The Mortar Paving System of Choice

In 2006, several revised standards were added to the existing range of BS 7533 suite for concrete, clay and natural stone products, providing specifiers and contractors with a definitive guide to the design and construction of paved areas.

Developed over 25 years ago, BS 7533 was created to offer a clear, consistent and tested methodology for every layer of rigid paved constructions.

To guarantee compliance to BS 7533, all bedding, priming and jointing materials have to undergo thorough testing by an independent UKAS accredited laboratory. Each product is tested to ensure its compressive, adhesive and flexural strengths, modulus of elasticity, minimum density and maximum shrinkage all meet or exceed the parameters set out in the standard.

Independent testing offers the reassurance that products are proven, tested and have a minimum construction life of 40 years. BS 7533 compliant materials also minimise the risk of personal injury claims resulting from failed paving, protecting your professional indemnity insurance.

The requirements of BS 7533 are strict and can be difficult to meet therefore you may see some manufacturers claiming their paving materials are ‘manufactured to meet’ or ‘manufactured in accordance with’ BS 7533.

It is important you only use ‘fully compliant and independently tested materials’ and the only way to be certain of this, is to request a copy of the manufacturers test results – without independent verification you may not be getting what you pay for! UltraScape are always happy to share the results of their independent testing. To request a copy please email ultrascape@instarmac.co.uk.

So what happens if you don’t use an approved system? Whilst there may be an initial cost saving, the life-cost of the project will be significantly more. Non-compliant materials are a high risk to professional indemnity insurance and because they have a lower construction life expectancy, there is more demand for ongoing maintenance, significantly increasing costs.

One of the most over-looked features of BS 7533, is that all of the materials are tested in conjunction with one another ensuring they work together in harmony which minimises workmanship issues – unfortunately, the same cannot be said of non-compliant materials.

Constructing without BS 7533 can lead to early failure and subsequent costly repairs. Why take the risk?

With over 30 years of experience in urban regeneration, UltraScape’s proven and certified Mortar Paving System has withstood rigorous examination. The materials’ fast setting properties vastly reduce costs by allowing areas to be open to traffic in as little as 24 hours. All components offer, where appropriate, impressive adhesive, flexural and compressive strengths and the risk of split liability can be reduced by using bedding, priming and jointing components of the same system.

Choose UltraScape’s proven and certified BS 7533 Mortar Paving System for the outstanding performance and assurance that comes with a UKAS seal of approval – you can’t afford not to!

For more information on the importance using a BS 7533 compliant system and the bedding, priming and jointing materials available from UltraScape, please contact their team of technical experts by email or by calling 01827 254402.