How to choose a plasticizer for paving slabs: expert advice

Paving slabs are made of sand, crushed stone, and cement; water is added to give the mixture fluidity. However, if only the above-mentioned components are used, the output is a short-lived product that deteriorates from temperature extremes. To prevent damage to the finished material, a plasticizer is added to the mixture.

It is presented in the form of liquids or powder. Why is a plasticizer necessary in concrete during construction? With its help, while reducing the water-to-cement ratio in the mortar, the plasticity and fluidity of the mixture increase, and accordingly, the density of the concrete or mortar increases.

As of today, the following plasticizers are offered on the construction markets:

• for PVC;
• for concrete;
• for paving slabs;
• for underfloor heating;
• for gypsum;
• for screed;
• for polymers;
• for cement mortar.

For the manufacture of paving slabs, several types of plasticizers are used: in the form of dry powder in bags or liquid in canisters of groups I-IV (super, medium-, highly-, and weakly plasticizing).

Types of Plasticizers for Concrete.

Depending on their purpose, plasticizers are divided into the following types:

• anti-frost – reduce water consumption, increase strength and water resistance of concrete;
• air-entraining agents and modifiers – increase the mobility and plasticity of the mortar;
• affecting hardening – retarders, used for large volumes of work for fewer joints;
• affecting hardening – accelerators, used in factory conditions for quick hardening of forms;
• for self-compacting mortars.

Plasticizers are also divided into organic and inorganic. Inorganic ones are a mixture of clay and lime, and preparing a working solution from them is difficult. Organic ones are in the form of a finished product and, accordingly, are more convenient to use.

The most popular today are: pasty "TSNIP-1", powdered "BS", water-repellent "FLEGMATO-1". The website presents a huge selection of plasticizers for concrete with detailed characteristics and prices.

Where to Buy the Best Plasticizer for Concrete.

You can prepare the mortar yourself, but this is a rather laborious process, plus after temperature drops, the tile will be hopelessly spoiled. It is much easier to buy plasticizers for concrete in order to save effort and time. Correctly manufactured tiles will last for many years. The price of the finished mixture is influenced by the composition of the plasticizer for concrete and the manufacturer's reputation.

Just mortar is not enough for laying paving slabs. All necessary materials for construction work, molds, construction machinery and equipment are also presented on the website. The selection of equipment is quite wide and diverse. It is important to consider that the quality of the equipment must meet established standards and requirements. This affects the operating conditions of the equipment, the speed, and the final result of the work. On the presented website, the equipment complies with all standards.