Advantages and Disadvantages of Flagstones
Before starting a home improvement project such as installing a walkway or patio, you must choose from variety of optional materials such as brick, concrete and flagstone. Flagstone consists of sedimentary rock composed of mica and quartz with iron oxide, silica or calcium used to bind the materials together. Using flagstone has advantages. For instance, flagstone requires little to no maintenance. Flagstone, however, has disadvantages.
Attractiveness
Homeowners generally want their home to stand out from the rest. Using flagstone provides a way to achieve that goal. Flagstone is more aesthetically pleasing than artificial or synthetic materials like pavers. For example, flagstones have unique patterns that provide an antique and elegant look to a pathway or fireplace. Thus, no two flagstones look alike because they don't contain the same markings. Another advantage involves imagination. Flagstones allow you to pick from a variety of color combinations to achieve an even more distinctive look.
- Homeowners generally want their home to stand out from the rest.
- Flagstone is more aesthetically pleasing than artificial or synthetic materials like pavers.
Durability and Suitability
Flagstone contains durable, tough materials. Thus, flagstone typically won't corrode even when exposed to harsh hot weather and freeze/thaw conditions. In fact, flagstone can last for at least 50 years, reports Landscape Plant. Another advantage involves suitability. Besides being extremely durable, flagstone is suitable for use outdoors because it can provide traction in wet weather. Thus, flagstone protects you from slipping on your patio or walkway.
Uneven Surfaces
The most common problem with flagstone involves creating an even surface when preparing for installation. Flagstones are available in different sizes. Also, flagstones range in thickness starting at an inch thick. When constructing a flagstone project where you're using different sizes of flagstones, you must make sure to prepare the surface properly. Therefore, you must provide a surface that fits the size and thickness of the flagstones so they settle evenly. You don't want to use shortcuts such as cutting thicker flagstones into a thinner size. Besides ruining the character of the flagstones, you could make them susceptible to breakage.
- Flagstone contains durable, tough materials.
- When constructing a flagstone project where you're using different sizes of flagstones, you must make sure to prepare the surface properly.
Installation
To enjoy the advantages of flagstones requires proper installation. Installing flagstone involves a number of stages such as making sure the ground is stable enough or determining whether sand or gravel is needed for a foundation. Eliminating any steps, such as not using a bed of gravel, could cause the flagstones to become unstable. Also, when any damage to one flagstone occurs, then all the flagstones are compromised and must be removed.
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Writer Bio
Demetrius Sewell is an experienced journalist who, since 2008, has been a contributing writer to such websites as Internet Brands and print publications such as "Cinci Pulse." Sewell specializes in writing news and feature articles on health, law and finance. She has a master's degree in English.
