We’re very fortunate to have many extremely talented people contributing to Whitacre Greer’s success. One is Andy Karas, Northeast Regional Sales Manager. Andy compiled these notes on clay paver installation. They’re based on his years as project manager for a national hardscape installation contractor and on what he sees in the field as he travels the country viewing Whitacre Greer projects. Please take a look. If you have questions, contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss best practices for installing clay pavers on your project. Thank you!
- Specify that installer has experience. Successfully completed and can document projects that are similar in design and installation. Has experience with brick pavers, has included the specified material in their bid, and has an understanding of ASTM C-902 or C-1272 and the BIA Tech Note that applies to the project.
- Pre-installation meetings are recommended to cover all aspects of the installation and materials. It is recommended that a distributor or manufacturer’s representative be included.
- Sample panels and full system mockups should be constructed, documented (photographed) and approved by the landscape architect before work begins. Mockups shall be the standard of workmanship expected.
- Typical industry standards for installation are:
- Provide 1/16” to 3/16” sand filled joints
- String and chalk lines must be used to keep bond lines straight. “Straight and true bond lines shall not deviate more than 1⁄2” at the end of 50 feet.”
- Surface flatness is to be +- 3/8” over 10 feet
- Lippage 1/8” maximum
- No work shall be done when materials are wet or frozen and for bituminous installations there are temperature constraints referenced in the BIA Tech Note 14B.
- Pavers must be blended from a minimum of three pallets unless they are factory blended.
- Bituminous set pavers should be rolled/compacted in order to achieve full bond and reduce lippage.
- Pavers must be protected when compacted using rubber rollers, pads on compactors, plywood or other means of protection.
- All material must be inspected upon arrival and during installation by the contractor. Any irregularities must be reported immediately. Installing of any visually defective material by the contractor becomes the responsibility of the contractor.
- Commercial/municipal vehicular installations should be 4x8x2 3⁄4”, beveled and lugged, in a herringbone pattern, with no paver less than 1/3 of a full unit. Traffic should not be allowed on pavers until the area is fully completed and the joints are completely filled with sand. Consult WG regional sales staff for boardwalk vehicular guidance.
- All work must be protected from any damage by other trades, general construction traffic and all other traffic until project is accepted as complete.
- Consult manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance documents. WG pavers are “sealed” with a siloxane-based water proofer. Always test small areas when applying any cleaning or sealing or other agent. This treatment does not prevent staining due to grease, oil and/or other contaminations.
- Consult BIA’s Tech Notes, ASTM C902 and C1272 for additional information.
- Review WG’s “Terms, Conditions and Warranty of Sale” available from your distributor.
Brick Industry Association Technical Notes (BIA), referenced above, are available here or at www.gobrick.com.
Download a copy of these clay paver installation recommendations.
