Using a pedestal system for outdoor paving provides many technical advantages, but choosing the right accessories for the system is essential to ensure the paved area remains safe and durable throughout its life. Here are three common challenges with effective solutions.
1. Preventing Falls
Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for pedestrian areas such as terraces and balconies due to their aesthetic versatility and low maintenance. These tiles in particular are extremely durable and rarely crack, although impact from a hard object can occasionally cause damage.
Our newest accessory PAVER-SAFE, is designed to provide a temporary solution for a fractured tile – holding the tile together to provide a safe surface and preventing pedestrians from falling through and injuring themselves. For complete safety, once a broken tile is identified, it should not be walked on and needs to be replaced immediately.
PAVER-SAFE is a self-adhesive 1.5mm thick asphalt backing sheet, suitable for 20mm porcelain tiles that are 600mm wide, and is easily applied to the underside of the tile prior to installation or as part of a retrofit project.
It will provide a temporary barrier, preventing potential injury from someone from falling through. Broken tiles should always be replaced as soon as possible but PAVER-SAFE offers immediate protection in the aftermath of impact damage.
2. Preventing Movement
The right edging products can be used to maintain stability and longevity, preventing lateral movement as people walk on to and across an external floor . They can secure even the smallest cuts of pavers, preventing unwanted gaps or uneven surfaces which helps maintain the safety and aesthetic of the installation, as well as allowing for effective water drainage at the perimeter of a terrace.
The U-EDGE accessory is a clever and easy answer to this problem. Acting as a versatile edge support, the U-EDGE allows you to install small cuts of paving around the perimeter, whilst being compatible with any size of spacer tab or type of paving. The flexibility of this product allows for easy installation around corners and curved edges, ensuring a uniform 5mm gap between the tile and wall.
Our U-WALL accessory allows pedestals to sit away from the wall, supporting whole or larger pieces of tile and preventing any lateral movement. Offering the same level of flexibility as the U-EDGE, it also creates a 5mm gap and easily accommodates corners and curved edges.
3. Preventing Wind Uplift
Exposed areas of paving, particularly on balconies or rooftops, can be at risk from extreme weather conditions, with wind uplift being a particular hazard. It occurs when a strong wind force hits the side of a building and is forced upwards, creating pockets of pressure on vertical surfaces.
Without the right preventive measures, the force of this can cause tiles to move upwards creating an uneven surface or, in extreme cases, causing the paver to detach completely, creating a hazard for people and property
Our preferred solution is A-FIX-WIND-SAFE adhesive which protects against wind uplift by keeping pavers and sub-frames in place. It’s a simple, economical, non-mechanical fix requiring no modification to pavers or tiles.
A-FIX-WIND-SAFE works with Buzon’s non-combustible A-PED range, as well as pedestals and rails which form part of BROOF(t4) certified systems. Fully tested by Lucideon, to ensure maximum safety against wind uplift when subjected to a variety of forces, no pavers came loose during the test, and the systems themselves had minimal structural movement.
conclusion
Modern pavers are a key visual element of any balcony or terrace project and an essential consideration when delivering inspirational spaces. This content gives information on just a few of the comprehensive range of accessories that complement our pedestal paving systems to create a truly inspirational, and safe, outdoor space.
For further information on all aspects of your balcony and terrace paving projects, contact our experts by calling +44 020 8614 0874 or get in touch today!
