FAQs
General
Where can I purchase Armtec products?
Armtec products are available at retail stores across Canada. Please visit our Where to Buy page to find the retailer nearest you.
Where can I find general warranty information about Armtec products?
Please visit our Warranty page.
Where can I find information about Armtec’s commercial infrastructure products?
Visit our corporate website (www.armtec.com) and click on the Products and Services tab.
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Landscaping
What tools are required for a typical landscaping project?
Typical landscaping projects require these tools:
-
Hammer or mallet
- Protective gear such as safety glasses, steel-toed boots and gloves
- Rake
- Tape measure
- Level
- Chalk line or string line
- Stakes
- Chalk marker
- 1" round pipe
- Tamper
- Wheelbarrow
- Shovel
- Paver cutter or masonry saw
- Chisel (wall installations)
- Broom (paving installations)
Where can I find installation instructions?
You’ll find installation instructions for Armtec products, along with product specifications and other useful information, on the product pages of our website. Please search for the specific landscaping product you’re using.
Can I install Armtec landscape products myself?
Yes, you can install our products yourself. However, if you prefer, many landscape contractors will also do it for you to ensure the job is done properly. Be sure to do some research to find the right contractor or feel free to call Armtec to help locate a contractor in your area.
How should I protect my landscaping project?
Armtec products do not need to be sealed but doing so will provide additional protection against the natural elements. Armtec’s Techni-Seal® sealant is a popular choice for paving stones.
Can damaged paving stones or slabs be replaced?
Yes. You’ll need to remove the sand around the specific stone first. Then pry up the stone and replace it with the new stone. Fill the area around the new stone with sand and manually compact the entire area using a rubber mallet or tamper of some sort. Be careful not to damage the new paver when completing this step. Always try to keep a few extra stones handy after the job is done to use as replacements if necessary.
What is efflorescence?
Efflorescence is a whitish powder-like deposit that sometimes appears on concrete or clay products. The deposit is the residue of a soluble salt carried to the face of the product by moisture and left on the surface as a dry powder following evaporation of the moisture. Efflorescence in no way affects structural integrity.
Can I remove efflorescence?
Efflorescence will usually wash and wear off in the course of time. The recommended procedure is to allow this natural process to take place. However, if you would like to speed up the process, it can be removed by washing the pavers in a mild solution or muriatic acid (available at building supply dealers or pool supply companies). The solution should be 10 to 20 parts water to 1 part muriatic acid.
A small, unobtrusive area should be treated first to ensure results are acceptable since the muriatic acid may expose aggregate on the paver’s surface, leading to lessening of the colour mass.
No responsibility can be accepted by the paving stone manufacturer for efflorescence since any normal concrete contains calcium hydroxide, which is inevitable when cement and/or stone and water are mixed together. Calcium hydroxide combines with carbon dioxide in the air to form calcium carbonate, which then appears as a whitish deposit (efflorescence).
I have a specific question about how to complete my landscape project but can’t find what I’m looking for online. Who can I speak to?
Please call the Armtec landscaping office nearest you.
Alberta
Acheson, AB
205-26229 Twp Rd. 531A
Acheson, Alberta, Canada T7X 5A4
TEL: 780-960-3204
Calgary, AB
8715 - 48th St. S.E.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2C 2P8
TEL: 403-279-8161 or 1-800-486-4917
Ontario
Brooklin, ON
6760 Baldwin St. (Hwy. #12)
Brooklin, Ontario, Canada L1M 1B5
TEL: 905-655-3311 or 1-800-655-3430
FAX: 905-655-3847
EMAIL: brooklinsales@brooklin.com
Haliburton, ON
P.O. Box 818, Hwy. #121
Haliburton, Ontario, Canada K0M 1S0
TEL: 705-457-1395 or 1-800-273-9084
FAX: 705-457-2587
EMAIL: haliburtonsales@brooklin.com
Huntsville, ON
P.O. Box 5449, Hwy. #11
Huntsville, Ontario, Canada P1H 2K8
TEL: 705-789-2338 or 1-800-264-3302
FAX: 705-789-9829
EMAIL: huntsvillesales@brooklin.com
Newmarket, ON
18599 Yonge St. N.
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada L3Y 4V8
TEL: 905-895-2373 or 1-888-407-6443
FAX: 905-898-3264
EMAIL: newmarketsales@brooklin.com
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Retaining Walls
What is a gravity wall?
A gravity wall is a wall that is able to resist soil pressure by relying only on sheer weight and batter is considered a gravity wall. This type of wall does not require geosynthetic reinforcement to help reinforce a soil mass behind the wall.
What does "batter" mean?
“Batter” is the angle, or slope, of the face of a wall from the toe to the top of the wall.
What is geosynthetic reinforcement?
Typically know as geogrid, geosynthetic reinforcement is a high-tensile polypropylene or polyester material that helps stabilize the soil mass behind a wall. The number of grid layers and lengths are determined by the wall system being used and what is being retained behind the wall.
What is adjustable setback?
Adjustable setback is the ability to build a wall with variable setback. Engineering needs to be considered when altering the setback.
What does straight face mean?
The face of the unit is straight, not angled. Straight face is a type of block face style that is more aesthetic than functional.
What is a beveled face?
The lateral edges of the face are angled and unequal in length. Beveled face is a type of block face style that is more aesthetic than functional.
Can I install lighting in a wall system?
Yes, lighting can enhance any landscape project! There are a variety of different products available. Follow the manufacturers’ recommended installation methodology, as installation will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Can I seal a retaining wall block?
We do not recommend that you use any type of chemical to alter the surface of the block, as it may negatively affect the appearance and/or performance of the unit.
What is base material?
Base material is a 3/4" aggregate with fine that is used to create a level base on which the first base course is installed. The exact type of material used depends on the type of aggregate available in your area.
What is fine?
Fine is the smaller particles of aggregate that are ideal for a level base material.
What is silt?
Silt is the fine, granular particles that are invisible to the naked eye and are nonplastic and noncohesive.
What is clay?
Clay is fine, flat shaped particles that are invisible to the naked eye and possess both plasticity and cohesiveness. It is considered a poor soil.
What is backfill?
Backfill is a “clean” 3/4" aggregate fill that is used directly behind a wall. The amount of backfill required depends on the type of wall system and drainage. The exact type of material used depends on the type of aggregate available in a specific region.
What is compaction?
Compaction is one of the most fundamental elements in wall construction. Each course of a wall should be backfilled and compacted to a 95% proctor. A plate compactor or hand tamper can be used for compaction.
Is a concrete footing necessary?
No. A compacted 3/4" aggregate with fine is the best material to use for retaining walls. Its composition makes it cost effective and easy to compact.
What is hydrostatic pressure?
Hydrostatic pressure is saturation of water in the soil mass directly behind a wall. This pressure can compromise the integrity of the wall if adequate drainage is not provided.
What do you mean by grade?
The ground level.
What is a leveling pad?
It is the base on which the first base course of wall is installed. This material needs to be level and compacted to ensure that subsequent courses of the wall are properly aligned.
What types of tools are needed to cut a block or cap?
A hammer and chisel can be used or a saw with a masonry blade can be used to cut the units. With any type of cutting or splitting, be sure to wear safety glasses and other protective gear to help prevent possible injury.
What is retained soil?
Retained soil is the soil behind a wall that is not directly affected during the installation of a retaining wall.
What does permeability mean?
Permeability describes soils that allow water to pass unrestricted or at a reasonable rate.
What is a swale?
Formed directly behind the wall, a swale is a ditch or depression that can help alleviate water collection and divert it to another location.
What is overturning?
The term “overturning” is used to describe an external lateral pressure that causes the entire reinforced soil mass to rotate at the base of the wall, therefore creating an external stability failure.
What is filter fabric?
Placed between the drainage column and the reinforced soil, filter fabric can help prevent the migration of fine-grained soils from contaminating the drainage column or the face of the wall. This can help prevent wall-face staining. While it is not necessary in every retaining wall project, it is very effective in water applications, when drainage needs to be efficient.
What is a drain tile?
Installed directly behind the lowest course above grade, a 4" perforated drain tile with sock sleeve can help alleviate hydrostatic pressure from water. While it is not required, it should be considered in special applications where adequate drainage is of concern.
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Basement Waterproofing and Drainage
What is Platon made of?
Platon is made of 100% environmentally friendly high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
What is the life expectancy of Platon?
Platon is expected to last at least 50 years.
What are the technical characteristics of Platon?
Platon Flooring specifications
Platon Foundation Wrap specifications
Where can I find Platon installation instructions?
Platon Flooring installation
Platon Foundation Wrap installation
Where can I find Big O tubing installation instructions?
Go to Big O HDPE tubing installation.
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Septic Systems
Where can I find septic tank installation instructions?
Most septic tanks require professional installation. Please contract a qualified contractor in your area or call Armtec directly.
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