Badly laid patio - Problems with contractor

[mickavalon]

If the guy has been back and lifted all the Paving, then half the job of the next guy is done, you can now get a correct dig out and sub-base laid(in accordance with your SE), and get someone to lay the Paving correctly. The guy you employed sadly isn't the man to have back, he clearly doesn't want to know, so you will need to get someone else. I would imagine only a court is going to get you any cash back, and then you will still need to find another contractor, so that's all going to take quite some time. Probably best to get it done correctly while seeking compensation from the original guy, sorry!

[Carberry]

If the guy has been back and lifted all the Paving, then half the job of the next guy is done, you can now get a correct dig out and sub-base laid(in accordance with your SE), and get someone to lay the Paving correctly. The guy you employed sadly isn't the man to have back, he clearly doesn't want to know, so you will need to get someone else. I would imagine only a court is going to get you any cash back, and then you will still need to find another contractor, so that's all going to take quite some time. Probably best to get it done correctly while seeking compensation from the original guy, sorry!

Only a court will legally get the money back, the good thing is that it is in England and you can send in all the paperwork online and costs bugger all, think it was £35 last time I checked.

Moneyclaim online

[Tony McC]

Frost heave can occur in any ground. I think LLL's comment refers to undisturbed chalk, which is relatively hard to heave and would need a very deep and prolonged frost to do so.

However, my point remains that a membrane and "scalpings" (which is not even a recognnised technical term but 'slang') will NOT prevent frost heave. If the frost is sudfficiently severe to penetrate 100-1200mm build-up, then the aggregates used will make virtually no difference. Whether one uses scalpings, Type 1, Type 3, sand, cinders, or even chalk, if the frost is deep enough, it WILL get through, and a membrane makes no difference.

The issue of using a membrane as a separation layer is equally nonsense. We use separation layers when we need to prevent disparate materials mixing. Sub-soil and stone, for example. But we would not use a separation layer between clean chalk and sub-base, and even if we did, it could not possibly prevent frost heave.

I'm not questioning any of the multitusinous letters after your man's name. I'm questioning his understanding of pavement layers and how they interact.

[parishpaver]

I have to question the motives of someone who comes to a website/ forum looking for advice and then actively goes looking for "evidence" contrary to the (freely given, friendly) advice supplied.

[mickg]

I have to question whether or not countrywoman bothered to contacted the person I recommended who works to a very high standard in the area where they live

just a thanks would suffice to show common courtesy so I know the email has been read

[countrywoman]

With reference to parishpaver's comments, I regret that they have taken exception to my responses on this site. I am very grateful for all the help and information I have been given. I always try to check information gained from fora, particularly when it runs counter to advice obtained elsewhere. As it happens Tony McC has supplied some interesting information with regard to frost-heave, scalpings and membrane; for which I thank him.

I am upset that anyone could think that I have any ulterior motive in posting comments and questions on this site. An open discussion permits us all to learn. I am a customer, with no paving experience, who has been treated badly by a so-called "professional" with an almost perfect score on Check-a-Trade. I have always thanked those who have given me feedback and I thank them again for their consideration. I am sorry if you have taken exception to my comments.

We have now found someone to re-lay the patio who knows what they are doing - fingers crossed that this is the end of the matter.

[countrywoman]

To mickg...I have no knowledge of a suggestion made by you for a landscaper in the area. If I have missed it, then I apologise. I would, of course, have passed on my thanks had I received the information, however, as stated, I have not.

We have now found someone to re-lay the patio so hope that we can put this to bed, so to speak.

Generally I have found responders polite and concerned with a wealth of information and knowledge to share, for which I am grateful.

[DNgroundworks]

Generally I have found responders polite and concerned with a wealth of information and knowledge to share, for which I am grateful.

Thats what we are all about on here, hope all gets sorted, be sure to post some photos of the finished patio.

Daniel.

[parishpaver]

Didn't mean to cause upset but you did ask for advice and then counter what advice had been given with a list of your engineers credentials and some google search results.

Seemed odd to me. Maybe like you were just looking for more people to agree with how terribly you were being treated?

That is why I questioned your motives.

(hugs) :p

[lutonlagerlout]

probably went in to your spam folder :;):
re:chalk, of course your SE is correct but in general building terms chalk is the best sub grade
the main issue was that the original guy didnt dig any out
good luck with the new patio
LLL

[countrywoman]

Thank you. x