The stone carpet or stone carpet, is a type of modern floor covering that is most often encountered outdoors.It consists of a mineral aggregate and resin acting as binding.You will often find it around swimming pools, but it is also suitable for other uses.We explain its most frequent advantages and uses.
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What is the stone carpet?
Liens commerciauxUnlike the traditional carpet that is usually associated with interiors, this type of coating is used almost exclusively outdoors.
It is made from mineral aggregates and a binding resin.The most often used minerals are quartz or marble.The color and hardness of the final coating will depend on the type of mineral used.Granulometry or calibration must be respected so that the coating lets the water pass.
The mineral aggregate is fixed by mixing it with a resin: epoxy or polyurethane resin.Epoxy is cheaper, but also less resistant to bad weather and it is colored being exposed to UV, unlike polyurethane.If it is more expensive, it is also the most suitable resin for outdoor use.
Liens commerciauxResistant to wear, frost and foam, stone carpet is a floor covering favored by professionals, because it is particularly robust and does not crack.It is anti-gliding, but not non-slip, and drains liquids.Its installation is fast compared to other coatings and the result is homogeneous, with little, if not joints, and easy maintenance.
It has a very beautiful aesthetic rendering and recalls the natural aspect of the stone.It also allows the creation of patterns, by the use of aggregates of different colors.In addition to creating a warm and non -abrasive soil, the stone carpet is appreciated for its inertia.You don't have to fear chemical emanations and this covering does not contaminate the floors.
For a swimming pool beach
The stone carpet is anti -miss and its design prevents the formation of puddles and the stagnation of water.It is therefore particularly suitable for the pool beaches that it helps to secure.This type of coating also prevents the foam from forming, a recurring problem near the water points.In addition to being decorative, the stone carpet is also hygienic and reassuring around the pool.
Communities and campsites have also adopted this coating for their wetlands, especially at the sanitary.
For a terrace
This space for housing extension can also benefit from the anti -lisse and resistant properties of this coating.Added to this is an undeniable aesthetic dimension which allows you to personalize the outdoor space at the same time.
As the terrace is a friendly place which is often invested for meals, the stone carpet is particularly suitable for this land, because it does not retain liquids or dirt.To clean it and get rid of impurities, just switch it to the jet of water.
For a garden aisle
In the garden, the stone carpet allows you to create a more or less dry passage thanks to the draining properties of the stone carpet.Be careful however, if it allows the evacuation of water and prevents the formation of puddles, it is not non -slip.Logically, it is therefore strongly not recommended to run on a moist carpet.
You should know that the installation of carpets or carpets of stone also supports the integration of lights on the ground, like spots.
For a carriageway
If the stone carpet is intended for a garage aisle or a carriageway, its composition must take into account passages and frequent vehicle stops.Aggregates must be able to endure their weight without cracking.In general, this coating is reinforced by means of a mineral layer, such as silica or glass beads.
Stone carpet: what you need to know
The installation of stone carpet is a technical operation.It is therefore preferable to call on professionals for an impeccable result, especially if you want to cover supermarkets.
Compatible with renovation work, it is installed on existing supports (tiles, natural stone or concrete slab), as long as they are in fairly good condition to accommodate the new coating.On the other hand, the installation is not possible on a wooden support.
If you plan to pose during a construction site, you should know that your project will have to adapt to the specifics of the field.A professional of this type of coating must be consulted to find out the different possibilities.
Support analysis will determine whether to repair or modifications for more stability.In particular, it must not present a crack and that a slope of at least 2% allows the evacuation of the water.
Once the terrain is prepared, the craftsman uses aluminum strips to delimit the space to cover and the location of the splitting joints.It then applies a first layer of hook resin to the entire surface to be covered, uniformly and respecting the drying time.Note that this step only concerns so -called "hard" supports.The mixture of aggregate and resin - the final coating - then sank inside is retained by the strips.
The granulate/resin dosage must be respected: if the resin share is too large, it may obstruct draining interstices between the aggregates.Conversely, if the part of resin is too low, the latter can become friable over time and let the aggregates escape.After a drying and hardening time, a final layer of finishing resin is sunk to protect the coating.
The cleaning of the stone carpet is mainly done with a jet of water.For stubborn stains, you can use a mixture of water and black soap and pass the brush coating.If they resist, products specific to this coating are commercially available.
Apart from regular and seasonal maintenance, you will have to provide treatment of the coating every 5 years.The latter consists in the installation of a layer of resin on the surface to protect it and keep its brilliant appearance.Note that for this last aspect, there are also reading and renovating products for stone carpet.
