PAVER & PAVER SLAB INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

Earth Surfaces’ products use a cement mix. Our products should be installed by professional installers who have knowledge using and experience installing cement products. As with other cement products, the substrate is very important. The installer should use his professional judgment to ensure that the substrate is acceptable for the product being used. Installation procedures used should be consistent with those used for cement products.

Product inspection
When the product is received it should be inspected. If there is any variation in the quantity, specification, or quality it must be reported to Earth Surfaces in writing within 24 hours from receipt or the product will be considered accepted. If purchaser or installer believes a defect exists, do not install the product. Instead contact ESA immediately. INSTALLATION CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE.
Our products may contain Florida shells, exotic shells, recycled glass or marble chips. It is not uncommon for some edges with the above contents to chip off. Some shells, glass and stone may already be deteriorating and could pop out. Additionally, because of the natural aggregates used, our products may vary from sample in size, quantity, color or texture. The aggregates also may vary in size and shade. Color may also vary slightly due to the product being fresh, versus aged or from batch to batch.

On-site storage
Care should be taken to store the product on-site so that it is protected from the elements. Products in crates must be kept dry and away from any moisture. Kept outside covered with plastic is not safe, moisture can and will build up and potentially discolor or stain products. Kept under trees, leaves and seeds could also stain products. Not storing the product on-site properly may cause the product to discolor or create conditions that will cause installation problems.
Paver Installation Guidelines

General installation comments
To provide the best match of materials products from different pallets should be interspersed.
Use a good diamond blade to cut the product. Follow with a small diamond grinder to remove sharp chipped edges. Grind lightly to avoid chipping and small pieces of aggregates falling off.
As noted above a good substrate is imperative to a good installation.

Sand set paving
Our pavers are calibrated to 1/32” variation. Placed over compacted sand does not require compacting. However, if the installer chooses to compact, a 1” rubber protector should be put under the compactor to avoid chipping or spalling. Chipping and spalling may not appear immediately, but the product may fracture with chips falling out later.
After installation fine sand should be swept over until all spacers are filled. Then sprinkle with water to let the sand settle in. If polymeric sand is used, refer to polymeric sand manufacturer instructions for its use.

Product set on a cement slab
Everyone knows that concrete cracks as it cures. As the water/ moisture dissipates the concrete shrinks and potentially may crack. Accordingly it is important not to use any water based setting materials or to install over a non-cured slab.
Do not mud set as you would for stone or tile. Do not use any mortar to elevate to proper height. If slab is not at the correct height or it is too irregular, float the slab using type S mortar layer and create a straight surface. Then let dry. Apply an anti-suppressant membrane (Detra is a good one) over the float.
Install concrete products with elastic modified thin set with a 5/8” trowel and level with all tiles.
Don’t butt stones. Leave a minimum 1/4” grout joint.
Grout the joints, making sure that the entire space is filled all the way down to the thin set.
Wait until everything is dry and wash down with a masonry cleaner. Rinse at least 2 times.
Apply a penetrating concrete sealer.
If the product has marble chips, glass chips or any other shell mix, a buffing pad on a buffing machine should be used over the surface.
Paver Installation Guidelines. It is imperative that moisture or water does not penetrate on joints, especially on products done in 2 mixes to avoid cracking and sprawling.
Vertical mud set
Refer to horizontal installation suggestions. Keep in mind that vertical installation relief angles may be installed every 4 feet of height.

Cleaning
Products must be cleaned and sealed immediately after installation. If products are not cleaned and sealed properly, they will be subject to staining and in most cases when the stain penetrates the product it will be difficult or impossible to fully remove it.
We strongly recommend that our products are cleaned from factory slurry, dirt, dust or other loose impediments by using a sulfuric acid product. DO NOT USE MURIATIC ACID!
Apply all acid products as manufacturer recommends and using safety precautions as they identify. Care should also be taken to avoid damage around surrounding objects and landscaping
Wet the surface well, mix product with 4 to 6 parts clean water to 1 part chemical. Spread well with a broom over the area. Scrub with a hard broom and let sit for a minimum of 15 minutes. Wash with clean water thoroughly 2 to 3 times.

Sealing
After cleaning, let the product dry completely. Typically the product should dry for at least 72 hours. This time could vary based on air circulation and climate conditions. Place a hand on the product and only seal it if it does not feel wet to the touch. Make sure that it is clean from dust, dirt or other loose materials before proceeding.
Apply a clear penetrating concrete sealer (not a stone sealer.) A color enhancing penetrating sealer may be used if color enhancement is desired. After sealing buffing the surface is desirable, using a buffing machine with buffing pad. Buffing is important to remove excess sealer to contents such as glass or hard shells that are not porous. Apply all products based on manufacturer recommendations. Do not use acrylic or urethane that sits on the surfaces. They will scuff and discolor with time and climate. Depending on the sealer used and climate exposure, penetrating sealers can last from 1 to 5 years, check the sealer manufacturer’s recommendations.