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Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 3:40 pm
by londongal
My block paving has now been down for 4 months and is generally settling nicely. However, when it rains water pours down from the house balcony and washes out the jointing sand directly underneath. I have been refilling the gaps afterwards (on dry days) but the same thing happens each time it rains.
Do you think I need some cement mixed in with the sand in this area to set it?
Any ideas for solving this would be greatly appreciated.
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:22 pm
by Dave_L
No to cement!
Seal the block paving. I used a cheap Thomsons sealer on my small doorstep area and it's held it in nicely.
Others here who are more block-savvy will guide you further.
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:49 pm
by seanandruby
ditto no cement. sealer is good. cant you channel the water from your balcony to a downpipe?
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 5:26 pm
by Pablo
Hi Londongal as the guys have correctly stated a don't use cement and a sealer may have some success but the best thing to use would be a joint stabilising liquid. it works by soaking into the sand and setting like a flexible resin and will stop the sand being wash away. It's available from most paving sources and probably most decent builders merchants. Sealer does the same thing but it doesn't penetrate the sand as well so won't last as long. As sean says the water should if possible be channelled to stop it landing on the paving as it will over time cause the paving it's hitting to weather faster and differently to the rest of the area. The water will also encourage rapid algae growth. Post a photo and we'll see if we can think of a solution for you. Right I'm off to cook some haggis and drink whisky it's my annual Burn's supper tonight. 
Edited By Pablo on 1232818028
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 7:38 pm
by lutonlagerlout
tatties neeps and haggis,wi a wee dram ,the finest*
as the guys say no cement and try to use some sort of gutter
a picture would be handy
LLL
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 8:18 pm
by seanandruby
as old man burns used to say...." cement / block paving joints.... ne'r the twain shall meet." :;):
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 12:31 pm
by londongal
Thanks for all the helpful comments. The joint stabilising solution sounds best because there is some oil staining in one area of the driveway which I wouldn't want sealed.
What is the best way to apply this joint stabilising liquid? Do I just pour it over the joints? Does it make the paving slippy if it gets onto the paving stones themselves? Also, is this something I will need to apply on a regular basis or should it last a few years?
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:57 pm
by Tony McC