If you just got new paving slabs you may be very excited to start going out on your patio. Excitement is definitely normal in this situation but you have to be careful you don’t step on your paving slabs to early.
In this blog post we will go over how long paving slabs take to set as well as other questions you may have about this process.
Learn: “How Much Wind Can a Patio Umbrella Take? (What You Need To Know)“
Short Answer To The Question How Long Do Paving Slabs Take To Set:
After you lay your patio down, you need to let the mortar dry for 24 hours. After this you can begin pointing the gaps between the paving slabs. After pointing you should let your paving slabs set for another 24 hours. After this your patio is ready to use.
What is the perfect weather to let your paving slabs set in?
if it gets too cold and the ground becomes frozen it can cause the ground to move. When weather is too hot it lessens the mortars ability to strengthen. With all this being said, the best temperature to allow paving slabs to set is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can Paving Slabs Set In The Rain?
It’s good to make sure the paving slabs at least have a few hours before the rain comes. If not it can cause some shifting and buckling and might prevent them from setting properly. When a lot of water gets into newly set mortar, it can dilute it. This can decrease the long term strength of your new paving slabs.
When you go to do the pointing process make sure isn’t raining as well. Rain during this process can cause stains on the patio and can prevent the pointing material from sticking to the gap between the pavers.
What to do if it does rain right after:
The best thing you can do is place a tarp over it in order to prevent any major issues. This will stop the majority of the water from getting to your patio. Make sure you take it off as soon as a couple hours goes by.
Can Paving Slabs Set In Sand?
You may be able to get away with this for a little while. The wear and tear of people constantly walking across it will make it very risky to just use sand.
The best option is mortar as this is made to be very strong. This creates a long lasting solution for those who want their patio to last as long as possible.
The option with sand is definitely possible, and although it is much easier/cheaper we wouldn’t recommend doing this.
Can Paving Slabs Set On Soil?
This is generally the same as sand. It can be done but it isn’t advised. If you do want to do this a clay soil is the best option. This will allow the paving slabs to fit into the soil and prevent any shifting that can occur. With all of this being said we recommend mortar as it’s much easier and doesn’t cause any problems.
If you plan on having any furniture on top of your patio sand or soil won’t be as good as a mortar. This is because the weight of the furniture over time may cause the paving slabs to shift.
Other Tips For Your Paving Slabs
Keep the Paving Slabs Moist For 28 Days:
Within the first 24 hours mortar cures a lot, but you still have some work to do the next 28 days. During this time you need to make sure you keep the area moist. This is going to help the mortar cure properly and strengthen.
Make sure you prepare your paving slabs based on the weather in your area:
Not all patios are the same due to different weather in different areas. In order to make sure you are preparing your patio correctly the best thing to do is check with a professional paving slabs company or find the best strategies to complete your patio based on the weather conditions in your area.
Especially if your area has extreme heat or cold.
Conclusion:
We hope this blog post answered any questions you had regarding how long paving slabs take to set. Best of luck on your project.
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