive appearance and a wide variety of colors.

Relative strength and abrasion resistance.

TO cons This type of coverage can include:

fragility. Due to the porosity of the structure, concrete is quickly saturated with moisture, and due to the change temperature conditions starts to break down. The average operational period of concrete pavers is 7 years, after which it almost completely loses its aesthetics and needs to be replaced.
Inexpensive products are not painted in mass, but only superficially, so the color is quickly wiped off or faded under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
With an insufficiently strong foundation, this paving stone can burst under excessively large loads.

Thus, this variety is best used for arranging footpaths or laid on a solid concrete base, which will provide additional strength.

Clinker pavers

The clinker is fake diamond. To his benefits can be attributed:

High strength.
Low water absorption.
Environmental friendliness.
Uniform distribution of a color shade in weight.

TO shortcomings applies to:

Fairly high cost.
Limited color range.
Unnatural appearance.

Conclusion

Of course, every homeowner has the right to decide for himself what type of paving stones to choose. Both individual preferences and harmonious combination with the surrounding architectural ensemble play an important role here. Of course, granite paving stones are the most versatile in this regard, but they do not always fit a certain stylistic design. Therefore, it is very difficult to unequivocally advise which option to choose.

Popular stones

Featured Items

About such a variety of building materials as today, a few decades ago, one could only dream of. Now you can safely purchase products without worrying about their certain qualities and performance characteristics. All materials have been tested and have already proven their practicality and suitability.

Modern country cottage area or adjoining territory hard to imagine without paving slabs. It is often called paving stone blocks, which is basically the same thing. It will be discussed in this article.

For the first time, this material began to be used in countries where strong roads were required, but there was not enough stone for these needs. She laid out first the carriageways, and later the sidewalks. In our country, paving slabs began to be made only in the 70s. Then it was quite large and less durable, unlike modern paving stones. After a new tile manufacturing technology appeared in production - pressing, paving material got its usual look.

Modern production has several types of paving slab manufacturing technologies. Depending on which technology is used, this or that type of tile is obtained. Main varieties paving stones:

The first type of tile differs from others in that in the process of its production, plastic compounds. The “stuffing” of the tile is poured into special containers, the so-called “vibroforms”. It has a special appearance, imitating brick or wood flooring. Most often, this type of building material is used for individual construction. She lays out paths in garden plots and the adjacent territory of cottages and country houses.

Vibropressed tiles produced in a completely different way. concrete mix is poured into a mold, which is subjected to pressure with vibration. This pressure is created by a special vibropress, due to which the tile has a more strict shape and rough surface. Data building material lay out roads in public places, squares, sidewalks and pavements.

A more durable tile is paving stones made of natural stone- granite. Due to the fact that it can more easily tolerate temperature changes, its service life is much longer. Plus, it does not require any additional means to protect against damage. Granite tiles will serve their owner not less than 25 years old.

There are also several types of tiles, depending on what material it is made of. The most popular are concrete products, but clay materials are no less common. Outwardly, clay paving slabs resemble roof tiles. Some manufacturers add granite chips or other binder material to the tile. The color range of paving slabs is very wide, the same can be said about the shape.

Main benefits modern paving slabs can be called the following qualities:

granite tiles also has a number of advantages over concrete:

it eliminates the rise of groundwater;
does not interfere with the natural need of green plants for gas exchange;
does not fade and does not lose its shade;
the pattern on each individual tile is unique;
this tile can always be lifted and shifted again;
she is more durable and environmentally friendly.

However, there is one significant drawback - high price. Although the owners of granite tiles assure that the difference in price will be covered by the costs of constant repairs and alterations concrete pavement However, not everyone can afford such a luxury. Also cons paving slabs are:

uneven drawdown due to improper laying;
during frosts, the tiles become very slippery.

Before you decide to lay paving slabs in your country house or near your house, you need to take a little time to study the technical properties of this material. All questions of interest can be asked to the sales assistant in the hardware store. Before buying, make sure that the type of tile you choose durable enough. Find out if it can support the weight of a car, or if it is only designed for the weight of a person. It is worth paying attention to the shape of the tiles. Mark for yourself whether it will be necessary to cut the tile near the curb or not, whether it is rough enough, etc.

Laying paving slabs requires answering some questions: “How will excess water go?”, “What is needed for this?”. Some homeowners install open lines, special drain grates or storm water inlets.

Before you start the process of laying out tiles, you need to calculate the amount of material needed. It is best to prepare a drawing of the territory on a small scale, according to which to proceed with the direct laying.

If you plan to lay out tiles with your own hands, then this section of the article is for you.

First of all, you need to prepare the area where the tiles will be laid out. Using a level, you need to level the area so that the slope was away from the house, and not vice versa. It is necessary to drive in small pegs throughout the territory, mark the level of the slope and pull the thread along them. Next, you need to set the curbs to the required height. You can level the area with sand, screenings or gravel. After that, the territory is abundantly watered with water and compacted with a vibrating plate or any other similar sealing material.

After that, you need to fix curbs. First, a sand-cement mixture is prepared in the ratio of cement and sand - 1:4. The level of bedding can be different, it all depends on the height of the curb. The greater the level of backfill, the more securely the tile will be fixed. The mixture must be leveled with a conventional rake.

Particular attention should be paid laying the first row of tiles, after all, the level of slope of the remaining rows depends on it. Lay out the initial row as accurately and parallel to the planes as possible. Each tile must be tapped with a rubber mallet so that it sags.

When the entire tile is laid out, the seams are sprinkled with a dry mixture, and the remnants are swept away. Defects can also be easily repaired with a mixture of cement and sand in a 1:2 ratio.

If you decide to trust a professional in the matter of laying paving slabs, then you should know how much this type of work costs.

If the surface has already been prepared, then the price tag for laying tiles is as follows:

For the removal of asphalt or other surfaces will have to pay extra at the rate of 150-200 rubles. for 1 sq. m.

Preparing the surface of concrete with sand costs 15–20 rubles/sq.m., reinforcement 150–190 rubles/sq.m., concrete - 320–350 rubles/sq.m. The cost of these works is usually within 400 rubles / sq.m. Installation of drainage systems and borders is paid separately, on average the price varies from 120-200 rubles per sq.m.

Laying paving slabs is not an easy task. If you decide to lay out the tiles with your own hands, follow the above tips. Properly laid tiles will not have defects and won't sag, which means that it will delight its owner with a smooth and durable surface for many years.