Stone Directions - FAQ - Paving Brisbane, Concrete Pavers, Pool Coping, Tactile Pavers, Porphyry Kerbs, Sleepers

Stone Directions wants you to be happy with your decision to specify or purchase pavers for your project.
And to make an informed decision you need to have reliable, honest information. This FAQ Paving Guide is designed to provide you with most of the information that you will need to make the right decisions, before and after your purchase. If we can help you further please call us.

Ans. Our pavers are made from a high strength, wet cast, real concrete which is technically superior to that of many other manufacturers. High quality UV resistant oxides are accurately weighed and added to the other concrete components to give the pavers a colour, which is bound into the concrete and goes right through the paver. You don’t see a different colour on the edges or on the bullnose.

The coloured concrete is then cast into flexible moulds, which give the finished paver its detailed surface texture. The cured pavers are then given an anti-efflorescence treatment to minimize the formation of the white staining called efflorescence.

Ans. The compressive strength of Stone Directions’ concrete (In excess of 50MPa) is over twice that used in a typical house slab and is one of, if not the highest used in concrete pavers in Australia. It is also at least 1 ½ times the strength of most other concrete pavers.

A high compressive strength is a universally accepted indicator of high quality concrete, ie, good durability, low water absorption, high resistance to salt attack and good abrasion resistance.

Ans. The consistency of thickness of our pavers is at least as good and generally better than that required by the Standard AS/NZS 4455 (+/- 2.5 mm) because of the casting method used. A consistent paver thickness gives a flatter finished paved surface and is quicker and easier to lay. It is especially important when pavers are being laid on a concrete slab and particularly on pool coping where you can see the top and bottom of the paver.

Ans. Independent laboratory slip resistance tests (conforming to the Standard AS/NZS 4586) have rated our as suitable for wet outdoor applications including stairs and pool surrounds.

Ans. We use high quality, UV resistant colouring oxides which are not degraded by the sun, hence they will not fade like say, your curtains might. Any lessening of the colour in concrete pavers is generally caused by efflorescence. Water can also cause a permanent, patchy darkening of concrete pavers. Any colour changes won’t normally be uniform over all of the pavers but this will add to interest and variety in the pavement.

Ans. The curing of concrete is a chemical reaction which produces an insoluble white salt called calcium carbonate. When the calcium carbonate forms heavily on the surface of concrete it is called efflorescence. Our pavers are given an anti-efflorescence treatment that minimizes the surface formation of efflorescence, but it does not always completely eliminate it. Its formation is influenced by environmental site factors. Because efflorescence is white, it is more noticeable on strong colours than on light colours.

Ans. Efflorescence can be successfully and simply removed by the use of proprietary cleaning products such as Anti-Eff, which is made by Klen International. However, research has shown that in some cases efflorescence will dissipate of its own accord over time but if efflorescence occurs and it needs to be removed sooner then Anti-Eff should be used as a part of the normal cleaning / maintenance procedure. Take care not to damage the paver surface as Anti-eff is an acid.

Ans. Our pavers are made from a homogenous concrete mix in which the colour is distributed evenly throughout the paver. However, if the outer cement paste is removed it is possible to see the aggregate inside.

Ans. The colour of our are considered to have only small variations by industry standards, because of the precise methods that we employ. However, the colour of all concrete varies to some degree because of many things including raw material differences, weather changes and the cement hydration process. These small variations can occur between pavers, batches and samples.

It is recommended that our pavers be sealed to minimize staining, to make them easier to clean and to help minimize changes in appearance. See Sealing Advice in the Technical tab.

Generically, there are two types of sealers: penetrating sealers and surface coatings. There are advantages and disadvantages with both types. There is no perfect sealer. Penetrating sealers don’t change the paver colour or make the pavers slippery or glossy like some types of surface sealers can, but they will not inhibit efflorescence. Solvent based surface sealers can give a varied, even blotchy coloured effect but they probably provide better stain protection. Your sealing company can provide you with accurate advice.

General Cleaning Tips. Cleaning is always easier if a good quality sealer has been applied to the pavers. For normal cleaning it is best to use a detergent such as sugar soap, water and a soft to medium broom. However, many of the marks that appear on pavers will weather away of their own accord and are best just given a light clean.

DO NOT USE HYDROCHLORIC ACID, as this can easily and permanently mark or damage the paver. Vigorous scrubbing, abrasive cleaners, stiff bristle brushes and high pressure water blasters can also damage the paver surface and should be either avoided or used with great care to avoid damage.

Organic Stains. Tannin stains from leaves, flowers and timber as well as black algae can be treated with a mixture of chlorine and detergent. Stone Directions has instructions for this. The tannin stains, however, will generally weather away over several weeks without any cleaning.

Mortar stains can often be removed with the cleaner, Anti-Eff, providing they are light and new. For heavy markings contact Klen International.

Efflorescence. If efflorescence occurs it can be removed using Anti-Eff but the instructions must be followed carefully to avoid damage.

If you have any questions on these or other matters please call the Stone Directions sales office on 07 3205 9800.