If you have been considering using pavers for a new driveway, pool deck or patio, there is a good chance you have come across travertine pavers in your research. Travertine has become one of the most popular paving materials for outdoor projects, especially in warm regions such as the southeastern portion of the U.S. So what is travertine and why is it so prevalent in paving? Here are some facts about travertine pavers.
This durable, beautiful stone is one of the preferred natural stones that works well for most outdoor paving projects. If you are planning on using pavers for a new project, ask your local paving company about the option of travertine pavers.
Posted on behalf of:
Tri County Pavers & Design
3300 S Congress Ave
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
One of the most beautiful options for pool decks is the use of pavers. It offers a classic, contemporary style for your pool area and is ideal for the wet area around the pool. However, in certain situations you could experience drainage problems on your pool deck due to a variety of issues. If you have water pooling on your paver pool deck, you need to investigate drainage solutions to resolve the problem.
Pool Deck Drainage Issues
There are several reasons water is not draining properly around your pool deck. One of the benefits of using pavers for a pool deck is that water is allowed to drain easily when it is installed properly. This can be through drainage channels that are added when the deck is installed, plus water can seep between the joints and down to the sand underneath. However, some construction issues can lead to improper drainage, including:
– Cement under the pavers. If pavers were put over existing cement, water cannot drain down between joints. The water can become trapped under the pavers, causing mold, mildew and damage.
– Slope issues. For water to drain off the pool deck, a slight slope is usually needed for the drainage channels.
– No drain system. In some cases, a paver pool deck was not equipped with any drain system to handle excess water.
To resolve drainage issues, there are several solutions that can be used. The solution will depend on what is causing the drainage problem. Common solutions include increasing the slope or elevation, or adding drainage channels, deck drains or even a sump pump drain. To explore what drainage option is best for your paver pool deck, call your local paver installation contractor.
Posted on behalf of:
Tri County Pavers & Design
3300 S Congress Ave
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
Homeowners looking to invest in a travertine outdoor patio or pool deck routinely ask the question: once installed, does travertine require a lot of maintenance? The short answer is: if installed and cared for properly, travertine is relatively easy to maintain.
Maintenance of any travertine depends largely on whether it is sealed. A type of limestone, travertine is porous and alkaline and stains very easily. Sealing will help protect the tile if it is installed in a heavily used area such as a porch or outdoor patio, where food and drink is often spilled. Sealing enhances the color of the stone and makes it more slippery, so homeowners tend not to use sealants on pool decks.
Sealed or not, travertine should be cared for and maintained keeping the following Do’s in mind:
Do reapply sealant if you do choose to seal a travertine paved area. Depending on the brand of sealant and how much sun the pavers get, re-application should be done every six months to one year.
Do wipe spills up immediately to avoid stains.
Do use an alkaline cleaner or soapy water, avoiding ammonia or citrus based products, as they will stain or erode the finish on the travertine.
Do use a pressure cleaner on the travertine, especially unsealed travertine around pool areas, every year or so to avoid mildew buildup.
Do purchase extra pavers when you lay the travertine. All natural stone can vary greatly from lot to lot, so if you need to replace a tile down the road, you can be sure the color matches. Travertine installers and manufacturers generally recommend you purchase about 10 percent more than what you need for your project.
Do clean a test patch before proceeding with the entire deck or patio so you can be sure the cleaning product will work and won’t do any damage.
In flooring and paving circles, travertine is the buzz word of late. Homeowners, especially those with luxury homes, are specifically requesting travertine for their pool decks, driveways and indoor flooring.
But what exactly is travertine, anyway?
Technically speaking, travertine is a stone found near warm or hot springs. Often called travertine marble or travertine limestone, travertine is actually not a marble at all, but a type of limestone. Its natural color ranges from white to dark beige to pink and coral and the stone has an abundance of tiny holes and troughs, which are sometimes filled with grout. Travertine is also sometimes polished for a smooth and shiny finish.
Most of the world’s travertine has traditionally come from Italy, although with its recent rise in popularity, it is now being mined in Turkey, Peru, Mexico and even the United States. Exceptionally strong and durable, travertine is widely used in building facades and large structures. The most famous travertine structure is probably the Coliseum in Rome. Others include the Getty Center in Los Angeles and the Willis Tower in Chicago.
As a paving material, travertine is ideal for pool areas and outdoor patios, and is especially popular right now in Florida and other warm states. Travertine is not only a hard natural material, it also resists weather damage and discoloring. And best of all, unlike brick or cement, travertine stays cool to the touch, so little feet never get burned from the sun.
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