Operations & Maintenance

Operations & Maintenance Procedures v7.5

PX3000, P3000 (3″ – 75mm)

HD2000, HDX2000, PX2000, P2000, FS2000 (2″ – 50mm)

HD1500, HDX1500, PX1500, P1500 (1 1/2″ – 37.5mm)

HD1000, HDX1000, PX1000, P1000 (1″ – 25mm)

FS500 (1/2″ – 12.5mm)

 

Flexi-Pave’s flagship products, HDX2000, HD2000, HD1500 & HD1000 are made of 50% 3/8” crumb recycled tires and 50% 3/8”-½” granite chips, held together with an elastomeric polyurethane binder XP-75.  Flexi-Pave’s all rubber surfaces, P3000, P2000, P1000 and PX2000 are made of 100% ?” crumb recycled tires and an elastomeric polyurethane binder XP-75 or XP-35.   Flexi-Stone, FS2000 & FS500 are made of a 100% washed ¼”-1/8” gravel overlay approximately ½” deep which is poured on top of standard HD2000 or HD1500 Flexi-Pave using the XP-75 Urethane Binder.  Once cured, the all the products maintain approximately 19-23% internal pore space, which gives them a pervious rating of nearly 4000 inches of water per hour (over 2500 gallons per square foot per hour).  Therefore Flexi-Pave is essentially “invisible” to storm water runoff making it an ideal solution for many paving situations.

Unlike other porous paving materials, which have static internal voids and require routine vacuuming to maintain porosity, Flexi-Pave’s internal pore capacity is dynamic in nature.  Due to the Flexi-Pave’s inherent flexible properties the internal pores change size & shape during loading, thermal expansion and use, thus allowing particulates to be broken down into smaller and smaller pieces and finally passing through the paving into the #57 stone base course.  As such, Flexi-Pave does not typically require vacuuming and is considered for the most part, “self-cleaning”.  Therefore standard cleaning and maintenance recommendations are kept to a minimum and are listed below:

Operational Guidelines:

1. It is recommended that routine street maintenance be carried out in accordance with maintenance best practices.  This will ensure continual performance of Flexi-Pave.
2. It is recommended that if Flexi-Pave endures foliage surface debris (i.e. leaves, grass clippings, etc.) that the debris be blown off periodically.  This will prevent the natural compost material from forming, accumulating and decaying within the Flexi-Pave so as to not promote the growth of plant seeds, or weeds.
3. It is recommended that if the Flexi-Pave is installed adjacent to any loose aggregates used for paving or landscape, that the loose aggregate be blown off periodically.  This will prevent any unnecessary surface aggravation or friction from vehicular or foot traffic that could harm the surface integrity of Flexi-Pave.
4. In the event that the surface of Flexi-Pave becomes clogged with fine dirt or sand, copious amounts of water should be applied at low pressure using a garden hose or similar hose design.  This will wash through and displace the loose fines.
5. On rare occasions where considerable slit loading may occur, i.e. “Excessive Sand Loading”, a common street sweeper or vacuum can be used to extract the excess fines.
6. DO NOT use pressure cleaners on the surface
7. DO NOT use abrasive devices such as sweepers on the surface
8. DO NOT use heavy equipment on paving surface without covering surface with plywood first.  (Prohibited equipment on Flexi-Pave includes Material Handlers, Skid Steers (tired or tracked), Bull Dozers, Mini-Excavators, Excavators, Graders, Tractors, Forklifts (warehouse-variety or Reach), Man Lifts (booms or scissors), Dumpsters & Roll-off containers, etc.  Also, any vehicle with the following tire types is prohibited including knobby tires, off-road tires, equipment tires, solid tires, lug tread pattern tires, etc.
9. Do NOT use cranes, crane trucks or other lifting machines with outriggers on the surface
10. For de-icing, use standard rock salt
11. For snow removal, use standard show shovels or light pneumatic tired snow plows with a rubber spacer on the blade to protect the surface, or raise the plow just above the surface.
12. When operating light vehicular traffic on the surface, DO NOT turn the wheels without the vehicle being in motion.  Static turns of rubber tires on a porous rubber surface cause excess friction and can dislodge rubber granules and aggregate on the surface.
13. If imperfections appear in the surface texture such as exposed aggregate and loose rubber granules which are commonly found in poured-in-place rubber products these can be blown off with a standard leaf blower.  This condition is known as sloughing and does not affect the functionality or durability of the product.
14. As a preventative practice to prevent sloughing, an overspray of the XP-75 of XP-35 binder can be applied (for a nominal additional fee) to the surface on an annual basis if desired.  The overspray does not affect the permeability of the product, but serves to re-adhere any loose granules and reconstitute the surface.

Data is based on facts that we believe to be accurate but all recommendations are made without warranty since conditions of use are beyond Capitol Flexi-Pave’s control.  We do not assume any liability except what is expressly noted in the warranty certificate.  We do not assume any liability from injury resulting from use. Liability, if any, is limited to replacement of product.

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Flexi-Pave / Flexi-Stone Surface Protection Procedure

All porous surfaces have restrictions on their use such as man lifts, forklifts, tracked vehicles, etc.  In addition, when performing construction activities on or near Flexi-Pave, or placing temporary exhibits, equipment or tents on the surface, certain precautions must be taken to prevent damage to the surface:

1. Cover Flexi-Pave with poly sheeting to collect loose stone dust, sand, or other granular materials that may be dislodged during adjacent construction activities.
2. Cover Flexi-Pave with plywood path prior to traversing it with any vehicle or piece of equipment other than a pneumatic rubber tired passenger vehicle.
3. Cover Flexi-Pave with plywood prior to traversing it with a vehicle with muddy tires.
4. Prior to installing concrete ballast blocks, concrete fence panel footings, or tent posts, protect Flexi-Pave with plywood pieces directly under the areas that may become scuffed.
5. For Flexi-Stone in particular, do not drop dense heavy items such as concrete on the surface or the gravel pieces in the Flexi-Stone surface may become crushed and/or dislodged at impact.

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Flexi-Stone Hairline Crack Potential

Flexi-Stone FS2000 or FS500 is made of a washed ¼”-1/8” gravel overlay approximately ½” deep which is poured on top of standard HD1500 or HD2000 Flexi-Pave using the XP-75 Urethane Binder.   Standard HD2000 is made of 50% 3/8” crumb recycled tires and 50% 3/8”-½” granite chips, but FS2000 and FS500 lacks the rubber component.  The rubber component provides flexibility and so the FS2000 or FS500 products are inherently less flexible than the HD2000 product.  And since Flexi-Stone is poured in monolithic type pours without expansion joints, there is a potential for hairline cracks to appear in the top-coat Flexi-Stone veneer during the break-in period after an installation (similar to hairline cracks in concrete).  This may occur if the ground, sub-base or base course moves, shifts or settles.  The Flexi-pave rubberized base is able to bend with a moving base, however the Flexi-Stone veneer is not as flexible.  Any hairline cracks that appear will not hinder the functionality or porosity of the product.  Hairline cracks will not extend into the underlying HD2000 Flexi-Pave base.  Therefore they are deemed inconsequential to the product’s durability and within acceptable limits of the manufacturers tolerances for this product.  Hence, hairline cracks in the Flexi-Stone surface do not constitute a warranty claim on the product unless they extend more than ¼” in width, at which point they will be repaired for free within the warranty period.

No repair procedure is required for hairline cracks under ¼” in width.  However, hairline cracks over ¼” in width can be repaired though the following procedures:

1. Identify the source and terminus of significant observable cracks over ¼” width.
2. Using chisel & hammer, chip away a furrow along the crack to expose a 1” wide by ½” deep crevice.
3. Clean the crevice of loose gravel and dust.
4. Using a chip brush, apply XP-75 binder to the sides and bottom of the crevice.
5. Mix an adequate quantity of Flexi-Stone with XP-75 binder according to the manufactures directions.
6. Fill the crevice with the rock/binder mixture.
7. Smooth the surface with hand trowels.
8. Optional:  Apply additional coat of XP-75 binder to the top of the repair.
9. Allow curing period of 24 hours to achieve full hardness. (72 hours in winter)
10. As with all natural stone products, minor variations of Flexi-Stone color may remain observable until full UV curing period.  Allow several months for color of patch to more closely resemble color of surrounding surface.

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Flexi-Pave Tree Surround Maintenance Procedures

Flexi-Pave tree surrounds represent an excellent solution for urban tree pits.  They are made of HD2000, PX2000 or P2000.  Flexi-tree surrounds are typically used when sidewalk space is limited and/or the desire is to maximize walkable space for pedestrians or to reduce soil compaction, eliminate trash collection in tree pits or to reduce overall maintenance requirements.

When sidewalks are adequately wide enough, (ADA requires at least 4’ width of the travel path) the standard procedure is to leave an open box around the tree trunk with soil and mulch, then pave the adjacent sidewalk with Flexi-Pave.  These types of sidewalk known as “Treewalks” represent the best, longest lasting and easiest to maintain solutions available for urban tree/sidewalk interfaces.

But when space is limited, when tripping hazards exist or when constant foot traffic is causing compacted soils and tree mortality, Flexi-Pave tree surrounds are optimal.  The benefits of Flexi-Pave tree surrounds, include the following:

1. Eliminating tripping hazards & providing an ADA compliant spaces
2. Increasing walkable space for narrow sidewalks
3. Reducing maintenance requirements
4. Preventing soil compaction
5. Allowing water and oxygen infiltration into soil rhizosphere
6. Moderating soil temperatures
7. Improving overall tree health
8. Preventing trash accumulation in tree pits
9. Discouraging rodent infestations in tree pits
10. Maintaining flexibility as tree roots & trunks grow

As trees are living, constantly changing organisms, the inherent flexible properties of Flexi-Pave are especially beneficial.  Flexi-Pave is able to bend and flex as tree trunks and root flares grow.  Therefore Flexi-Pave resists breaking when traditional impervious surfaces like asphalt and concrete cannot bend, and thus crack or break causing trip hazards and ADA violations.

Depending on tree trunk caliper, Flexi-pave tree surrounds are installed using three primary methods while allowing for certain modifications as site conditions and objectives require.  The three primary methods used for tree surrounds are as follows:

Large trees (>12” caliper):  Flexi-Pave is installed in the entire tree box at 2” nominal depth all the way up to the tree trunk.  Trees in this size class typically maintain the ability to “self-prune” the Flexi-pave tree trunk opening as their trunks grow and caliper increases.  The individual Flexi-pave rubber and stone granules are able to be broken off one by one over time as the tree puts pressure on them, and they are lost to the environment.  Should a bulge of bending Flexi-Pave be seen at the tree trunk/flexi-pave interface, the excess material can be chipped away to relieve the bulge pressure using the “Trunk hole enlarging procedure” outlined below.

Medium trees (6-12” caliper):  Flexi-Pave is installed at a 2” nominal depth except within an 18” diameter of the tree trunk, where the flexi-pave is installed at a 1” depth on top of a 1” layer of loose dry rubber granule.  This in continued to within 6” of the tree trunk and the final 6” is left open, or filled with dry loose rubber granule.  This method provides an opening and then thinner section of Flexi-Pave around the tree trunk making it easier for the medium sized trees to “self-enlarge” the tree trunk hole as the grow in circumference.  As the tree grows, the individual Flexi-pave rubber and stone granules are broken off and they are lost to the environment.  Should a bulge of bending Flexi-Pave ever be seen at the tree trunk/flexi-pave interface, the excess material can be chipped away to relieve the bulge pressure using the “Trunk hole enlarging procedure” outlined below.

Small trees (1-5” caliper):  Newly planted trees face a greater chance of mortality during the first few years of establishment and therefore a contingency plan for their replacement must be factored in.  For small trees in this class, Flexi-pave is installed at a 2” nominal depth to within 6”-12” from the edge of the outside of the original root ball.  Then a sacrificial “break-a-way ring” of Flexi-pave is poured all the way up to the tree trunk.  The break-a-way Flexi-pave ring is comprised of a ½” depth of Flexi-pave installed over a 1.5” deep bed of loose dry rubber granule.  At the tree trunk, a 6’ diameter hole is left open and this void can be filled with loose rubber granule, Flexi-Mulch, or left open.  A steel or composite landscape edging is installed flush with the top of pavement as a bond breaker between the 2” deep Flexi-Pave and the break-a-way ring.  As the tree trunk grows and self-enlarges the trunk hole of the break-a-way ring nothing is typically required for maintenance.  This method provides the thinnest section of Flexi-Pave around the tree trunk making it easier for the small trees to self-enlarge the tree trunk hole.  The individual Flexi-pave rubber and stone granules are broken off over time as the tree puts pressure on them, and they are lost to the environment.  Should a bulge of bending Flexi-Pave ever be seen at the tree trunk/flexi-pave interface, the excess material can be chipped away to relieve the bulge pressure using the “Trunk hole enlarging procedure” outlined below.  In the event that the tree dies, the entire sacrificial break-a-way ring of Flexi-pave can be removed back to the landscape edging bond breaker.  (Plastic sheeting, geotextile fabric or plywood should be used to protect the porous Flexi-pave surface prior to a dead tree removal and tree replanting.)  Once the sacrificial break-a-way Flexi-pave ring is removed, the tree can be extracted and replaced with a new tree.  Dispose of the sacrificial break-a-way ring of Flexi-pave.  Then re-pour a new interior break-a-way ring of Flexi-pave.  Alternatively the open space can be left open or filled with mulch, loose rubber granule or Flexi-Mulch.

In our constant progression we are always seeking better means, methods and materials for our tree and pavement solutions, therefore in an effort to improve our service line, we reserve the right to modify our services or procedures with or without notice as our research and development determines.

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Flexi-Pave Tree Surround Trunk Hole Enlarging Procedure

Tools needed – Flathead screwdriver or chisel, hammer & trash bag

Time needed – Approximately 5-15 minutes per tree

1. Identify trees with significant bulges in the Flexi-pave where it contacts the tree trunks
2. Using the hammer and screwdriver carefully chisel a 1” to 6” wide ring around the tree trunk
3. Break off and discard the excess pieces of Flexi-pave

In our constant progression we are always seeking better means, methods and materials for our tree and pavement solutions, therefore in an effort to improve our service line, we reserve the right to modify our services or procedures with or without notice as our research and development determines.

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Standard 1 Year Warranty (Complementary)

Capitol Flexi-Pave, LLC (CFP) warrants Flexi-Pave products for a period of one (1) year under the following terms:  Flexi-Pave, when installed by CFP, will carry a warranty for materials for one-year from the date of installation.  CFP’s warranty is limited to the structural and mechanical integrity of the installed Flexi-Pave materials.  The warranty specifically EXCLUDES the following:

1. Damage caused by intentional or unintentional abuse.
2. Damage caused from the use of pressure cleaners or other abrasive devices.
3. Damage caused by equipment usage on top without using a plywood covering.  Prohibited equipment includes (Material Handlers, Skid Steers (tired or tracked), Bull Dozers, Mini-Excavators, Excavators, Graders, Tractors, Forklifts (warehouse-variety or Reach), Man Lifts (booms or scissors), Dumpsters & Roll-off containers, etc.
4. Damage caused by any vehicle with the following tire types (knobby tires, off-road tires, equipment tires, solid tires, lug tread pattern tires, etc.)
5. Damage caused by cranes, crane trucks or other lifting machines with or without outriggers
6. Normal or abnormal wear & tear, such as surface stains, excessive vehicle wear and damage from lawn and garden equipment.
7. Shade or color blend variations between the installed areas or between areas of installation performed at different times.
8. Slight shade variations between products and samples or photographs.
9. Imperfections commonly found in poured in place rubber products such as, sloughing, exposed aggregate, loose rubber granules and varying surface textures.
10. Hairline cracks or separations between pours of less than ¼” width.
11. Product porosity, base movement or sub-base movement.
12. Alterations or modification to installed product (including, but not limited?to painting, speed bumps and tire stops).

Under such CFP limitations, any installation warranty shall be the responsibility of the original installer.  CFP assumes no liability for installation costs of any kind. ?Imperfections in Flexi-Pave that do not affect the structural integrity of the engineered surface are not grounds for rejection or warranty claim.

Flexi-Pave is designed to “amber” in color as sunlight cures the proprietary binding agent.  Fading over time is not grounds for rejection or warranty claim.  As a result of usual methods of manufacturing recycled tire rubber granule, “cord” material is present in all Flexi-Pave products.  The cord strengthens the overall structural integrity of Flexi-Pave and when installed properly, is not designed to create an absolutely smooth surface.

As a result of the Installation Process, small amounts of rubber granule and rock aggregate routinely slough off or become loose in the surface of the installed product.  This condition is normal and is not grounds for rejection or warranty claim.  The sloughing equates to the “New Carpet” phenomenon whereby small amounts of carpet fiber are commonly dislodged during the initial period of use.

Color or shade variations will be present in recycled rubber products and is an acceptable characteristic of Flexi-Pave. Flexi-Pave is manufactured using recycled tire and rock aggregate materials what will vary in size, shape, texture and color.  CFP makes no warranty, whether expressed or implied, as to identical color matches.  Color variations will occur in colored recycled tire products due to slight variations in dye lots and basic raw materials, as well as a result of after installation processes.

CFP’s warranty is limited to the cost of replacement product only and does not include any other costs, except as defined above.  CFP does not guarantee that every color will be available perpetually in the future and if discontinued, CFP will provide an alternate color from its current product line at the time of an accepted warranty claim.

THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES BEYOND THIS EXPRESSED WARRANTY.

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Extended 5 Year Warranty (Annual Fee)

Annual inspection & assessment of installed Flexi-Pave areas via a concise report & recommendations sent to client

Structural Integrity: Identify non-performing areas to include the following

1. Trip hazards (OSHA Standard)
2. Vertical or horizontal separation greater than 1/2″
3. Vegetative overgrowth encroaching onto install
4. Siltation of Flexi-Pave area
5. Obstructions located within the Flexi-Pave area
6. Other defects deemed necessary for repair
7. Other site conditions tying into Flexi-Pave

Porosity: Test and report findings of porosity

1. Conduct porosity testing once annually at a random location in the pavement
2. Conduct one (1) additional porosity test per 1000 SF above 4000 SF
3. Identify any deficiencies recording less than 10 GPM

Warranty is limited to the structural & mechanical integrity as well as the porosity of the installed materials.  Exclusions apply and include the following:

1. Intentional and unintentional damage or abuse
2. Pressure cleaners or abrasive devices
3. Mechanical damage
4. Discoloration from phased installation
5. Minor imperfections commonly found from poured in placed rubber products
6. Failing sub-base conditions that cause the Flexi-Pave to fail, sag, bend or not percolate
7. O&M guidelines are not administered

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