Concrete Slab Support Systems

I was reading a 'self-build' magazine when I came across this:"CARO SUPPORT is one of the most economical and simple ways of laying roof or terraced areas. This Polypropylene injection moulding raises the paving 15mm above the supporting surface and its integral spacers ensure a constant 5mm gap between each slab, so all water drains away immediately, leaving an "ever-dry" paved area.""To ensure adequate strength, and minimal tolerance variation in the pavings, it is recommended that hydraulically pressed or reinforced concrete slabs be used."OK, this system is designed for very lighly trafficked (pedestrian) roof terraces, but in theory as long as you can form a firm screeded layer underneath, this system could possibly be used in general domestic landscape situations.Yes, detritus may form in the spaces where the joints should be and a weed-supressing membrane underneath would probably be beneficial but for a quick patio with little skill level needed, the advantages of hidden drainage, invisable gully/manhole covers and the possibility of easily changing damaged pavers etc., I find this possible way of laying paving rather interesting.My main concern is the 'void' left underneath and the possibility that the slab may give way if you run something heavy across it like a fully-laden wheel barrow etc.What's the verdict, do you think this type of product has merit in everyday domestic landscaping, or does it have some obvious flaws (except for the pavers being easily stealable!) that I have missed?

I never said I was going to use them, I just wanted to gauge the concensus!

No, the garden centre does not sell them. It sells nice sausage rolls though...

Who says that the way pavements are constructed now is the 'proper way' anyway, its just the traditional/accepted methods we use not necessarily the definative ones . I think the landscape industry in general needs to be a bit more open to considering innovative products/methods. Just look at how many different ways a building can be constructed and then consider how limited the 'landscaper's' palette generally is e.g. grass, gravel, mulch, timber decking, concrete pavers, natural stone pavers and plants etc.

If the architecture/building industry used such a limited range of materials/methods as landscaper's generally do, buildings built today probably would have not changed much in appearance to Edwardian ones.

Robin Ainsworth said:

£400 for 6m2

(24 slabs)

about right for someone in trainers laying a pateo on top of a pateo - edges still need pointing & big gaps !

i think i could do the one in the picture for £400 and better ............:-) what happened to doing things 'properly' - youve surprised me david ! how is the garden centre ? do they sell them ?

Replies

Kieran Ray December 4, 2009 at 11:05pm

I have only ever scene them on roof terraces. I dont think they would work on the ground due to the greater amount of weed seeds in the air at ground level and I rekon it would ordepend on the strength of the slab to its weight carrying abilitys.
Lawncare-4u.co.uk December 4, 2009 at 11:58pm

its still got to be perfectly level anyway or they will rock?

expensive? and i hate slabbing but i think they would get in my way /really annoy me and those slabs are micky mouse anyway......................more crap to try and sell to overpricing/rip off/lazy contractors imo.

when will these office-jokers /designers/engineers come up with something really clever and useful !! ??
Big Dig Groundworks December 5, 2009 at 8:33am

It has been reviewed on Paving expert by Tony Mc

But I too dont like the idea of it and dont think it will stand the test of time.
But maybe ok for litlle balconies or small roof terrraces.
David Beasley Garden Design December 5, 2009 at 6:41pm

Hmm,

Not exactly a 'thumbs down' from paving expert!

There also seems to be quite a lot of manufacturers producing identicle slab supports to the CARO ones.

Hmmm

Big Dig Groundworks said:
It has been reviewed on Paving expert by Tony Mc

But I too dont like the idea of it and dont think it will stand the test of time.
But maybe ok for litlle balconies or small roof terrraces.
Kieran Ray December 5, 2009 at 6:44pm

I thought that when I read it, I can see were they are coming from but I rekon its still a roof terrace/ Garden concept. Its the only place I have seeen anything like it used before. Have you seen some of there other products?
Lawncare-4u.co.uk December 5, 2009 at 8:57pm

£400 for 6m2

(24 slabs)

about right for someone in trainers laying a pateo on top of a pateo - edges still need pointing & big gaps !

i think i could do the one in the picture for £400 and better ............:-) what happened to doing things 'properly' - youve surprised me david ! how is the garden centre ? do they sell them ?
David Beasley Garden Design December 5, 2009 at 9:14pm

I never said I was going to use them, I just wanted to gauge the concensus!

No, the garden centre does not sell them. It sells nice sausage rolls though...

Who says that the way pavements are constructed now is the 'proper way' anyway, its just the traditional/accepted methods we use not necessarily the definative ones . I think the landscape industry in general needs to be a bit more open to considering innovative products/methods. Just look at how many different ways a building can be constructed and then consider how limited the 'landscaper's' palette generally is e.g. grass, gravel, mulch, timber decking, concrete pavers, natural stone pavers and plants etc.

If the architecture/building industry used such a limited range of materials/methods as landscaper's generally do, buildings built today probably would have not changed much in appearance to Edwardian ones.

Robin Ainsworth said:
£400 for 6m2

(24 slabs)

about right for someone in trainers laying a pateo on top of a pateo - edges still need pointing & big gaps !

i think i could do the one in the picture for £400 and better ............:-) what happened to doing things 'properly' - youve surprised me david ! how is the garden centre ? do they sell them ?