WITH OUR NATURAL STONE PROCESSING VIDEO, YOU GO FURTHER!
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF NATURAL STONE
Once you have chosen the right product, it must be installed carefully and neatly to achieve a durable and beautiful paving surface. To simplify this, we have installation instructions available as video and text. Please take the following installation instructions into account.
TWO TYPES OF PROCESSING IN STEPS
UNBOUND INSTALLATION
- BEFORE INSTALLATION
Before laying the tiles, check the material for type, quantity, and quality. Any defects in the material must be reported in writing before the paving is laid.
- PREPARING OF THE SUBSTRATE
Excavate non-load-bearing soil layers until you reach a stable subsoil. The subsoil must be at least 35 cm below the paving and have a slope of at least 1.5% for good water drainage. Compact the subsoil with a suitable vibratory plate before applying the load-bearing and frost-protective layer.
- LOAD-BEARING AND FROST-PROOFING LAYER
Apply a load-bearing and frost-protective layer and compact it in layers with gravel or chippings. Ensure there is also a slope of at least 1.5%. Place edge restraints (e.g., curb stones) at the correct height and on a concrete foundation to prevent the stones from shifting. Try to work as much as possible according to the grid size (stone size + joints) to avoid cutting.
- THE BEDDING
- INSTALLATION
- GROOVING
The bedding consists of a 4-5 cm thick layer of uncompacted fine gravel (1-3 mm, not sand or anything similar). Use tools such as a screed and two leveling boards to finish the bed level with a slope.
After the bed has been laid, do not walk on it. Lay the tiles onto the paved surface from above and work row by row. To prevent possible contamination of the tiles by the bed, it is recommended to apply a suitable bonding mortar for natural stone to the underside of the tiles. For a homogeneous color distribution, the tiles must be mixed from different packages and layers. Ensure full support for the tiles to prevent them from tilting later.
Use a rubber mallet and a piece of wood to raise the tiles to the correct height. The tiles must not be vibrated! Maintain a joint width of approximately 4 mm to 2 mm. Use REDSUN Spacers for an even joint appearance. Use a guideline to ensure everything is laid straight. Continuously reposition the surface as you progress and avoid walking on or driving over the unlaid sections.
The formed joints must be completely sealed with a suitable jointing material (e.g., jointing sand with a grain size of 0.02-2 mm). When finishing the grouting, the surface must be clean and free of residue. Alternatively, the natural stone tiles can also be firmly grouted with suitable one- or multi-component grout. The manufacturer’s processing instructions must be strictly followed, particularly regarding the substrate and joint formation. If freedom of movement is required, expansion joints must be installed and executed. An expansion joint must also be provided at connections to building elements or walls.
BONDED BEDDING ON AN UNBONDED SUPPORT LAYER
- BEFORE INSTALLATION
Before laying the tiles, check the material for type, quantity, and quality. Any defects in the material must be reported in writing before the paving is laid. .
- PREPARING OF THE SUBSTRATE
Excavate non-load-bearing soil layers until you reach a stable subsoil. The subsoil must be at least 35 cm below the paving and have a slope of at least 1.5% for good water drainage. Compact the subsoil with a suitable vibratory plate before applying the load-bearing and frost-protective layer.
- BEARING AND FROST PROTECTION LAYER
Apply a bearing and frost protection layer and compact it in layers with gravel or chippings. Ensure there is also a slope of at least 1.5%. Place edge restraints (e.g., curb stones) at the correct height and on a concrete foundation to prevent the stones from shifting. Try to work as much as possible according to the grid size (stone size + joints) to avoid cutting.
- CUTTING AND LEVELING LAYER
The bed is made of a 6 cm thick, uncompacted mono-grain mortar suitable for natural stone, and is finished flat using a screed and two leveling boards. Mix only as much material as can be processed within the working time.
- PLACEMENT
After the bed has been laid, do not walk on it. Lay the tiles onto the paved surface from the top down, working row by row. To prevent possible contamination of the tiles by the bed, it is recommended to apply a suitable bonding mortar for natural stone to the underside of the tiles. Next, the tiles are placed in the bedding that has not yet hardened. For a homogeneous color distribution, the tiles must be mixed from different packages and layers. Ensure full support of the tiles to prevent tilted tiles later. Use a rubber mallet and a piece of wood to bring the tiles to height. The tiles must not be vibrated! Maintain a joint width of approximately 4 mm to 2 mm. Use REDSUN Spacers for an even joint pattern. Use a guideline to ensure everything is laid straight. Continuously adjust the surface as you progress and avoid walking on or driving over the unlaid sections. With the bonded construction method, expansion joints towards the building or depending on the size of the surface must be taken into account.
The formed joints must be completely sealed with a suitable jointing material (e.g. jointing sand with a grain size of 0.02-2 mm). When finishing the jointing, the surface must be clean and free of residue. Alternatively, the natural stone tiles can also be firmly jointed with suitable one- or multi-component jointing mortar. In this case, the manufacturer’s processing instructions must be strictly followed, particularly regarding the substrate and joint formation. If freedom of movement is required, expansion joints must be laid and executed. An expansion joint must also be installed at connections to building elements or walls.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Natural stone is a high-quality and durable building material that is an attractive choice for outdoor use, because it is robust while simultaneously exuding natural beauty.
However, to ensure that your outdoor natural stone surface remains beautiful for a long time, it is important to maintain and clean it properly. Sweep the surface regularly to remove coarse dirt. Immediately remove any remaining leaves or soil. The use of a high-pressure cleaner should be avoided, as the high pressure can roughen the stones and cause dirt to accumulate more easily.
For stubborn stains, a brush or sponge can be used. Use only mild, pH-neutral cleaning agents and warm water to clean your natural stone floor. Harsh, acidic cleaning agents are unsuitable, as they can damage the stone. Always test the compatibility of a cleaning agent on inconspicuous areas before use. The use of abrasive materials, sharp tools, or heavy objects must be avoided, as this can damage the surface. To protect natural stone tiles against soiling, it is recommended to treat the tiles with a suitable impregnation. Consult a trusted specialist for advice on this matter.