Limestone v Sandstone: Which Indian Stone Paving Material is Best for You?

Garden Design Ideas Garden DIY Indian Stone paving 3 Comments

The types of stone paving available are exhaustive, however two of the most popular are sandstone and limestone paving. Today we are going to take a look at both in a comparable state to help you decide which is the most preferable stone for yourself.

Sandstone is available in multiple colours, from light buff through to beige, silver grey and shades of dark brown and black. Within each shade group you then have complementary tones and bands of colour which appear subtle when dry and then become much more vibrant when wet. Lighter shades of sandstone are ever so slightly more porous than the darker colours and tend to need additional cleaning or a sealant applying. Sandstone has a rippled and uneven surface and hand-cut edges and can either be a hand-cut thickness or calibrated to an even thickness which will help you when laying the paving. There are other effects and finishes when it comes to sandstone, for example antique/tumbled sandstone has been finished with a time-worn effect with a slightly flatter surface and rounded edges to give the appearance that these stones have been walked over for hundreds of years. Antique/tumbled sandstone is often available in more muted shades, making the property more suited to older style properties and period homes. Sandstone with a sawn finish has a very different appearance, making it a more contemporary option, with its sawn straight edges which enable close jointing which complements the contemporary theme. You will find that sawn sandstone usually has either a honed surface making it super smooth to touch or a sandblasted texture, giving it a gritty feel.

Buff Blend 3
Buff

Limestone paving is rather similar in appearance to sandstone, but tends to have a flatter surface with less riven edges and more of an orange-peel texture to it. The colours available in limestone also tend to be more limited than sandstone with three main colour choices of buff-grey, blue-grey and blue-black. With natural stone, there will always be some variation in colour, however limestone gives off a lot less colour banding and variation of shade than sandstone. One of the great advantages of limestone paving is that it may be placed in numerous areas, such as driveways, patios, walkways, pathways, courtyards, verandas and stepping stones. The versatility of limestone pavers means that they can be applied just about anywhere around your home, both externally and internally. Because limestone is relatively soft compared to other stones, it can therefore be cut much easily to fit in with your intended project.

Carbon 2
Carbon

When using natural stone paving, you will never get two natural stones with the same colouring, patterns and tones, making it completely unique to your property. It is also formed to be able to handle various weather conditions, ensuring it maintains its appearance for centuries, with minimal wear and tear. With regards to caring for your natural stone paving, you will find maintenance a doddle – it is extremely easy to clean and naturally has smaller joints than concrete paving, which even reduces the amount of weeds growing in-between any cracks. Due to natural stone’s durability, you will also find that you won’t have to constantly replace and repair sections of paving as no significant damage should ever occur. It doesn’t have to cost the earth to use natural stone paving, and you will find that in the long run it actually saves you money as you won’t be having to repair or replace the stone.

Indian Stone Mint Fossil
Mint

Colours and shades available in natural stone paving are Raj Green, Carbon, Kota Black, Umbra, Multi Buff, Shadow Grey, Tallow Fossil, Modak, Two Tone, Mint, Lalitpur Yellow, Kotach Blue and Yellow Limestone, giving you endless possibilities to create your dream paving area.

Raj Green Indian Stone 1
Raj Green

As it is a natural product, you may eventually find that algae may build up over the years, particularly on a north facing patio with little sunlight. However, this can be prevented by using a sealant such as the Thompson’s Satin or Wet Look Finish Patio & Block Paving Seal, an advanced acrylic formula protection for paving and driveways, which seals and protects from moss and algae growth, whilst leaving a lovely satin or wet look finish. Paving Seal enhances the appearance of your paving, protects against oil or fuel spills, moss and algae growth and damages from weather and wear and tear, so it is definitely worth considering this option with your paving, however it is not recommended for use with Carbon Indian Stone.

Shadow 3
Shadow

When laying your paving, we recommend using the Nexus ProJoint Fusion All Weather Paving Joint Compound in either Buff, Mid Gray, Basalt or Black, which is a quick and easy solution for filling joints between paving slabs and setts, suitable for natural stone and concrete paving. It provides you with a weed-free, frost-resistant joint without staining the paving, saving you both time and money.

eDecks offers some of the best deals on Indian Stone Paving around, including all of the installation supplies and tools you may need. Not only do we provide plenty of unbeatable deals but also:

Super-fast FREE delivery on orders over £100*

48 Hour Delivery on many products

Handy FREE installation guides and instructional videos

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge. Please check the eDecks website for more details.

Polycarbonate Roofing Sheets: A Few Helpful Tips

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Polycarbonate is a high performance material which is perfectly suited for roofing. Polycarbonate roofing sheets have been designed for both domestic and commercial use and there are glazing systems which support polycarbonate sheets, making for a strong, yet light, shatterproof system which has UV protection built in and transmits up to 90% of available light. It is also quicker and easier to fit than traditional glazing and offers a longer lasting finish than corrugated sheets.

When choosing polycarbonate roofing sheets, it is important to make careful measurements and get the correct size because the sheets need to fit between your roof joists, however, our helpful eRoofs Sales Team can assist to ensure you get the measurements you require. You can either opt for polycarbonate sheets suitable for roofing and cut them, or buy them at the sizes you need, already cut. Additionally, polycarbonate sheets can be cut to any shape or size making it suitable for all kinds of roofs, including gable end roofs, lean-to roofs, Edwardian and Georgian roofs as well as canopies.

corotherm cut to size

There is also a range of thicknesses when choosing your polycarbonate sheets suiting different purposes. We recommend the following guidelines;

Clear polycarbonate roofing sheets are a versatile option, not only because they are extremely durable, but they also have a modern and sophisticated appearance. They also offer UV blockage, even if they let light in, and because of this, they won’t discolour and will keep their smart appearance for many years to come. It is also worth mentioning that clear polycarbonate roofing sheets are lightweight, making them super easy to work with.

If you are thinking of choosing polycarbonate roofing sheets for your property, here are some helpful hints and tips we think you will find useful.

  • Polycarbonate roofing sheets are only UV protected on one side, therefore prior to installation, ensure you are clear are which side has the UV protection.
  • If you are re-using polycarbonate roofing sheets, and are purchasing more, make sure you check the exact colour to avoid any mismatches.
  • Sealing is very rarely required when installing this kind of roof sheet, so if you are using a sealant, check with the manufacturer to ensure the one you are using is compatible with the sheets.
  • When cutting the sheets, avoid using high-speed cut-off wheels as these can melt the sheets, and instead use sharp scissors or a power saw fitted with fine-toothed blades.
  • It is perfectly normal to see condensation during cooler months, but this can be rectified by modifying your ventilation system.
  • If you find debris and dirt on your sheets over time, the best way to remove this is by using soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using any abrasive tools or chemicals as they may damage the sheets.

We also offer Polycarbonate accessory essentials to go with your Roofing Sheets, such as Glazing Bars, which are available in white or brown. These Glazing Bars are suitable for Conservatory Roofs, Carports, Gazebos and more, and are super easy to fit, securing a roof sheet on each side.

For roof edges with a sheet on only one side, the gap on the bar’s outer edge must be fitted with a Side Flashing, which again comes in brown or white. Side Flashings act as a drip into the gutter and give a lovely, sealed finish to your roofing sheets.

We also sell Corotherm Anti-Dust Breather Tape, which is a self-adhesive tape for sealing and protecting polycarbonate roof sheets to prevent build-up of moisture while keeping dirt, debris and insects out.

To protect the Breather Tape, you can then use End Closures which allow ventilation of the sheets. End Closures are safe, easy to fit, are UV-resistant and offer good weathering properties.

Another options are the Polycarbonate Super Fixing Buttons, which allows you to secure polycarbonate sheets to timber rafters to reduce the risk of the sheets becoming dislodged in windy conditions. They also come with a rubber compression gasket to stop water ingress and allow a natural expansion and contraction of the sheets.

eRoofs offers some of the best deals on Polycarbonate Roofing Sheets around, including all of the installation supplies and tools you may need. Not only do we provide plenty of unbeatable deals but also:

Handy FREE installation guides and instructional videos

Standard Delivery for all Polycarbonate is £25.19 no matter how large your order

Sheds: The Benefits of Building Your Own

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It has now become more popular than ever to build your own shed, and believe it or not, it is much easier than you may imagine. Today we are going to be taking a look at how to choose the best materials and the right tools to create your very own dream shed.

Sheds are no longer seen as a garden essential, and with the amount of materials now available, you can make your shed into a garden feature. With the World Cup coming up, you may want to add an outside bar to your garden, a shelter for hot tubs, or even a play house for your little munchkins, as well as having somewhere to store all of your tools.

There are so many options available, that it doesn’t need to cost a fortune to build your own shed, and by using certain timber treatments such as Ronseal or Cuprinol paints, you can really go to town with your colours, creating a look that costs way less than it appears to. Let’s take a look at the materials and tools needed to create your dream shed.

It is worth remembering that poor quality timber, fixings and foundations will lead to a poorly finished product, and here at eDecks we strive to achieve quality at an affordable price. To build your own shed, you should be looking at opting for the following basics;

When choosing timber for your shed, opt for high quality, long lasting products that will weather well and keep your lawnmower and tools safe from bad weather. Our garden shed materials are available individually or together in a kit, and our sales team can advise you on which option would be best for you.

To give your shed a professional finish, it is important to use professional tools and safety equipment – we recommend heavy duty gloves, eye goggles and protective clothing. You will then need a ladder, a spirit level to ensure a sturdy structure, tape measure, power drill and a claw hammer. You can also use shed felt and a sealant gun if you are planning on insulating your shed to further protect it from the elements.

Shed Felt

Basic Steps to Building a Shed:

  • Laying the base and foundation – you’ll need treated wooden shed beams and a concrete base
  • Assembling the shed floor
  • Raising the walls into place
  • Fitting the roof
  • Fixing the windows (if you decide to include any)
  • Fixing the walls to the floor

There are numerous free plans and designs available online to help you find something that suits your garden’s style. To help you decide whether you are wanting to build your own shed or buy one already made, we have come up with some of the benefits to building your own;

  • Due to a vast range of products, you can create any shape or size you require
  • It can be made light, medium or heavy duty
  • You can create a whole range of different shapes
  • Doors and windows can be sized and located how you wish
  • Add-on features can be customised inside and outside
  • It can be made as cost-effective as suits your budget
  • Building your own helps you to make your shed as strong or lightweight as you need

To finish with, we have a wide variety of timber treatments available, including a rainbow of paints from trusted companies such as Cuprinol and Ronseal, to really give a personalised touch to your brand new garden feature.

eDecks offers some of the best deals on shed building materials around, including all of the supplies and tools you may need. Not only do we provide plenty of unbeatable deals but also:

Super-fast FREE delivery on orders over £100*

48 Hour Delivery on many products

Handy FREE installation guides and instructional videos

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge. Please check the eDecks website for more details.

Bitumen Roofing Sheets: Taking a Look at Their Benefits

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With Winter just around the corner, it is important to ensure your roofing is safe and secure. One of our most popular roofing products are Bitumen sheets, which are a great long-lasting roofing option and can be modified to suit your needs.

Modified bitumen is a type of asphalt product which can be fitted on to the roof in a variety of ways, in both hot and cold temperatures. They are seen as the modern-day alternative to the built-up roof and today we will be taking a look at advantages of Bitumen Roofing Sheets.

As mentioned, there are several advantages to using Bitumen Roofing Sheets on your home or building and unlike more recent types of roofing, it already has a proven track record of being reliable and sturdy and Bitumen Roofing Sheets are known to last 20 years or longer.

Durability – Bitumen Roofing Sheets have a high-tensile strength, making them unlikely to develop cracks which may often appear in other flat and membrane roofs. Bitumen Roofing Sheets are also a good protectant against elements such as wind, fire and hail and are therefore unlikely to be damaged in the event of a storm and such like.

With all things in life, there are of course some drawbacks to Bitumen Roofing Sheets, however it is all about finding the product that best suits your needs. Black Bitumen Roofing Sheets do tend to absorb rather than reflect heat, and even though the roofing sheets themselves may not be heat or UV Ray damaged, if proper insulation is not used with it, the heat absorption can lead to overheating the building of which it is protecting.

The cost of Bitumen Roofing Sheets can be quite costly, however eDecks keep very competitive prices and will help you to conclude the amount of sheets and accessories you will need. You may also need to purchase granules which help protect the roof from the sun, and without including them as part of the installation process, the roof can become damaged, or again the building may overheat.

bitumen carport

Bitumen Roofing Sheets are one of the most durable and secure roofing options available when applied and installed correctly. They may be quite costly to begin with, but will far outlast a competitive product and will keep your building safe and protected.

If you feel you need more of an insight into Bitumen Roofing Sheets, or would like to learn more about installation techniques, then please find our installation guides online here for plenty of free advice – it is often easier than you first think!

eDecks offers some of the best deals on Bitumen Roofing Sheets around, including all of the installation supplies and tools you may need. Not only do we provide plenty of unbeatable deals but also:

Super-fast FREE delivery on orders over £100*

48 Hour Delivery on many products

Handy FREE installation guides and instructional videos

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge. Please check the eDecks website for more details.

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