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Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 9:54 am
by Carberry
dab49 wrote:Gentlemen, firstly many thanks for your replies.
One further question, I have read the section on this fantastic site with regard to using acid on concrete and thier is a cautionary note. It's not something that I am considering,but would be useful to have more info on this method as I think the supplier may suggest this as a work round.
Many thanks again
Dave
I wouldn't be happy if they suggested that. Blocks are faulty and should be replaced.
Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 7:26 am
by dab49
Thanks gents, I will now put in a formal request for the blocks to be replaced and will keep you updated on progress (or not!!)
Dave
Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2013 11:54 am
by dab49
Hi Gents, an update as promised...
Marshalls technical guy came around today and brought some old blocks from the yard. Marshalls view is that the blocks are o.k , but the colour of the test area that has been acid washed has greatly enhanced the colour, he also indicated that they may acid wash the 220 sqm.
I explained that we had a difference of opinion (which you would expect in these circumstances) and taking advice from this site and as a compromise I am willing to consider the acid wash and a high quality sealant to restore the colour of the blocks otherwise we go to litigation to replace the whole driveway.
Many thanks as always,will keep you updated....
Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2013 12:50 pm
by lutonlagerlout
That sounds a fair compromise
Good luck
LLL
Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2013 1:18 pm
by dab49
Thanks Tony, always good to try and compromise and resolve issues of this type without lit, as life is too short...
Hopefully Marshalls are of the same opinion.
Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2013 8:17 pm
by msh paving
To Marshall's that drive is a drop in the ocean,stand your ground dont accept half measures,they don't need bad publicity in courts , its there blocks that are a fault MSH 
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 4:27 pm
by dab49
Many thanks for taking the time to reply, I have asked for Marshalls to provide a detailed response in writing by Wednesday next week and will keep you updated.....
Dave
Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 7:32 pm
by dab49
Hi Gents, had my response. Basically Marshall's are willing to slosh acid over the 220 sqm of block paving ,thats about the long and short of it.
Why would they offer a solution (at thier cost) if there was'nt a problem, in the first place-hmmm....?
I gracefully declined the offer and will escalate the complaint to David Sarti (COO- Chief Operating Officer) if still negative, the white wig patrol can make the decision.....
As always, thanks for your input.
Dave
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 7:10 am
by local patios and driveway
I think you were rather fair offering to except a wash and seal as a compromise, if they didnt want to send one of thier local installers round to seal it one afternoon, then you have no choice but to stop messing about with marshalls and go directly for a replacement driveway. In my opinion as someone who has been laying paving for 15 years it is of poor quality, and while i would except that paving fades over time i would expect this paving to fade almost ten times slower
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 8:39 am
by dab49
Hi LPAD your right, I always aim for a compromise as these situations can escalate and become very time consuming and costly. But now I will not accept any quick fix....
To summarise, Marshalls response:
1. Marshalls can confirm that any pigmented concrete product can lighten in colour over time due to the natural effects from ultra violet light. However we appreciate that due to the amount of time the product has been installed why the current appearance is disappointing.
2. During our latest inspection of the test area cleaned ,we are of the opinion this has made a significant improvement in the products appearance and as such, we are now in the position to advise that the area is suffering from efflorescence.
The fact is the total-approx. 220 sqm of driveway has faded evenly,however there are isolated patches of efflorescene(which you would expect). About 70% of the blocks have totally changed colour i.e. they are 100% grey ,when they were laid they were Hazlenut!
If you bought a green car and after 6 months it turned black would you not expect a replacement?
Any other input would be gratefully received...
Cheers
Dave
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 11:48 am
by local patios and driveway
Effloresence, bradstone and marshalls "go to guy" the excuse for all and any surface faults. I could have predicted that would be the stock reply
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 2:00 pm
by Carberry
When purchasing goods they are required to be
1. Satisfactory as described
2. Fit for purpose AND last a reasonable lenght of time
If they have turned grey already then these blocks are neither satisfactory as described nor fit for purpose.
Escalate the issue and tell them your next step is small claims court to cover the cost of new blocks and installation.
Can make claims online in England and it costs peanuts
https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money/overview
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 2:23 pm
by dab49
Carberry ,thanks for that .I hadn't looked at the SCC because years ago it used to have an upper value limit of upto about £5k but have just checked and it's now upto £100k.
This is now a no brainer,I had an old work mate who is a corporate lawyer and specialises in commercial law,but he is working on 2 big cases in Germany at the moment and I didn't want to wait. I will give the COO a final chance to reverse the decision and replace the blocks. It would be handy to get an independant expert witness to examine the driveway and produce a report, does any one have any contacts?
Also, I have to get a price for replacing the blocks to include product and labour costs. The design of the drive is; a row of single granite sets around the perimeter i.e the first block ,granite set and the inner block are concreted in (no kerb installed first block haunched with concrete)and the same with the circle pattern in the centre, the inner ring is a single granite set with a double set on the outer ring they are also concreted in(does that make any sense?) . Any ideas on labour cost's per sq m please ?( ball part will do at this stage)
As always,many thanks again....
Dave
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 6:36 pm
by rab1
I`m sure that if this goes to court the expert witness must be agreed before hand by both parties for their opinion to be counted.
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 6:47 pm
by dab49
Hi Rab, I wouldn't need the expert witness to represent/attend in court but a written report which I would include in my final report (belt and braces)..
Fantastic site, thanks as always
Dave