Damp patches - Blocks absorbing moistured from below

[gordonw]

Laid driveway (RMC/CEMEX chelsea 50 autumn hue) in spring. Darker coloured blocks split with almost zero pressure - lighter ones took some force. Darker ones were well-tumbled around the corners ie seem to be of much softer and coarser material - like digestive biscuits! Now have damp blocks all over the driveway like a patchwork quilt. They have only dried out twice this summer to the correct mix of hues. The problem ones are all the dark ones and seem to be so porous that they're absorbing moisture from the sand below. Have looked at dozens of driveways but mine is unique. CEMEX have said they're ok (no explanation) so have gone further up the tree and given them some samples but no response so far.....help!....my driveway looks silly..!

[Dave_L]

Any chance of a picture or two of this problem on this thread Gordon?

[gordonw]

Hi,

Not quite sure how to post up a photo - hopefully link below will do the trick. Photo is 3 days after any rain. Blocks next to damp ones are also affected where they butt up against them.

Gordon

[gordonw]

I take it nobody has seen this before...?

Gordon

[lutonlagerlout]

if you look through the threads this is only too common,its a lack of cement in the wet looking blocks normally, but dont quote me on it.
you need to get a rep out from the company to have a look and if your not happy with him get an independant report
the fact some blocks were hard and some soft does not sound good
they should all be hard
hope this helps
LLL

[gordonw]

Thanks mate - exactly the conclusion I came to and exactly what I said to the CEMEX rep. Still waiting for a response on the quality of the sample they took away - will let you know.

I will certainly be looking for an independent report if nothing is forthcoming as I definitely won't be living with it like this or paying for it to be re-laid, however long it takes.

[gordonw]

Still no joy from CEMEX - think they're avoiding the issue. Their technical helpline refuses to respond, area rep has washed his hands, his boss won't respond...on and on...

What's the best way of getting an independent report - are there any official bodies out there who will act on my behalf?

Can I go the legal route directly? If so how?

Don't care what it costs....

[lutonlagerlout]

try your CAB i'm sure it will be under "the sale of goods and services act " which basically means anything you buy must be fit for the pupose its intended for,you may be able to chase it through the small claims court,costs you about £12 to do this.
why have the building industry got the worst customer services in the country?? i bought a brand new tumble dryer yesterday,when delivered it had an area of scratches on it. i rang hotpoint and they offered £50 off (purchase cost was £175) after a bit of haggling or a new machine. when you complain about building materials people act is if you are taking the p**s out of them?!?!
regards LLL

[gordonw]

thanks again LLL - yes 'customer service' appears to be a strange concept, for CEMEX certainly....

will keep you posted

Gordon

[gordonw]

CEMEX have lab-tested a sample of my blocks and say that they are all up to strength (BS EN1338). Looks like I am in for a long haul....waiting to hear if they carried out the porosity test part...