Paving
The use of textiles in paving mixes allows thin overlays to be created, avoiding the need to remove the existing surface, the disposal of which can cause problems. The overlays, usually less than 25 mm (1 inch) thick, are bonded to the existing surface.
Overlays using CemLam stapled to wood, seal wooden decks, seepage is prevented. The wood should have an application of a preservative before being “sealed” with CemLam and concrete.
Stamps are made from castable rubber -- cast in contact with slate, brick or a natural rock face, or wood; any required surface texture can be reproduced in wet concrete. The stamps are cast with a CemForce backing to increase the number of times they can be used, before having to be replaced, by a stamp cast against the original face.
By using textile concrete for paving overlays, they can be thinner and will be less prone to cracking; the existing surface can be left in place. Waterproof textile concrete overlays can be created over wooden decks. A preservative treatment of the wood is followed by stapling to the wood a layer of CemLam, to create a surface to which the concrete mix will bond. The surface gets screeded and a layer of CemForce worked in, surface colourants and release agents are added, and the rubber stamping mats are applied and walked on to create the required surface detail in the wet concrete.
Existing concrete, brick or block surfaces should be “patched” level, cracks repaired, and a layer of CemForce bonded to the surface, before proceeding as above.
Small areas of paving can be a DIY activity; large stamped areas require a team of people used to working together.