How to prepare the surface before laying pavers or slabs
In order to properly prepare your floor for the upcoming installation of pavers or slabs, it will be necessary to proceed to three important steps; the excavation, the foundation and the bedding. Three steps will be presented to you for the realization of your project.
- Step 1 of 3: the excavation
Let's start with the first step of all, excavating the soil. First, you need to make sure that the area to be excavated is not cluttered with pipes or wires. If this is the case, you must contact the company concerned to remedy the situation. Once the wires and pipes have been checked, you will need to ensure adequate drainage by excavating your soil so that you have a slope of at least 2% (1/4 "per foot).
Then, make sure that the contour of the excavation protrudes from the surface to be paved by at least about 12 ". Also make sure that the depth is at least 12" depending on the nature of the soil. By doing this, you will ensure the stability and all the pieces will be well supported, both the edges and the center.
This is what completes this first stage of soil preparation.
- Step 2 of 3: the foundation
After you have excavated the soil, it is now time to move on to the second step of the preparation process: the foundation.
The first step is to properly spread and compact the 0-3 / 4 "stone in layers of 4". To facilitate the compaction, it is suggested to water the stone 0-3 / 4 ". It is even advisable to proceed to the compacting of the stone several times, this to ensure an adequate foundation. It is recommended to use a vibrating plate, a vibrating roller or a rammer (jumping jack).
This is what ends this second stage of soil preparation.
- Step 3 of 3: the laying bed
Once the excavation and the foundation of the soil are completed, all that remains is the laying bed: the last step and not the least.
First, spread between 5/8" and 1" of concrete sand or stone screen. Note that the bedding is reduced from 1 "to 5/8" in thickness due to the compaction carried out after laying the pavers.
Second, leveling the ground. Using two 1" diameter pipes and a straight board, level the concrete sand or stone screening. This is again a fairly important step, since a variation in the thickness of the concrete. bedding can cause deformation of the paved surface.
Lastly, be sure to do the sand compaction after laying the pavers, not before. Compacting the pavers with the vibrating plate later will allow the pieces to become embedded in the bedding.
There you go, this is what completes the ground preparation steps before laying your paver. If you ever missed any detail, you can always check with a Maçonnex expert or consult the installation guide on the Permacon site. There you will find several other explanations and pictures that will help you assimilate everything.
How to turn on your gas appliance
Many of our customers wonder about the procedure to follow in order to start up their gas stove or fireplace. This is why our experts at the Boutique Foyer will show you the procedure to follow in order not to forget any step!
1) First of all, it is important to check that the gas tank is at least 20% full, otherwise there will not be enough gas to start your appliance. Most tanks have an indicator for this.
2) Make sure that the valve near your device (or inside) is in the open position, that is, positioned parallel to the gas line. To do this, turn the valve counterclockwise.
3) Check that the thermostat and the “on / off / pilot” button are both turned off or in the “off” position. Now you need to light the pilot (also known as the “pilot light”).
4) Gently push in the "on / off / pilot" button and turn it counterclockwise until it is in the "pilot" position. While holding this button down, repeatedly press the ignition button (indicated by a lightning bolt symbol) to cause sparks to ignite the pilot.
Note: You may have to repeat this step several times before the pilot light stays on. It is important to keep the "on / off / pilot" button pressed for no more than 15 seconds at a time. Between each test, wait at least 30 seconds before starting again.
5) When the pilot stays on by itself, keep the button pressed for about 30 seconds, then release.
6) Lightly press the "on / off / pilot" button again, then turn counterclockwise to the "on" position and turn on the thermostat (it could take 1 to 2 minutes after switching on the pilot before the thermostat turns on).
We recommend that you run your gas stove or fireplace once every 30 days to eliminate ignition problems in the fall. In addition, your appliance should be checked by a gas company once every three years.
Source: Propane 2000
Masonry cleaners to the rescue
DETERGENTS for new masonry
NMD-80
The NMD-80 is the most efficient, profitable and safe way to clean new masonry. A very powerful detergent-based solution designed for efficient and safe cleaning of efflorescence and excess mortar on the surface, such as bricks, stones, colored blocks, synthetic stones, prestressed and granite.
Cleans without brushing, low pressure application, high pressure rinsing.
Available in 1 gal., 5 gal. and 55 gal. US.
EF-FORTLESS
A soapy solution that melts the powdery bloom and helps
control the return. The user does not have to use a pressure washer to get a good result. This product contains very mild acids and can be used on color sensitive surfaces and will not discolor brick, stone or mortar. A rinse is enough to remove everything.
Covers more or less 75 ft per gallon.
Available in 5 gal. US
Catering products
Restoration Products
ONE-RESTORE
Innovative product for cleaning and maintaining the exterior surfaces of
buildings such as limestone, concrete, brick, glass and windows. Safe and efficient. Does not affect anodized aluminum and does not scratch the glass.
Easy to apply. Spray and rinse, no brushing necessary.
Removes stains caused by weather, pollution, mold and oxidation.
No harm to the skin, little odor.
Available in 5 gal. and 55 gal. US
GSR (Glazed Surface Restoration)
GRS is a very effective detergent without hydrofluoric acid originally
developed to clean glossy brick and terra cotta.
Apply and rinse, cleans brick, concrete and glass.
Do not let the product dry on the surface, rinse thoroughly.
Available in 5 gal. US
For more information on these cleaners see:
