Thursday, 13 June 2013

Plastic under the paving?



Plastic under the paving?

Don't be fooled by sales consultants telling you that you should put plastic sheets under the paving to prevent weeds and grass from growing through the paving.

This is a myth. For grass or seeds to develop and grow they need water, oxygen, the correct temperature and light. Paving an area and putting grouting between the bricks will eliminate all of the above, resulting in no growth of any plants from under your paving. A common example to prove my point is that if a pile of bricks or building material is left untouched on your grass for a long period of time the grass under the bricks and rubble will die.

What is however important to add here is that if bulbs are not removed these often can push through making your bricks bulge. This will happen with or without plastic. It is therefor important to ensure that your paver removes all visible roots and foliage before compacting.

Another good reason not to put plastic under your paving is that the plastic stops the water from draining through the paving. If the paving is laid on a steep gradient it is bound to move if laid on plastic.

Another good reason not to use plastic under the paving is that it badly effects particle interlocking in the bedding sand which as mentioned will result in the brick not being able to bed in the sand resulting in the bricks moving.

The only time Style & Craft Paving recommend using plastic sheeting is as a barrier between clay and a suitable material such as G7. Depending how bad your clay may be, we remove a layer of between 75 mm - 100 mm. We then compact the base and lay plastic sheeting before replacing the removed clay with a suitable sub base material. Style & Craft Paving have used this method with great results in the past, however without soil testing an engineers specifications the success of this can not be guaranteed. 

Clay and underground water are two enemies of successful paving, in fact it is impossible to successful pave on top of clay or a wet base without solving the problem first, like removing the clay or installing drains. This subject is for more in depth discussion at a later stage. 


17 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing. I think its really important to clarify that this in fact a myth made up by some poor sales consultant.
    Paving Warwick, RI

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  2. it has since been sold under many different names, corrugated plastic sheets

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  3. Polymer films (HDPE/PP/canal liners/packaging/agriculture/mulching film) etc ........polypropylene corrugated sheets manufacturers in China,http://www.jx-plastic.com/polypropylene_sheets_4x8_292.html........

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  4. we can add the fire-retardant material for better use in this field.The normal size is 1.2 meters * 2.4 meters. It can be constructed and transported conveniently. Because the corrugated plastic sheets are hollow, it is buffered. when the constructors step on them, it can protect the constructors from slipping and falling down.custom corrugated plastic signs

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  5. Block paving also known as brick paving is a commonly used decorative method of creating a pavement or hardstanding. These blocks are made with cement. Block paving, or brick paving, is commonly used for constructing pavements, patios, driveways and roads. We manufacture paving blocks in Sri Lanka with ISO standards.

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  6. Good so does this mean when laying the pavement bricks can I mix lime and sand only not plastic

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  7. So then why are weeds sprouting up through my grouting?

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  8. Surface weeds that have been dropped by birds or blown in from afar and entered cracks or openings int your mortar mix, should never be a problem of removed at start of growth

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  9. First of all, let me say how thrilled I am to have stumbled upon your blog post about using plastic under paving. Your writing style is so engaging and informative, and it's clear that you have a wealth of knowledge on this topic. As someone who's been contemplating a paving project in my own backyard, your article provided some eye-opening insights. Also to know more about Paving Machine for Sale To consider visit Boom & Bucket.

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  11. Your post has provided me with invaluable insights, and I want to express my gratitude for that. The tips you've shared are truly beneficial, and your expertise is evident in your writing. I'm eagerly anticipating putting your advice into practice. Best regards! Beatriz Barata

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  12. Great article! It's so important to address the issue of plastic pollution, even when it's hidden beneath the surface. This article sheds light on an often overlooked problem, and it's a reminder of the need for sustainable practices and responsible disposal of plastic waste.The concept of using plastic beneath pavement to create durable and sustainable infrastructure is brilliant! Thanks for sharing this! To know more click here

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  13. Thanks for bringing attention to the issue of plastic under the paving. It's important for us to be aware of the environmental impact of our everyday choices. Let's all make an effort to reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize our plastic footprint. Together, we can make a positive change! To know more click here

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  14. Fantastic post! Even when the problem of plastic pollution is concealed beneath the surface, it is still very vital to solve it. This article reminds us of the need of sustainable practises and the proper disposal of plastic garbage while shedding light on an issue that is sometimes disregarded.It's a great idea to use plastic under pavement to build robust, environmentally friendly infrastructure! I'm grateful you shared this! Cássio Cunha Lima

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  15. 🌿 What a fascinating read! This blog post on "Plastic under the Paving?" opened my eyes to a topic I hadn't considered before. The exploration of the use of plastic beneath paving surfaces is not only informative but also thought-provoking. Beatriz Barata

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  16. Wonderful post! Solving the plastic pollution problem is crucial even if it is hidden beneath the surface. This article raises awareness to a topic that is occasionally overlooked while reminding us of the need of sustainable practices and the appropriate disposal of plastic waste.Using plastic under pavement to construct sturdy, eco-friendly infrastructure is a fantastic concept! Thank you for sharing this! João Carlos Duarte Ferreira

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