Pointing - Weak mix

[stonepoint]

Hi,

Last Sept we got well recommended (clients and builders merchant) tradesmen to lay a Stonemarket Sandstone random patio (largest slab 600 x 600, smallest 15 x 15) with a circular path leading away from it costing several thousand pounds (with fences, etc).

I am disappointed to find that the mortar pointing in a number of places seems very weak (ie when wet is like wet sand and you can destroy it by rubbing with your finger). How should I approach this with the tradesmen? I feel the whole lot needs going over, when wet, prod checking and redoing where appropriate.

Also a smaller concern is that in a 1m x 30cm section by the house water pools to about 1" depth (where was his spirit level!) is this worth the hassle/disturbance trying to redo?

Very soul destroying especially after thorough investigation, and many quotes/questions to obtain the best guys for the job!

Finally where is the best place to look for cleaners for quartzitic sandstone?

Thanks for your time.

[Tony McC]

Best approach? Impossible to say, but a simple, courteous, non-explosive phone call should be your first strategy, and then take it from there.

"Cleaners" as in people that clean the paving on your behalf or do you mean products that clean?

[stonepoint]

Thanks for the reply.

With cleaners I meant brands/products to look at. Due to the laminar(?) nature of the stone I guessed pressure washing would be a no no.

[Tony McC]

Without seeing the stone for myself, I'd play safe and suggest you look at one of the Lithofin products. You can get them via Topps Tiles.