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Corobrik paves the way
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Clay Pavers - enhance the landscape and the environment
Whether it’s a simple driveway, roadway, parking or “village thoroughfare”, segmental fired clay paving is the experts choice in terms of durability, versatility and performance. Traditionally viewed as long-term, attractive and low-maintenance solutions for exterior surfaces; fired clay-pavers have predominantly been used in residential applications. However, with a shift in commercial and industrial projects towards more image-conscious developments the demand for clay pavers has steadily been increasing in these market sectors. “Right now, the industrial and commercial sectors are using the largest volumes. I think this is because paving is and always will be the preferred choice for hard landscaping and traffic areas,” says At Coetzee, executive director of the Clay Brick Association. Fired clay pavers appeal to appearance–conscious property owners who desire long-term attractive low-maintenance solutions for exterior surfaces such as terraces, pavements, pedestrian walkways, parking areas, patios, and pool surrounds, to name a few. They are highly durable and resistant to weather and temperature extremes, and are also exceptionally resilient to applied loading and high traffic conditions. Clay pavers are available in a myriad of shapes, colours and textures, allowing for flexibility in design. Their natural colours are created directly from the earth’s multicoloured clays, resulting in everlasting shades that blend in with any environment. While there is little doubt that the beauty of clay brick paving lies in its warm, natural, appearance, the ultimate choice of layout, colour and design lies with the designer or property owner. When selecting your final paving material it is essential to consider the area, functionality and performance criteria in addition to aesthetic requirements. Clay pavers are easy to install, skid and slip-resistant, easy to clean and maintain. Clay paved surfaces also dry quicker due to low absorption of water. As most paving applications are subject to severe temperature changes which induce expansion movement of the surface, it is essential for the quality of materials and workmanship to be of the highest standard PAVING SYSTEMS While there are many satisfactory techniques for brick paving, Segmental Fired Clay Paving is the preferred choice for both residential and commercial developments, particularly in areas where long-term appearance and durability are the key determining criteria. The two recommended methods of segmental fired clay paving are Rigid and Flexible. The design principles for rigid clay paving are similar to those used with other pavement products where minimal use of sub-layers could induce structural deterioration due to overloading. Rigid segmental paving requires a cemented base. The joints are wider, and are filled with mortar to accommodate environmental and load associated movement. Rigid fired clay paving is preferred in low traffic areas where unusual bonding patterns such as circles or sharp changes in level are demanded. Installation takes longer and requires more expertise but the aesthetic benefits warrants the additional expenditure. Flexible clay paving has proved more popular, particularly over large areas. It is a composite system comprising of a wearing surface of fired clay pavers laid with a flexible joint filled with vital support layers such as fine sand on a bedding course of sharp sand and a granular sub-base, and where necessary on a prepared or improved subgrade. A mild cement mix is washed into the joints for final bonding. Performance depends on the overall system and not the wearing surface alone. Flexible clay paving can be more rapidly constructed, requiring less skilled labour and is economical in terms of time and labour. It is available for trafficking soon after completion. Adequate drainage and suitable allowances for movement jointing prevents surface failure or deterioration. Correct design improves the ability to carry loads and provides a desirable aesthetic finish. SHAPES Most clay pavers are rectangular in shape and can be used for any loading application. Chamfers are sometimes provided to the wearing surface to reduce chipping, provide easier handling, surface levelling, joint protection, rapid drainage and enhanced bond patterns. Square edged units may be preferred in pedestrian areas where chamfered edges could prove hazardous to narrow heels and trolley wheels. To cater for the growing trend in landscape design, special shaped clay bricks such as square cobbles, cobble stones and pool copings in a choice selection of colours and textures are also available. Other special-shaped clay pavers can be manufactured on demand according to exclusive colour and technical specifications. DIMENSIONS Traditionally fired clay pavers are designed to fit an artisan’s hand. In flexible pavement use, manufacturers recommend a length to breadth ratio of 2:1, allowing for suitable joint width. Fired clay pavers are usually 50mm, 65mm or 73mm thick and can be laid on an edge to create an alternate visual. Other sizes are available on request from selected manufacturers. Purpose-made clay pavers are manufactured to stringent inventory specifications, which allows for specified size and warpage tolerances. In conclusion, clay pavers don’t just parade pretty surfaces; they are highly durable, skid- and water-resistant, resilient to applied loading and wear in high traffic conditions, and they are easy to install and maintain. It is no wonder then that this quality product is frequently being specified as a product of choice by many building professionals. The Clay Brick Association is dedicated to the production and supply of superior quality paving products. For more information on Rigid or Flexible Segmental Paving, contact At Coetzee or Marnie du Plessis at Tel no. (011) 805 4206.
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Posted by 07 Sep

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