Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Travertine Pavers VS Brick Pavers Round 2

About Brick/Clay pavers
Pavers on the other hand are produced with a mixture of aggregates, small stones and pebbles, sand, color dyes, and grey or white cement. Since this type of paver production is more popular, there is a larger supply of products that cater to the demand. Comparatively, concrete pavers are slightly cheaper than their Travertine paver or brick clay counterparts. Pavers made with grey cement produce darker colors and because grey cement is a cheaper raw material, these darker color pavers are cheaper than white cement or lighter colored pavers.

Brick pacers also include dyes and chemicals and
are manufactured, not quarried.
Another negative is that they are made up of multiple parts, whick mens higher potential to break down.
The debris from decaying brick wash out and run off into local water table ( sand , particulates, cementitious debris).  They are hard to cut and come in only limited shapes (mostly square or rectangular)..Oh and did I mention that they are not slip resisten.  :(

But Brick Paver isn't down for the count yet....Can you say..Kool Deck

Which would you Use?  Make sure you comment or check out are website at http://www.stone-mart.com/
Kool deck: is a cementicious topping applied to a concrete base to strengthen the slab and also gives the concrete a color in lieu of an installed finish like tile.

Pro's
  1. It reduces the heat retention of the concrete but does not eliminate it
  2. Reduces slip vs wet concrete but has a much loer coefficient of friction then Travertine  ( travertine becomes less slippery when wet)
Con's
  1. Is not a do it yourself- friendly product
  2. Can fade, crack or peel  if not properly prepared and applied
  3. Need special contractor and materials for repairs
  4. cost from $6 -$10 sft to apply
(Note:"It's a topping applied over a stronger concrete base. This special material can be applied to a concrete structure while it's curing in order to significantly lower the exterior surface temperature. It comes in any color or pattern to match your taste, and it can be textured for traction to guard against slipping. Plus, it's extremely durable (almost twice as strong as the base structure), stain resistant, and waterproof (to avoid mold or mildew buildup). So overall, a cool deck requires little maintenance, endures traditional wear and tear, and extends the life of your concrete, making it a very economical choice. ")

The above states that the kool deck is waterproof , however one of the ways to distinguish Kool deck from other applied polymers is to water the area down If the water is absorbed then its  Kool Deck..if not its a polymer application epoxy.

Travertine Pavers vs Brick Pavers Round 1

The Benifits of Travertine Pavers  vs Brick Paver and Kool Deck
Travertine Pavers are ideal for use around the pool and patios and other outdoor areas because they will provide a safe walking and play surface for the whole family.
solid stone, Also....They will
  1. Stay cool on your feet
  2. Colors will not fade over time.
  3. Travertine pavers have a non-slip surface finish as they have a high co-efficient of friction. therefore slip resistant , more so as they become wet
  4. Travertine is also ideal for use as stepping-stones in the garden, borders and edging around flower beds, pool coping and even for driveways.
  5. Travertine Pavers can withstand weathering and erosion without deteriorating which eliminates the need for concrete slab
  6. Easy to repair
  7. Low cost installation
  8. Eco friendly, no chemicals added
  9. It is known that Travertine material improves with age.
Travertine pavers come in many shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Thus are more designer freindly, allowing for appearance greater retention and longevity then other hard surfaces.

Monday, January 24, 2011

The Top 5 Reasons Travertine Is the "Natural" Choice for Your Home

1.
Beauty - With Distinct Texture and Beautiful Color Variations (Courtesy Of Mother Nature), There Is A Place for Travertine In Any Home. Travertine And Marbles Will Vary In Color Due To Iron Compounds And Other Impurities That Occur Naturally During Formation. Because Of These Color Variations, No Two Travertine Tiles Or Pavers Are Exactly Alike, Making The Travertine That Will Be In Your Home, One Of A Kind!
2.

3.
Versatility- Travertine Is Available In A Range Of Natural Colors, Dimensions, And Surface Finishes. Travertine Options Include Tumbled, Honed And Filled, Brushed And Chiseled, Tiles, Pavers, Copings, Mosaics, Vanities, Countertops, And Various Other Products And Applications. Travertine Is Ideal For Indoor And Outdoor Areas. The Surface Of Travertine Is Cool Under Your Feet Due To A Lack Of Metal Content In The Stone. Travertine Is Naturally Slip Resistant And Is Stronger Than Man Made Alternatives. DURABILITY - Travertine Has Been Used In The Construction Industry Since The Roman Era. The Coliseum Is One Of The Oldest Buildings In The World And Is Mostly Constructed With Travertine. Travertine Will Withstand Weathering And Erosion Without Deterioration. Travertine Is Known Rather To Strengthen And Improve With Age. The Colors Of Travertine Will Not Fade Over Time; They Will Maintain Their Natural Color For Decades. Very Little Maintenance Is Required With Travertine; They Are Simply A Naturally Hard-Wearing Stone. It Is A Versatile, Durable And Reliable Natural Stone Used For Many Applications.
4.
Environmentally Friendly - Travertine Is A Natural Stone Unlike Porcelain And Ceramic Tiles That Are Man Made With Chemical Processes.
5.
Value - The Look of Natural Stone Gives Potential Home Buyers An Increased Perceived Value. This Makes For An Easy Upgrade To A Home Consumers Can Do To Increase The Value Of Their Home. With A Greater Perceived Value Than Other Tile Options This Is The Greatest Benefit To Homeowners Preparing To Sell Their Homes. For The Homeowners Planning To Stay In Their Homes For A Long Period Of Time, The Timeless Beauty Of Travertine Provides Endless Possibilities For Changes In Future Décor Of Your Home.

TRAVERTINE PURCHASING TIPS 101

When Deciding What Type Of Travertine Or Marble Is Right For Your Home, First Start With What Type Of Finish. If You Are Looking For A Rustic Or Old World Appeal, Tumbled Or Chiseled May Be The Right Choice For You. Whereas For Modern Or Contemporary Design Options, Honed & Filled, Polished, Or Brushed Tiles Are All Equally Unique Elegant Choices.
It Is a Color "Range", Not a "Range" Of Colors
Travertine And Marbles Will Vary In Color Due To Iron Compounds And Other Impurities That Occur Naturally During Formation. Because Of These Color Variations, No Two Tiles Or Pavers Are Exactly Alike. With That Said The Color Range Of The Stone Should Still Closely Resemble One Another If The Material Is From The Same Lot. Ask Your Supplier To View Multiple Selections Of The Stone To Determine A "True" Representation Of The Color Range For The Stone You Are Purchasing.
Don’t "Break" The Rules When Packing Travertine and Marble
When It Comes To The Shipping Of Travertine And Marble There Are Many Things To Consider: Tiles And Pavers Should Not Be Laid Flat. In General, All Stone Flooring Shipments Must Be Prepared So That The Natural Stone Tiles And Travertine Flooring Stand Up In A Crate. The Shipping Crate Must Be Of Good Quality, And The Travertine Flooring Must Be Securely Strapped To The Crate In A Perpendicular Fashion. Why Is This Important? Natural Stone Is Heavier Than Artificial Flooring. Many Companies To Reduce Their Cost (Which Can Average 40 To 50 Cents Per Square Foot Packaged) Do Not Practice This Industry Standard And In Turn Results In The Increase Of Breakage, Or Damage To The Stone. Combine This With A Misleading Disclaimer Of The Amount Of Breakage That Is Expected In Any Flooring Shipment And You Have A Direct Monetary Loss To The Customer. How Does Your Supplier Package Their Stone? Ask Them How And Why.
The "Finish" Is Where to "Start"