RESOURCES UnCarbon FAQS

Being manufacturers, our competency lies in supply of paving blocks, kerbstone,  paving accessories, tiles, and other products manufactured by us.  We normally do not undertake execution of work at site. However we are in a position to recommend reliable contractors/agencies for the job. In certain cases, where products require special care of an experienced professional, we may even insist that the execution be carried out only by agencies certified by us.

In the absence of any specific offer, products are generally made conforming to the requirements of IS 15658 (pavers) IS 1237 (terrazzo tiles) or IS 13801 (chequered tiles).  

We have supplied pavers with compressive strengths in excess of 550 kg / cm^2.  Pavers with water absorption less than 6% and abrasion resistance under 4mm can be made available. Pavers are generally available in thickness of 60 mm, 80 mm, 100 mm and 120 mm. Other thickness may be possible on request.

This means that you can use pavers for a very vast array of application from heavily trafficed roads to pedestrian applications. Please do get in touch with us  to understand the suitable paving products for your application.

Terrazzo Tile Fixing
Landscaping Tile Fixing

Terrazzo Tiles Polishing Instructions

Paving Blocks:

1. Use the nylon brush for cleaning the grooves of paving block.
2. Do not allow debris to build up on your concrete block surface.
3. It is advised that you clean-up oil spills brake fluid or other chemical spills.
4. Avoid car washing on your drive ways

Chequered Tiles :

1. During the fitting time especially during joint filing, use the cement in such a way that the cement should not come out on the surface of tiles which disturbs the beauty of tiles.
2. Do not use acid for cleaning chequered tiles floor.
3. Wash the floor at a regular interval.
4. Use the nylon brush for cleaning the grooves of tiles.

Terrazzo tiles :

1. Remove the stains from the surface as early as possible so as not to give the chance the mosaic material to absorb the stain causing material.
2. Dry dust should be firstly removed by dry cloth and then wash it with clean water and cleaning agents.
3. For making the extra shine floor, repolishing should be made by the regular time intervals.
4. Do not use acid for cleaning terrazzo tiles floor
5. Waxing may cause the deposition of dust on floor and that tend to staining problem. Use Penetrating sealers having characteristics of penetration in cement thus sealing the pores and greatly reducing its absorptive qualities.
6. Use the warm water with liquid detergent or any other recommended cleaning agent for cleaning the stains.

As a firm, we have always been challenged by requests for customizing our products as per client’s needs. The opportunity to supply innovative, high quality products, along with turnkey solutions for sites, through academic interaction with design professionals, is the thing that really gets us going. Our products can be altered for shape, colours, textures, sizes, aggregates used and also some other characteristics. We request you to let us understand your project needs.

Pavers are used in the toughest of applications in metropolitan roads, container yards, railway yards, industrial applications and other internal roads, as also in home backyards. As long as you select the proper pavers, pavers will be strong enough for your application.

VYARA can get you your pavers within 2-3 days for in-stock material. For special orders, you can count on your pavers in 4-6 weeks depending on the selection of the items. Generally single items get delivere early and an order which combines many product items should expect a longer delivery time.

Yes.

VYARA paving system will instantly improve your home’s appearance and increase its appraised value. With dozens of shapes and colours to choose from, design possibilities for driveways, walkways, patios & pools, sunrooms and other areas are endless. Do consult us however for proper selection of material as per your requirement.

One of the best performance examples for streets and sidewalks is found in North Bay, Ontario – 20 Years Later. Click the under given link to view the case study

North Bay-Ontario Case Study

Efflorescence: the whitish residue /patching (CaCO3) appearing on concrete is considered as a natural phenomenon. Efflorescence affects, in more or less magnitude, all types of concrete. Efflorescence on material is not to be treated as a material defect. Efflorescence generally dissipates over a period of time. Treated or finished materials generally do not exhibit efflorescence. However uncoated material stacked unused at site and exposed to moisture, is likely to exhibit efflorescence.

This condition is greatly minimized with the use of VYARA pavers because of the manufacturing process and materials used by VYARA. Efflorescence will wear off in about 2 to 3 months naturally but it can be removed with some cleaners.

Click on the under given links for details on this topic

Efflorescene – ICPI

Efflorescene- Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia

Normally no mortar is needed to install concrete pavers. It is recommended that you use coarse granular sand, which will bind the pavers together with a friction joint. This sand is swept into the joints and compacted to achieve the proper installation.

In certain typical applications like a podium or a slab, where adeuqate waterproofing or drainage has not been provided, it may make sense  to mortar in the pavers - to prevent the movement of the slab causing a runoff of jointing or bedding sand- and subsequent movement of the pavers.

Use a sharp coarse river washed sand or sharp sand with multi-sized grains. The course sand will bind together when you go over the pavers with the compactor. This will make the joints between the paver solid and prevent moisture from getting under the pavers. The problem with using fine sand is that it will wash out easily and not create a locking friction joint between the pavers

BEDDING AND JOINT SAND (SPECIFICATION)

Provide bedding and joint sand as follows:

1. Clean, non-plastic, free from deleterious or foreign matter, symmetrically shaped, natural or manufactured from crushed rock.
2. Do not use limestone screenings, or stone dust, or sand for the bedding sand material that does not conform to conform to the grading requirements of [ASTM C 33][CSA A23.1-FA1].
3. Do not use mason sand, or sand conforming to [ASTM C 144][CSA A179] for the bedding sand.
   Note: If the pavement will be exposed to heavy traffic with trucks, i.e., a major thoroughfare with greater than 1.5 million 18-Kip (80 kN) equivalent single axle loads, contact ICPI for test method and criteria for assessing the durability of bedding sand.
4. Where concrete pavers are subject to vehicular traffic, utilize sands that are as hard as practically available.
5. Sieve according to [ASTM C 136][CSA A23.2A].
6. Bedding Sand Material Requirements: Conform to the grading requirements of [ASTM C 33][CSA A23.1-FA1] with modifications as shown in Table 1.
   

   Grading Requirements for Bedding Sand
   ASTM C 33		CSA A23.1-FA1
   Sieve Size	Percent Passing	Sieve Size	Percent Passing
   3/8 in.(9.5mm)	100	10mm	100
   No. 4 (4.75mm)	95 to 100	5mm	95 to 100
   No. 8 (2.36mm)	85 to 100	2.5mm	80 to 100
   No. 16 (1.18mm)	50 to 85	1.25mm	50 to 90
   No. 30 (0.600mm)	25 to 60	0.630mm	25 to 65
   No. 50 (0.300mm)	10 to 30	0.315mm	10 to 35
   No. 100 (0.150mm)	2 to 10	0.160mm	2 to 10
   No. 200 (0.075mm)	1	0.075mm	1

   Note: Coarser sand than that specified in Table 2 below may be used for bedding sand including C 33 or A23.1 material as shown in Table 1. Use material where the largest sieve size easily enters the smallest joints. For example, if the smallest paver joints are 2 mm wide, use sand 2 mm and smaller in particle size. If C 33 or A23.1 sand is used for joint sand, extra effort may be required in sweeping material and compacting the pavers in order to completely fill the joints.

7. Joint Sand Material Requirements: Conform to the grading requirements of [ASTM C 144][CSA-A179] as shown with modifications in Table 2 below:
   

   Grading Requirements for Joint Sand
   Sieve Size	ASTM C 144	ASTM C 144	CSA A179
   	Natural Sand Percent Passing	Manufactured Sand Percent Passing	Sieve Size	Percent Passing
   No. 4 (4.75mm)	100	100	5mm	100
   No. 8 (2.36mm)	95 to 100	95 to 100	2.5mm	90 to 100
   No. 16 (1.18mm)	70 to 100	70 to 100	1.25mm	85 to 100
   No. 30 (0.600mm)	40 to 75	40 to 100	0.630mm	65 to 95
   No. 50 (0.300mm)	10 to 35	20 to 40	0.315mm	15 to 80
   No. 100 (0.150mm)	2 to 15	10 to 25	0.160mm	0 to 35
   No. 200 (0.075mm)	0 to 1	0 to 10	0.075mm	0 to 1

No, the water does not drain through the sand around the pavers. If they are installed properly, you will only get a little bit of seepage for the first few weeks but after that the silts and dust in the air will seal that off entirely. So you need to build in a natural slope to your paver project for water run off. Typically it is recommended that you allow for a slope of 1 inch for every 8 to 12 feet of paving away from your home. This should be enough slope to carry the water off naturally.

For the most part, if the pavers were installed properly and a compactor was used on the pavers to lock them into place, you have cut off much of the growing environment. There will still be times when seeds can blow in and start growing in the sand between the cracks. When this happens you can usually pull them out very easily or spray them with a weed killer and then remove them.

Another care to take is to use proper construction sand with minimum silt for bedding and jointing of pavers.

There is no way that we can prevent oil from dripping on concrete pavers but because of the fact that they are more dense than regular poured concrete they will be easier to clean if the stain is cleaned soon after it happens. If you are working around your paver patio, walkway, or driveway with paint, cement, or mortar and should accidentally spill this on your paver surface, you should clean it off right away before it has a chance to dry or it will stain your pavers. If cleaning of stained pavers is not possible, you will be able to remove the pieces that are stained and replace them without needing to sawcut and leave a scar in your paving.

One of the benefits of a project built with VYARA pavers is the ability to replace a paver should it become permanently stained. Simply take a flat head screwdriver and insert it between stones and pry the soiled stone out. If the installation is mature, it may be necessary to break the stone and then pry it out.

We do not recommend that you attempt sealing of the pavers on your own. The main reason is that before sealing, the pavers need to be completely dry and clean. This is generally difficult with jointing sand in place. Sealing willaccentuate any dirt or defects present on the paving.

The best bet is to order factory sealed pavers (PremierShield protected.)

On an established tree, if you’re not raising the soils around the tree by any more than a couple of inches, it shouldn’t hurt the tree. Well established trees normally get their water from underground sources. Solid poured concrete can actually suffocate a tree by not letting the roots breath but using concrete pavers allows the transfer of air to the tree. Do not pave over the dripline of a newly planted tree.

You should ideally use the tree guard paving from VYARA for the purpose.

Concrete pavers, being individual pieces won’t build up heat like a solid sheet of concrete and the heat will tend to dissipate between each stone making pavers a cool product to use around a pool. One cool tip is to always use light colors for a pool deck.

If the cracks in your driveway have started to drop or heave too much, which means that it doesn’t have much reinforcing steel, it is recommended that you break out the old driveway before you lay your pavers. If your cracked driveway is still basically flat then you can use it for a base for your pavers. Any minor dips can be filled with concrete mix before screeding your sand. You should mortar set the Holland Stone paver in a soldier course (placing the Holland Stone side-by-side in the mortar) all around your perimeter border. Then screed your 1 inch of sand bed for your field pavers.

After your sand bed is screeded you can lay your pavers and compact them into the sand bed. Next you would throw a light layer of sand on the field pavers and compact it one more time to complete the lockup. Once that is complete you should sweep sand into the joints and then sweep off the excess and your job should be complete.

Geopolymers are inorganic polymer materials that can be used as an alternative binder in place of traditional cement. They are typically formed by combining aluminosilicate materials, such as fly ash or slag, with an alkaline activator solution.

Geopolymers offer several advantages over cement-based materials. They generally have lower carbon emissions during production, higher chemical resistance, improved fire resistance, and enhanced durability compared to conventional cement-based products.

Zero cement is utilized in the production of single mix products such as single layer pavers, hollow and solid blocks, and Kerbstones. In the case of colored pavers, a thin layer of approximately 8-10 mm is added during manufacturing, incorporating traditional pigmented cement into the mix.

Geopolymer-based UNCARBON concrete pavers and solid blocks UNCARBON products achieve comparable or even higher strength compared to cement-based counterparts and have the potential for long-term strength gain, resulting in durable and structurally sound products. These can be supplied to meet requirements of all relevant standards.

The UNACRBON range has been tested for Freeze Thaw Durability, and Water Absorption and have shown excellent results.  Geopolymers have shown excellent durability properties, including resistance to chemical attack, abrasion, and deterioration from environmental factors. They can provide long-lasting performance and require less maintenance compared to cement-based products.

The UNCARBON products offer a significantly higher level of environmental friendliness compared to materials that rely on cement. By using UNCARBON products instead of conventional concrete, an impressive reduction of approximately 75 to 80% in CO2 footprint can be achieved. Geopolymer production typically requires considerably less energy and results in fewer carbon dioxide emissions when compared to the production of cement. Furthermore, incorporating industrial by-products like fly ash or slag as raw materials can effectively contribute to waste reduction.

Yes, the UNCARBON products are well-suited for outdoor applications such as concrete pavers and solid blocks. They exhibit good weathering resistance, including resistance to UV degradation and freeze-thaw cycles.

The UNCARBON products have a slightly higher purchasing cost compared to cement-based products. However, the long-term durability and reduced maintenance requirements of geopolymers can lead to cost savings throughout the lifespan of the products. Although the initial investment may vary, the potential for extended durability and lower maintenance expenses should be considered.

The production of the UNCARBON products typically involves specific mixing protocols and curing conditions. It is essential to follow proper manufacturing procedures, including accurate measurement of raw materials, suitable mixing techniques, and appropriate curing temperature and time, to ensure optimal geopolymer formation and product performance. Adequate care must be taken at the manufacturing level as the Alkali activators can be extremely corrosive.

Yes, the UNCARBON products are supplied colored and pigment as required. This allows for a wide range of aesthetic options for your concrete pavers and solid blocks.

Geopolymer-based concrete pavers have been designed to meet the required strength and load-bearing capacity for various applications. Proper mix design and application considerations ensure that they can withstand heavy traffic and loads.

The curing time for the UNCARBON products is the same as that of traditional concrete with cement 

Yes, the UNCARBON products have the potential for recycling or reusing as conventional cement concrete products. They can be crushed and used as aggregate in future requirements. 

The UNCARBON products should be stored with due care as with regular cement based products. Keep away from source of alternating water exposure to reduce chances of efflorescence.

The UNCARBON products do not have higher toxicity compared to conventional cement concrete products. The UNCARBON products use industrial by-products such as fly ash or slag as raw materials, which can reduce the environmental impact associated with these waste materials.

Extensive in-house as well as third party tests have been carried out on the UNCARBON products. Tests include tests for Compression, Flexure Strength, Tensile splitting, Water absorption, Freeze Thaw Durability, Abrasion, Water absorption among others. The results exhibited are typically equivalent or superior to those of conventional concrete materials using Cement.

The UNCARBON products, can be made to conform to all relevant national and international standard requirements. For eg: IS 15658 or EN 1338 for Paving Blocks, IS 2185 for Hollow and Solid Concrete blocks, IS 5758 or EN 1339 for Kerbs.

Here's a breakdown of the potential LEED points and ESG considerations for using UNCARBON products, in the context of LEED certification and ESG compliance:

 LEED Points:

1. Materials and Resources (MR) Category: 
   • MRc2 (Construction Waste Management): The use of UNCARBON products will contribute to reducing construction waste. The specific number of points depends on the overall waste reduction achieved in the project.
   • MRc3 (Building Product Disclosure and Optimization): Using UNCRABON products which have lower environmental impact, will earn points under various credit options, including Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and material ingredient reporting.

   • MRc4 (Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials): The use of UNCRABON products will contribute to points in this category by utilizing recycled or regionally sourced materials. All other ingredients of the UNCARBON blocks are also regionally sourced.

2. Innovation in Design (ID) Category:

   • Innovation credits can be earned under innovative practices and materials that contribute to environmental sustainability and carbon reduction. The use by using UNCARBON products can qualify for such credits. The specific number of points depends on the level of innovation and the overall impact on carbon reduction.

1. ESG Considerations:

1. • ESG compliance is not quantitatively measured through a point-based system like LEED. However,   incorporating UNCARBON products into construction projects can positively impact ESG considerations in the following ways: 

1. Environmental:
   • Reduction in CO₂ footprint: Using by using UNCARBON products will significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with construction projects, contributing to lower environmental impact and climate change mitigation.

   • Conservation of natural resources: By using UNCARBON products, natural resources are conserved, as fewer virgin materials are needed for concrete production.

2. Social:
   • Health and well-being: Low-carbon concrete products contribute to a healthier built environment, enhancing the comfort and well-being of building occupants.
   • Sustainable community: Incorporating sustainable construction practices aligns with social responsibility, promoting a sustainable community and enhancing the overall quality of life.

3. Governance:

   • Reputation and stakeholder perception: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices through the use of low-carbon concrete products like UNCARBON, can enhance the reputation of the customer's organization and positively influence stakeholder perception.

   • Risk mitigation: Embracing sustainable construction practices can mitigate potential risks associated with environmental regulations and future carbon-related liabilities.

     While the specific number of LEED points earned and the quantifiable impact on ESG compliance may vary depending on project-specific factors, the use of low-carbon concrete products, such as UNCARBON, provides a clear pathway for earning LEED points in the Materials and Resources category and potentially in the Innovation in Design category. Additionally, it demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility, social well-being, and strong governance practices, which are key considerations for ESG compliance and stakeholder engagement.