Blind area: concrete against paving stones. Which is better, cheaper and more beautiful?
Do you need a blind area around the house? Experts recommend doing it in order to prevent soil erosion around the structure. The blind area is needed to keep the foundation intact.
The blind area around the house is also used as a path. It can be soft or hard. Soft is done using light tiles, lawn, gravel, pebbles, rubble, etc. The plus is that it is cheaper.
The disadvantages of such a structure are obvious. Over time, vegetation will begin to appear, debris will appear between the stones.
Therefore, periodically it is necessary to clean the backfill, remove weeds, and mow the lawn.
More reliable and practical monolithic bases are considered. A rigid blind area is made of asphalt, concrete, paving stones, etc.
What is the best way to make the blind area: pour concrete or use paving stones?
The pavement area looks more beautiful. At the price per sq. m. - 300-400 rubles. The same price for paving stones. We must also not forget about the curb (border) - 160 rubles. per meter. The same amount to put it down. Let's count more cement with sand. As a result, it turns out that the blind area from the paving stone will come out at the same price as the concrete one.
But which blind area is still better?
The paving area can be disassembled, if necessary, during the repair of communications, and then put in place.
However, the concrete blind area (according to experts) is more profitable and more durable.
The truth is inferior in beauty to paving stones. But it won't moss, dirt and grass between the seams. Concrete will last for a long time, but the beauty of the tiles will last only 4-5 years. The tile will still slowly pass water under the house. Concrete does not allow moisture to pass through, takes it to the side.
Simplicity during mixing and installation is also an indisputable plus. Concrete can withstand significant loads. The service life of the concrete block is up to 100 years.
Secrets of longevity of the concrete blind area
To get quality, the width of the blind area must be made at least 30 cm. greater than the width of the roof overhangs. Soil is removed along the perimeter near the house, then the film, penoplex, reinforced mesh, formwork are laid. Then the base is poured. So that the concrete blind area does not crack, they make specials. seams.
Such expansion joints prevent the base from cracking during seasonal soil movements. Expansion joints are made from a wooden block. Treat only with bitumen or resin before work. The distance between the bars: 1.50-2.50 m. There is a vinyl tape for the blind area on sale, but the bars will cost less.