Laying GeoProArte®
Congratulations on your GeoProArte® decorative paving
We hope you enjoy your new patio for many years to come. For a perfect end result, it is important to follow the installation instructions for GeoProArte® tiles below.
General instructions
For best results, we recommend working with certified professionals and consulting the latest instructions on our website. Please note the following points:
- Never use a weed burner on GeoProArte® tiles and keep heat sources away to prevent radiant heat.
- No tile is maintenance-free. Despite the rock-hard Protection Plus factor 90, it is advisable to remove (natural) waste and chewing gum from the tiles immediately.
A stable foundation
A stable foundation is essential for decorative paving. This means at least a well-compacted sand bed with high drainage capacity. Water drainage is important to prevent subsidence and ensure that your tiles are not constantly exposed to moisture. The better the foundation, the longer your paving will remain beautifully smooth.
Foundation and sand bed
- Sand bed: The sand bed must be at least 20 cm thick. Use clean masonry sand or flooring sand that can be compacted well. If the ground is soft, such as peat, it is advisable to first lay road construction fabric, followed by a layer of at least 15 cm of crushed rubble (mixed granulate) and on top of that a layer of at least 10 cm of clean masonry sand or flooring sand.
- Heavier garden paving: For heavier garden paving, we recommend a more solid foundation with an extra layer of 10 cm coarse gravel or crushed rubble under the sand bed. Compact the layers well with a vibrating plate.
Photo: sand bed covered with a layer of masonry sand mixed with cement.
Street layer and slope
- Street layer: The top layer in which you lay the tiles consists of 3 to 5 cm of fine gravel or masonry sand. If necessary, mix trass cement into the masonry sand for an extra strong layer. Finish this street layer horizontally, but do not compact it too tightly.
- Slope: Always lay the paving at a slope to prevent waterlogging. The rule of thumb is approximately 1 cm slope per linear metre.
Edging and drainage
- Edging: Create the edging with concrete strips to “lock in” the paving and prevent it from shifting. Lay the concrete strips 1 cm lower than the desired paving, taking the slope into account.
- Drainage: During heavy rainfall, slope alone may not be sufficient. Use drainage channels to guide the water to a drainage point. We recommend ACO drainage products, available from authorised MBI dealers.
Laying the tiles
Mixing and tapping
- Mixing garden tiles: Mix garden tiles from different packages and layers to achieve a beautiful blend of colour nuances. This prevents tiles from the same production run from being laid next to each other.
- Tapping: Tap the tiles lightly with an approved rubber hammer to secure them in place.
Vibrating
- Within the GeoProArte® range, only the 20x30x6 cm formats are suitable for vibrating. Use a vibrating plate with clean rollers (white for light colours, black for dark colours).
Prevent scratches
Never slide the tiles over each other (lift them from the package, do not pull them off) and keep the tiles free of sand and other sharp materials. Do not walk on newly laid garden tiles with clogs, for example! Of course, different types of garden tiles vary in terms of scratch sensitivity.
Cutting and rinsing
- Cutting: Always use a sharp saw and wet cut to prevent cement stains. Rinse the terrace clean after each working day. Place the cut pieces at the edges as much as possible to prevent damage.
- MBI TileMaster series: Use the TileMaster Concrete for cutting concrete decorative paving and GeoProArte®.
Joints
Always joint the paving to keep the paving tight and prevent damage. Use MBI Aquacolor Joints or weed-resistant jointing sand for the best results. Work with joints of at least 4 mm to correct natural unevenness in the product and substrate.
Contact us
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