Ultrascape are surprised to hear, all too often, that BS 7533 is still being ‘considered’ and not automatically specified.  Why is this?  The risks and potential costs of using a non-compliant system are huge and should be instrumental in ensuring BS 7533 is specified every time.  Robin Canning, Ultrascape Brand Manager, reviews the benefits of BS 7533 compliant mortar paving systems for your consideration.

In order for a system to ‘actually’ be proven BS 7533 compliant, rather than just ‘manufactured to meet’ or ‘manufactured in accordance with’, it must have undergone independent testing using UKAS methods, which in general ensures the following benefits:

•  Can be used to design and build schemes in excess of 1000 standard axles per day
•  Helps to protect professional indemnity insurance
•  Reduces costly failures and resulting personal injury claims
• Trusted throughout the world
•  Tried and tested methods of construction
•  Removes the uncertainty of site batched mortars

Most significantly, the British Standard promotes professional results that can give a construction life in excess of 40 years, whereas a non-compliant system cannot offer any minimum life expectancy.  Robin confirms that although the initial outlay may in some cases be lower, the ongoing and life cost of a non-compliant construction is generally significantly higher due to ongoing maintenance.  Overall, using a BS 7533 compliant system helps to protect your professional indemnity insurance by reducing the risk of costly failures during the life of the  construction.

One of the often overlooked aspects of the British Standard is that all of the materials are tested in conjunction with one another, ensuring that they work in harmony.  This is extremely important when specifying a full mortar paving system to include bedding, priming, jointing and sealing.

Lastly, BS 7533 sets technical and practical guidelines that help to minimise potential workmanship issues.  It is evident that using a compliant system is the one and only assurance against costly repercussions.  Do you need any further justification?  Please contact Robin by email robinc@instarmac.co.uk or on 07825 603 434. 

Robin’s experience spans 15+ years working in landscaping construction, to include: on the tools, retail and material manufacture.  His experience provides theoretical and ‘real world’ advice when working with clients to develop paving specifications and construction details.

For further information on the Ultrascape range of products, please visit www.ultrascape.co.uk or call 01827 871871.

Ultrascape is part of the Instarmac Group plc.