Slabs ‘R’ Us Ltd Installation and Advice Guide - Terms & Conditions

Planning Stage:

Create a sketch of the area to be paved, showing dimensions and laying pattern, especially if creating a random pattern.

Remember, if laying close to the house, the finished paving level must be at least 2 brick courses below the damp-proof course.  However if this is not possible, you can leave a gap approx. 2” (50mm) between the patio and the property, and fill with decorative chipping to create a gulley.  Always provide a slope to enable surface water to fall away from the house/buildings.

Ground Preparation:

Preparing the ground for paving does depend upon the site conditions and the intended use of the paved area. The area to be paved must be firm and compact to avoid any subsidence.  For normal garden situations approximately 30-40mm of compacted sub-base mix, leaving enough depth to accommodate the mortar and slab thicknesses.

Laying:

As our slabs are hand made, and therefore have a variation in thickness of each individual slab, we would advise that you use the “5 spot” method, which allows for easy alignment and adjustment for the required finished surface level.

You should use a slightly wet mortar mix of 1 part cement to 5 parts building sand.

Starting from a corner or straight edge, put five large trowel fulls of mortar at each corner and in the middle of each slab, this would make the slab about 1-1½” higher than the finished level of the paving.

Ease/push the slabs gently down on top of the mortar, to form a full mortar bed beneath each slab.

Continuous checking of levels and falls should be on-going, and should be taken across the top surface profile of a number of slabs remembering that slabs are domed or dished, so take several readings. Also check the slab spacing; gently shuffle the slab with a twist of the trowel until the joints look even.

Care should be taken to ensure that cement is kept off the surface of the paving, as it can cause staining.

DO NOT WALK ON THE PATIO FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS

The joints should be pointed as soon as possible, but NOT if it is raining, or snow is forecast.

We suggest using a slightly wet (but not sloppy) cement mortar mix.  Using a trowel to push the mix between the joints.

Care must be taken – do not brush across the face of the slab or use too wet a mix – this can cause staining of the slab.

Care & Maintenance:

Before using any cleaning materials, test a small area before cleaning the patio, but use sparingly. Sealants can be used, but they can affect the colour of the paving.

Dark patches are due to different weathering, or efflorescence. Efflorescence is a chemical reaction of the cement in the concrete with water, from rain, dew or condensation. There is no hard or fast rule as to why it may occur in one area and not another. The reaction is temporary and is best left to weather out naturally, however it can take some time and we cannot accept any responsibility for its occurrence.

On icy or snow covered patio areas, please be aware that putting salt down on the patio causes rapid thawing and rapid freezing which could lead to the slabs scaling (ie: the top coat of the slab flaking off).

Regular washing and brushing should be adequate to maintain your patio.

Note: The above information is given in good faith, but for guidance only. However if alternative laying methods are used it may result in the slabs becoming damaged, and we cannot accept any responsibility for this.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

All sizes quoted are approximate.  All product measurements are nominal.  Weight, measurements and colours are all approximate and may vary slightly due to the nature of the products.

Any faulty goods must be reported to Slabs 'R' Us Ltd., within 7 days, this is not a guarantee that the product will be replaced if it is deemed that the customer is responsible for the fault.

If the products have been laid, installed or treated with any additional products, we accept not responsibility for any cost incurred, damage or returns, and we do not offer a cash refund.

If a patio is laid by us, it is necessary to refrain from walking on the patio for at least 48 hours after the jointing has been completed and the mortar has set, thus avoiding any loosening of slabs.  If we are asked to return to rectify any problems, a charge may be made if it is deemed that the customer is responsible for the fault.

All timber is pre-treated at the time of sale.  Wood is an organic material with a natural moisture content and is prone to changes in appearance including some warping and splitting particularly in extremes of temperature, this is natural and beyond our control.  With regards to additional treatment applied by the customer we are not responsible for the cost or damage to any of the products.

As with most of the construction business we are governed by the weather and suppliers of raw materials, but will make best endeavours to keep to the timescale agreed once the order has been received.

Efflorescence is a natural phenomenon and does not affect the durability and performance of the concrete, and we cannot be held responsible for its occurrence.

We are not responsible for any foreign chemicals used on the surface of the slabs, ie: salt, brick acid, bleach etc., which all can and will damage concrete.

Weathering - just as natural stone the appearance of concrete products will weather and change after a period of time exposed to the elements and dark patches may appear.  Sealants can be used, but they can affect the colour and texture of the paving and we accept no responsibility for this or for any other costs or damage to the products.  We do not recommend power washing the patio as it can damage the slabs and remove grouting, washing with soapy water and brushing should be adequate to maintain your patio.

All good will remain the property of Slabs 'R' Us Ltd until full payment is received.  A 25% non-refundable deposit is required on all products.

Any costs incurred whilst trying to recover goods or payment ie: administration, solicitors fees etc., will be charged to the customer.

Photographs etc., within our brochure/website are for guideline purposes only and products may vary depending on customer's requirements and raw material supplies.

Deliveries :  All goods delivered will be to the kerb side only.  If you require itmes to be carried to a particular part of your garden an additional charge may be made.  Once the goods are off-loaded, they become the responsibility of the customer and must be stored in a correct manner.  If the delivery vehicle is asked to leave the highway by the customer, this will be at the customer's own risk and we accept no responsibility for any problems or damage to their property. 

Easy access must be available.  It is the customer's responsibility to clear the site or entrance to the site.  It is the responsibility of the customer to keep children and pets under control whilst the delivery/installation is taking place.

Payment is COD without exception and the driver is authorized to collect payment.  Payment details: cash or cheque, unfortunately we do not have the facility to use credit/debt cards.