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Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 10:35 pm
by m4tthall
To be honest, if I could stain it all the same colour as the dark patches I would be happy. Just need to figure out a way to do that.
Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2013 2:18 am
by lutonlagerlout
although it looks neat and tidy ,it exhibits all the symptoms of spot bedding, if the patches are anything to go by
especially near the door
LLL
Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2013 7:22 pm
by lana
would it go away as it dries or should I demand re-laying based on incorrecrt technique? or is this method of laying officially acceptable, albeit not the best?
there is about 5cm layer of mortar under the slabs, I can see it from the side and it does look like not in spots, but evenly spreaded, at least along the edges...
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 11:25 am
by London Stone Paving
As tony says it looks like its been spot bedded. Bad news for a couple of reasons:
1. It's unlikely that the patio will last as long as it should
2. High probability that you will be stuck with the marks. The spots act like a wick pulling all the cement particles through the stone and because its concentrated very highly in one area (the spot) it takes a long time to fadeaway.
This is not a fault with the stone, don't let anyone tell you that it is. The installation technique is wrong, plain and simple. It's down to the contractors lack of knowledge about the product. As Luton says it looks a neat and tidy job, I've got no doubt that the contractor is more than capable of doing it properly, unfortunately they are probably not aware of the implications of what they have done
Steve
Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 1:48 am
by lana
Sorry to keep coming with the questions on this My contractor is going to use a Jointex grey for the joints. Does anyone know if this may stain the edges of the slabs, being darker then silver grey? should I demand to replace it with at least neutral jointex, mybe then if the stains do happenned, they won't be as much noticable? actually, perhaps, i should just ask: can Jointex fixing mortar be used on granite slabs at all? it looks like a slurry/wet sandy mass in a sealed bag.
Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 11:10 am
by London Stone Paving
Lana
Its a 1 part sweep in. There are a few products on the market similar to this. Marshalls weather point, Romex easy & easyjoint are the most well known ones.
Its absolutely imperative that they soak the paving prior to installing the jointex. I do mean competely soak as well. If the surface is not sufficicently soaked, then resin fom the jointex can stain the paving.
Also because the granite has a textured surface they need to make sure the surface is washed off properly afterwards. Otherwise partciles of the jointex will get stuck in the grain of the stone.
In terms of colour the dark grey will provide quite a contrast to the silver grey granite. If this iss what you want, fine, but if not maybe go for the neutral. Better still ask the contarctor to bring a couplew of small samples. You can then offer them up against the stone and see what works best for you
Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 4:53 pm
by London Stone Paving
Lana
TBH granite is one of the least fussy stones. Are the diagnol lines white?
Steve
Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 10:16 pm
by lana
Steve,
yes, they are sort of "white-ish" at first I thought something was dragged over from one corner to another, but the marks are spread almost evenly across the whole area, including steps and ramp, all at almost the same angle, in raws
skid marks
Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 10:21 pm
by London Stone Paving
They look like veins, nothing to worry about on a residential patio but they wouldnt fly on a commercial project
Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 11:03 pm
by lana
Thanks again for the prompt response! And very educational too. Veins in granite? I didn't even heard about it until now. Had to google it. Live and learn, Lana 
thanks, Steve, much appreciated
Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 8:52 pm
by Nelse
Lana, How did you get on with the pointing? Any photo's?
Cheers.
Posted: Sun Jun 23, 2013 11:10 am
by Raga
I have just read all about the problems with 20mm silver granite slabs.Mine have been down for nearly 3 years and I have had numerous problems.Mine too showed all the same symptons as described by others who have recently had theirs laid.In fact as they have weathered I probably don't notice it as much or at least it doesn't bother me as much as the loose ones that move or the ones that have cracked due to them being laid on spots.
I have decided to get them relaid and would like to know what the best technique is..?
I am gaining quotes this week
Posted: Sun Jun 23, 2013 10:16 pm
by lana
Nelse,
no, haven't been pointed yet, I'm afraid ;-( Contractor promises this week he will finish it, so will post pictures, once done.
I took Steve's advice and insisted on using the natural colour of jointex for silver grey granite. Hopefully, all will turn out well.
As for the white-ish marks, in case someone else might come across similar effects. I have enquired the supplier of the slabs, sent them pictures. Here is response from Bradstone, with which I'm happy enough:
"The product shows some natural veining which can occur in granite materials.This is no way a fault or flaw in the paving, it would be classed as an aesthetic issue. The product being natural and granite being a stone of igneous formation (volcanic), this will result in these patterns of crystal build up within the stone."
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 3:54 pm
by The Late Lord Lucan
A very interesting thread.
My sympathies to those of you that have parted with your hard earned cash, only to find some disappointment at the end, I know how demoralising that can be & I hope you get some satisfation with the results once you find the resolution.
I would however, like to thank you for sharing your problems, as this may benefit others that could find themselves heading down the same route.
Indeed, I too was just about to order granite paving from a company begining with 'n' & ending 'stone', fortunately, I was told there was a lead time of about 8 days on the white/silver, so held off temporarily. This gave me time to do a little research.
A friend of mine is a stone mason, so I'd asked his opinion on the granite, which was how I became aware of the 'bond bridge' thing. This led to some googling, & in turn, this website & forum.
Reading this thread set some serious alarm bells ringing & left me quite concerned about my choice in paving.... I am still a little concerned, although it is now appearing that the main issues are a result of the installation techniques/materials as opposed to the product itself?
Fortunately, I am still at the stage of digging out, so decisions on various things are still open.
I have a few questions...... Steve & LLL, would you mind if I pm you for your opinions?
I don't mind posting them here, if others on the thread don't mind, but would feel slightly rude 'hi-jacking' Matt & Lana's thread.
On the other hand, I'm not sure a new thread would be appropriate either as it revolves around the same issues/products if that makes sense??
Regards,
Andy.
