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General Technical Information

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a transient phenomenon of Ordinary Portland cement used in the manufacture of concrete products. The occurrence of efflorescence in the pores of the concrete can lead to the appearance of white patches on the surface or an overall lightening of colour, which is often mistaken for product fading.

Whilst the appearance of efflorescence may be a concern, it is temporary and does not in any way affect the durability or long-term performance of the concrete. Natural exposure to weathering is generally sufficient to erode the efflorescence, and indeed, it is always recommended that an initial period of weathering be allowed to take place.

Responsibility cannot be accepted for its occurrence. For further information, contact Group Technical Services.

Weathering and extraneous conditions

Weathering and site conditions can occasionally cause other variations in shade to appear. Differential weathering can cause patchy dark discolouration on the surface of individual units. This will generally diminish over time and will not affect long-term performance. Natural stone may develop added markings, deposits or patches as mineral content oxidised.

All products can develop algae and organic growths under certain environmental conditions and may require cleaning. Areas adjacent to borders, plant pots and trees may discolour from transfer of plant-life; specialist maintenance advice may need to be sought.

Marshalls cannot accept responsibility for any of the above conditions.

Maintenance

Paving materials require periodic cleaning to maintain their appearance. Regular sweeping to prevent the build-up of detritus is recommended. Light coloured blocks, whilst structurally sound for driveway use, do emphasise tyre marks and oil spills on the driveway. It must be accepted that these products will need more maintenance if the overall appearance is to be maintained.

Proprietary cleaning agents are widely available. However, care should be taken when buying cleaning agents as some varieties contain a concentration of acid, which can adversely affect the appearance of concrete products, clay and natural stone.

A trial on a small section of paving is always recommended prior to using it on the full area.

For general cleaning of dirt and algae, vigorous brushing with a stiff yard broom with plenty of hot detergent solution (washing up liquid or non-bio washing powder), thoroughly rinsed with clean water should suffice.

Repeated treatment may be required for paved areas sited beneath trees or in permanent/near permanent shade. In certain circumstances, prolonged contact with wet leaves can result in staining of the paved area. Such contact should be avoided wherever practical.

Power-washing

Power-washing with high-pressure equipment is not normally required. Should these methods be employed, the following precautions should be observed:

  1. Paving should be thoroughly swept to remove detritus
    (loose debris) that could act as an abrasive agent when moved by the force of a power jet.
  2. A trial area should be tested before larger scale power-washing takes place.
  3. No more than a medium pressure should be applied when washing paving.
  4. The power-washing lance should be held at an oblique angle to the paving and at least 200mm (8”) from the surface.
  5. If excess sand is washed from the joints during the washing exercise, it is important that the joints are re-sanded with similar materials upon completion.
  6. If mortar joints between paving units are damaged during power-washing, they should be re-pointed/made good with fresh pointing as required to maintain the integrity of the paving.

For more information visit our website and download the Marshalls Cleaning & Maintenance Guide.

Suitability/Application

For more information visit our website and download the Marshalls Cleaning & Maintenance Guide.

The paving flags illustrated in this literature are primarily intended for domestic/landscape use only.

Paving flags suitable for areas subject to intense foot traffic, i.e. pedestrian precincts and commercial applications, etc. are detailed in separate literature.

For areas subject to vehicular overrun (driveways, parking areas, etc.), block paving products are recommended, (see Driveways section). The block paving products illustrated in this literature are intended for pedestrian and light vehicular overrun applications (driveways and similar).

For pavements subject to frequent overrun of heavy vehicles, block paving from our commercial/specification range should be used.

Should customers be in doubt as to the suitability of any Marshalls product for a given application, please obtain guidance from Group Technical Services.

Batch Variation

Concrete

Concrete products are made from naturally occurring materials, which means these materials can vary in colour, resulting in a slight variation in a finished product. Despite the use of quality materials, modern and up to date manufacturing techniques and quality control, variation between production batches can occur. Whilst any differences are generally quite minor, they will be noticeable when units from two production batches are laid consecutively within a single area.

We would always advise that batch codes are checked to reduce the risk of product variation and ensure consistency of finish. To prevent this, when multiple packs are being laid in one consecutive area, please ensure you check that they are all from the same production. The batch label will display the product code, with the first two letters identifying the works of origin and the week number indicating which week of the year the product was produced.

Porcelain

Colour variation can occur during the manufacturing process of porcelain products. To minimise any variation issues in our ranges, Marshalls only sources from first-choice tiles, which means we only take products from a reduced colour scale. We aim to always send your order from the same batch code, which can be found on all packaging. Please check all pack information is consistent before installation. The batch code is present on all packaging and is usually shown as a letter, followed by a number.

For our porcelain ranges where multiple sizes are available, we also do not recommend mixing product, even where batch codes are consistent. This is due to product being manufactured at different locations.

If you have any concerns, please contact our Group Technical Services Team

Natural Stone

The natural origin of stone means that variation in colour, texture and markings is inevitable and is an inherent characteristic of all natural stone.

However, what differentiates Marshalls natural stone from our competitors is that all our stone goes through an agreed selection process for colour, which creates a more subtle and consistent blend across a finished project.

If you have any concerns, please contact our Group Technical Services Team

In natural stone iron spots can sometimes be identified, after installation. This is due to oxidisation of iron materials within the matrix of the stone. This does not affect the structural integrity of the stone. Light coloured natural stone, whilst structurally sound for patio and driveway use, they can emphasise tyre marks and oil spills.  It must therefore be accepted that extra maintenance will be needed to maintain the overall appearance.

Availability

Details of pack contents are listed for the guidance of stockists.
Product dimensions and weight, etc. are nominal and subject to manufacturing tolerances.

Trademarked and Patented Paving System

Priora is patented in UK and EP079168931. ® is used throughout the brochure to denote range that are registered trade marked in the UK (or in the UK/EU) in the name of Marshalls Mono Limited

Staining

Certain common garden chemicals, such as Ferrous Sulphate, can stain paving. Please check the information given on the container holding the chemical. If chemicals are spilt on the paving remove immediately by rinsing away with clean water.

Marshalls Commitment to Quality & Innovation

Marshalls is committed to innovative product development and manufacture. To help you obtain maximum enjoyment and long service from any Marshalls product, we would be pleased to make you aware of the following:

  • The evolution of new product design is continuous and information is subject to change without notice. Customers should check with the stockist to ensure that they have the latest details or the Marshalls customer service team.
  • All Marshalls products are manufactured to the appropriate European Standards where applicable. Where products (or intended usage) lie outside the scope of a British (or European) Standard, Marshalls own standard will be employed.
  • All products are supplied subject to Marshalls Standard Conditions of Sale, a copy of which is available on request. Liability in respect of any statements, conditions, warranties and representations made on behalf of the Company is limited in accordance with the terms set out in the Standard Conditions of Sale. 

Health and Safety

Care should be taken when handling and installing Marshalls products. Guidelines on the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) are available for all Marshalls products, either through our website, or from Group Technical Services.

Marshalls Accredited

All Marshalls Accredited members are independent businesses and whilst assessed for their installation skills they are not employed by Marshalls.

Marshalls Accredited Driveway and Patio installers are regularly inspected to ensure they comply with the membership agreement. Marshalls are not a party to the contract between the Accredited installer and the customer. Marshalls cannot be held responsible for any installation undertaken by a Marshalls Accredited installer.