SPS 2022 - Flipbook - Page 81
Before laying the flagstone an application of VillaFix™ Porcelain & Stone Primer to the underside will
improve adhesion, especially on the Premier range. Carefully lay the flagstone and tap into place with a
rubber mallet to the correct level. Place the next flag with an adequate joint and continue with the appropriate
laying pattern. Avoid cross joints when laying. NB: as with all natural stone flags the top is the widest surface.
Lay full flagstones first and complete the cuts at the end. After a few days, the joints can be pointed with a
mortar made up 4 parts washed sharp sand to 1 part cement. Alternatively, joints can be filled using VillaFix™
Jointing Compound which is an all weather brush in, naturally coloured sand compound. Consideration can be
given to using VillaFix™ Porcelain & Stone Grout or VillaFix™ Porcelain & Stone Flow Grout where narrow
joints of 10mm or less are used.
All Stone Paving flagstones are designed to be laid with joints. All cement and grout stains on the face must be
washed off immediately or the flagstones will be permanently stained. The use of acids to clean off mortar or
other stains is not recommended as it can have a detrimental effect on the product.
When laying circles start from the centre stone and work outwards. If contained within a patio lay circle first.
Laying natural stone block paving
Natural Stone Block Paving has the advantage of being installed in the same way as concrete block paving
but with the added attraction of using a natural material with its aesthetic appeal and greater durability. The
proposed paved area requires edge restraints to be initially installed to contain the block paving. These can
be existing walls or paving. Otherwise new ones can be formed by a single block paving course with concrete
haunching and bed. Lay a suitable sub-base material, well compacted followed by 40-50mm of coarse sharp
sand screeded for the block paving to be laid on top. The level of the sharp sand requires a small surcharge
to allow for final compaction. The block paving should be laid with the 3 sizes in a stretcher bond and a
joint of 2-5mm created between the blocks. Whole blocks are laid first always starting at the bottom of any
slope followed by cutting in using a disc cutter. The area is then swept with kiln dried sand filling all the joints
leaving a small surplus on the surface. Using a vibrating compactor pass over the area 2/3 times to complete the
installation. The use of a rubber mat attached to the vibrating compactor should be considered.
Laying porcelain
Porcelain paving tiles can be laid similar to natural stone flagstones. However, most importantly, a suitable
slurry tile primer such as VillaFix™ Porcelain & Stone Primer is necessary and must be applied to the
reverse of each tile prior to laying to achieve full adhesion. Without this coating, adhesion of
the tile may fail. Alternatively, the porcelain paving tiles can be laid onto a concrete base using
VillaFix™ Porcelain & Stone Adhesive.
As the porcelain paving tiles are extremely hard they must be cut with water fed continuous rim diamond tipped
cutting disc.
Minimum joint with is 3mm.The joints must be impermeable and this can be achieved by using VillaFix™
Porcelain & Stone Grout or VillaFix™ Porcelain & Stone Flow Grout.
As there may be slight colour variations in manufacturing, please ensure tiles are supplied from similar
batches.
When laying, you are recommended not to stagger the rectangular tiles by more than 100mm for tiles up to
1 metre long and 250mm for tiles over 1 metre long.
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