FAQ

What is Mapestone Joint resin?

Mapestone joint is a polyurethane resin sealant. It is ideal for sealing pavings made of porphyry and natural stone subjected to vibrocompaction: cubes, setts, pebbles, etc.

Initially conceived for uses with high vehicular stress, Mapestone Joint is also perfect and increasingly popular and appreciated in private/pedestrian contexts. In fact, it is currently highly appreciated with cubes or stone elements of medium-small size( e.g. 6/8).

The aesthetic result is excellent, since the paving, elastic with a draining function (UNI EN 12697 -40 test), appears as if it had been filled and sealed in simple sand, as tradition would have it. The surprise, on the other hand, is related to the fact that the joint is perfectly intact and durable, resistant and practically impervious to deicing salts and marine spray and even to the action of sweeping machines appropriate to the lithotype. In addition, the floor does not require expansion joints, which are often troublesome or poorly executed.

Mapestone Joint is inspired by the criteria of maximum safety both for operators even in the dispensing phase, and for all those who are involved in the site area, or who are deputed to the handling and transport of the product by any means and to any destination.

The product is nonflammable, solvent-free (e.g., acetone) and therefore free from inhalation hazards.

Where can I use it?

Invibrocompacted pavements executed mainly with cubes (6/8; 8/10; 10/12), but also in setts and cobbles. Not advisable, however, because not yet fully tested, is the use with 4/6 cubes, tile slabs, and in any case with sawn elements

Why would it not be advisable to use the product in sawn tile paving?

Because one of the prerequisites is that the paving is already sufficiently strong after the action of vibrocompaction. And it is by no means conceived to vibrocompact a paving made of stone elements with sawn sides and a plan area much larger than that of the cube, without risk of rutting or chipping. In addition, the logic of the product is to percolate into the joint already previously filled with rock crushed rock type 2-4 mm. The minimum joint size is about 1 cm. For sawn tiles, the average joint size is normally less than 1 cm. UNI 11322 also provides for the possibility of resin floors in cubes, but not in tiles or slabs.

Does it take a specialty to apply the product?

Another essential prerequisite is to know how to make a paving on a bed of crushed magmatic rock. Normally this is a procedure to be entrusted to an experienced installer who will prepare the surface. True, the application phase is absolutely accessible to anyone (with proper P.I.D.).

Does it take specific equipment?

A special professional dispenser consisting of a pressure tank, a pressure reducer/regulator, and an expansion tank for air precharge is recommended for application. Dispensing is done through a small plunger gun. For very small areas - do-it-yourself - manual dispensers can be used, which can be purchased from construction dealers

If the stone gets stained or smudged, how can I take action?

With Mapei's Cleaner, fresh intervention is possible. The procedure involves removing excess resin with an absorbent paper towel and intervening with Cleaner, again through an absorbent paper towel. The result on stones such as porphyry is very effective: any halo is bound to disappear very quickly.

What is the time frame for catalyzing and then reopening to traffic once the product is used?

Reopening times depend on weather conditions, but on average do not exceed 24 to 48 hours, with enormous advantages over floors made with cementitious mixtures

Can it be used in all weather conditions?

Mapestone Joint was created with a formula that can tolerate a significant percentage of moisture contained in aggregates, without fear of having a typical polyurethane reaction. However, the ideal condition for applying the product is dry bedding and joints and climate above zero degrees Celsius.

Is it a product that suffers from high summer temperatures?

Unlike cementitious mixes, application during the hottest hours of the summer months is normally contemplated, without the risk of compromising result performance.

Does polyurethane resin in joints prevent the formation of moss, efflorescence, etc.?

Yes always, it is the ideal product even in environments with direct contact with plants and gardens. In addition, unlike cementitious joints, it does not crack or peel and increases the service life of the floor

For more info, insights, assistance and purchase, please contact our offices 0461 829835. Or send an email.