mortar

[smithyzen]

Not Really a block paving question, but I have laid a large driveway without any problems previously using your site. My problem is this, how do I make hard strong weather resistant mortar, I want to fill some joints between riven flags and my previous attempts havn't really been very successful, I have tried altering the mix but it still doesn't seem hard enough I have also included waterproofer. I once had to knock down a wall at the back of my house and the mortar was harder than the bricks yet it wasn't grey like mine is when i try to make it harder, what am I doing wrong?

[84-1093879891]

If you use fresh cement, in a 4:1 mix, with a plasticiser, and use it up within 90 minutes of mixing, then you really shouldn't have any problems.

Which of the above are you missing?

[smithyzen]

none of those, tried 4:1 5:1 and plasticiser, havn't tried lime, is this the problem ?

[84-1093879891]

Nope - lime won't improve it. Try using a proven strengthening additive such as Simeon's Ronafix, but, to be honest, if you follow the guidelines I gave earlier, then you shouldn't have a problem.

Are you sure you're using fresh cement and not stuff from a bag you've had in the back of the shed since last summer?

[115-1093880813]

Yes, Ronafix is what you can use.

Buy some from Adawall, Support Site, Travis Perkins or call our sales office on 01279 638 700.

Mix Ronafix 1:1 wath water and it to your 1:4 cement:sand (sharp is stronger but not as easy to trowel smooth) and lay it as normal.

But take care not to stain the bricks as it will stick - that's what it is designed to do.

And when cured it will also be waterproof and frostproof.

Good luck.

[smithyzen]

Thanks for the reply, will try some of that ronafix stuff, there is a Travis Perkins nearby.

[115-1093880813]

any problems call our Technical Department 01279 638 700.

Regards
Sim