Granolithic toppings - Is this a good drive option

[dickmac]

I have memories of granno toppings being in place in factories where a good clean smooth and hardwaring floor was needed. My question is could I use a granno topping on my tarmac drive. Existing drive is nice and stable but adding blocks would give level problems. I like to look of granno and would like to know how practical and cost effective it would be to lay on top of the tarmac. I could allow around 20mm.

[simeonronacrete]

Yes a grano topping can look good, especially if you choose a good quality granite and perhaps blend Portland cement with white Portland cement to brighten it up a bit.

At only 20mm you will need to add Ronafix to the topping to ensure it is strong enough (flexural, tensile and compression), to minimise shrinkage and aid curing. Cure it with tight fitting polythene or a spray on curing membrane (Ronacrete Monocure 50). It must be bonded to the substrate concrete with a 1:1 Ronafix:cement primer bond coat and the substrate must first be mechanically abraded (e.g. scabble, shot blast) to ensure you achieve good adhesion between substrate and topping.

If you want more advice go to Ronafix For Screeds TDS or give our Tecnical Department a call on 01279 638700.

Regards

[dickmac]

Many thanks for the info. I assume OK to lay on the tarmac? Also how will the granno compare with blocks price wise?

[simeonronacrete]

Yes you can lay onto the tarmac as long as it's clean, oil free, stable and strong.

A specialist would charge upwards of £30 per m2 to supply and lay a Ronafix modified grano screed, subject to site inspection, location, number of m2, etc, etc.

Hope this helps and sorry for delay in replying...