Jointing compound on 5:1 mortar bed - Alternative to easyjoint

[Stu M]

Hi – firstly, I must say that I have lost count of the times I have referred to Paving Expert – the information is second to none.

I am having about 200m2 of fossil mint sandstone laid (some sawn – some riven in different areas). I have trawled this forum (and others) to research jointing compounds (Easyjoint, GftK, Marshalls Weatherpoint 365, etc.) and it seems that there is no consensus on the best product.

I had settled on Easyjoint and based upon 30 tubs had been quoted a good deal of £28 / 12.5KG tub. However, I discovered today that my builder has bedded the paving on approx. 5:1 mortar (full bed – not dot-n-dab). Easyjoint’s advice is that the “Dry Application� method should be used where the mortar bed is stronger than 7:1 and that this method should be “used with caution and wherever possible avoided�!

Easyjoint stipulate a 7:1 or weaker mix to allow water to drain through the mortar and, presumably, to allow the jointing compound to cure and to prevent standing water below the joint. My question is: what would be the best alternative jointing compound which would be compatible with a hard 5:1 mortar bed?

Many thanks in anticipation.

[lutonlagerlout]

myself and mick gammage have used marshalls weatherpoint 365 with some success on top of strong mixes

but remember these are polymerics

if you want the long lasting job sand and cement or 2 part resin are the kiddies

cheers LLL

[Stu M]

LLL - many thanks for your prompt response (and the benefit of your advice on numerous other posts).

I should have added that this is our lifetime home (next 25 - 30 years or whenever I get carried out in a wooden box) and that low maintenance is an important criterion for me.

I have read elsewhere (probably by those with a vested interest in jointing products) that mortar pointing will break-up over time / not last. What sort of longevity would you expect? Also what 2 part resin product would you recommend?

[mickg]

if weatherpoint or similar polymeric jointing products are brushed into the joints and not struck with a brick jointer then it is permeable to a certain degree and water can soak down into the bedding layer but when jointed with the brick jointer or finger trowel its similar to a 4:1 sand and cement mix therefore not permeable

I have used Easyjoint, GftK, Weatherpoint, Sika and dare I say the name GEOFIX but never used any of the 2 part jointing products which are with out a doubt the best options but do come at a premium price

they are all good products but make sure you follow the instructions and use plenty of clean water before opening the sealed tubs applying the jointing product as it can leave stains on the surface of the paving

sika and geofix don't require you to soak the surface of the paving before applying the product into the joints

the biggest benefit from using any of these products is if you need to remove part of the jointing for what ever reason you can still purchase it the same colour therefore your patio won't end up looking like a patchwork quilt from different coloured mortar mixes

[lutonlagerlout]

nothing is eternal
mortar pointing if done right should last till you are pushing up daisies stu

however if it rains you are bolloxed
if the mix isnt right you are bolloxed
and if the labourer has an off day you are bolloxed

gftk vdw 850 comes highly reccomended but costs big $$$

I have used 365 for 2 years with no adverse effects to date

LLL

[Stu M]

LLL and Mick - many thanks for your advice.

I spoke to EASYJoint to better understand their requirement to use 7:1 or weaker mortar bed. It boils down to curing - if the jointing compound is left in a waterlogged joint it won't cure. Therefore, they suggested that if I pick dry weather to do the jointing, I should not have a problem. I will also go with your suggestion, Mick, to strike the joints thus making them less permeable.

EASYJoint seems to be MOR / good value in terms of price so, on balance, I will run with it and take my chances with the strong mortar bed.

Thanks again for your help.
Best

Stuart