Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2016 6:57 pm
I have a ~4x8meter block paved patio with mostly herringbone 20x10 cm concrete blocks with 2-3mm gaps, and a 6x6cm block with 5-10mm gaps over a quarter of the area. Somewhat sheltered and damp site. The gaps go to weed each year, often within a couple of months of having applied systemic weedkiller, waiting for them to die, pressure washed and brushed in new kiln dried sand. I'm really fed up with the level of maintenance required, and the look of the patio when I don't keep up with the maintenance!
My options seem to be a weed inhibiting sand, polymetric sand, or possibly a decent sealant?
There seem to be conflicting stories from people on the weed inhibiting sand (biosand, dansand, etc). It doesn't look like this is a 100% solution, doesn't last, and generally seems to not be much cheaper than polymetric sand. It will however definitely support 2-3mm gaps between the blocks.
The polymetrics recommended by this site - rompox easy, jointex easy and weatherpoint 365 - seem like they could be a good longer term solution, but rompox easy specs 5mm gaps min and the others seem to be 3mm minimum. This would be my preferred solution, but I'm guessing that pushing it to 2-3mm gaps is asking for trouble?
A good quality sealant (such as resiblock?) looks like it could help stabilize normal kiln dried sand - though not so sure how well it would stabilize the larger 5-10mm gaps in the square blocked area, nor its relative permanence? If a dual coat is really required this could be expensive. Is Resiblock the best price/performance choice or are there better alternatives?
I've read through the site, but not having any real experience I am unsure as to the best approach - would appreciate any suggestions and advice.
Thanks, Paul.
My options seem to be a weed inhibiting sand, polymetric sand, or possibly a decent sealant?
There seem to be conflicting stories from people on the weed inhibiting sand (biosand, dansand, etc). It doesn't look like this is a 100% solution, doesn't last, and generally seems to not be much cheaper than polymetric sand. It will however definitely support 2-3mm gaps between the blocks.
The polymetrics recommended by this site - rompox easy, jointex easy and weatherpoint 365 - seem like they could be a good longer term solution, but rompox easy specs 5mm gaps min and the others seem to be 3mm minimum. This would be my preferred solution, but I'm guessing that pushing it to 2-3mm gaps is asking for trouble?
A good quality sealant (such as resiblock?) looks like it could help stabilize normal kiln dried sand - though not so sure how well it would stabilize the larger 5-10mm gaps in the square blocked area, nor its relative permanence? If a dual coat is really required this could be expensive. Is Resiblock the best price/performance choice or are there better alternatives?
I've read through the site, but not having any real experience I am unsure as to the best approach - would appreciate any suggestions and advice.
Thanks, Paul.