Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 5:24 pm
We are a very well respected, medium-sized landscape company and BALI memmber operating in south east England. We lay many patios each year.
Last year we decided to trial Geofix on a few of our jobs.
We were initially impressed with the ease of use and the look of the finished product but then along came the winter and the problems started. In essence we have identified two issues which affected the patios we laid with Geofix, these are:
1. Geofix is hard when dry but becomes soft and 'soggy' when wet for prolonged periods. This softness allows erosion of the pointing when exposed to the elements (let alone pressure washers!) identifiable by a light dusting of sand in areas where water tends to collect. Over time the level of the pointing drops further and further below the finished patio level.
2. Geofix is porous so tends to absorb dirt and discolour. In some instances, depending upon location, it also absorbs spores (?) which tend to give a pinky/red colour to the pointing. The passage of water through the pointing also creates a crust of dirt on the surface which is unsightly.
The second of these issues alone may not constitute a reason for replacing the Geofix but the first issue clearly does. In our opinion we need to re-visit and repoint the affected patios.
Obviously we have discussed these issues with producers of Geofix. The object of this post is to see whether any other landscapers (or builders) have been down this same route and if so, what was their outcome?
Regards,
Gardenco (apologies for remaining anonymous on a public forum)
Last year we decided to trial Geofix on a few of our jobs.
We were initially impressed with the ease of use and the look of the finished product but then along came the winter and the problems started. In essence we have identified two issues which affected the patios we laid with Geofix, these are:
1. Geofix is hard when dry but becomes soft and 'soggy' when wet for prolonged periods. This softness allows erosion of the pointing when exposed to the elements (let alone pressure washers!) identifiable by a light dusting of sand in areas where water tends to collect. Over time the level of the pointing drops further and further below the finished patio level.
2. Geofix is porous so tends to absorb dirt and discolour. In some instances, depending upon location, it also absorbs spores (?) which tend to give a pinky/red colour to the pointing. The passage of water through the pointing also creates a crust of dirt on the surface which is unsightly.
The second of these issues alone may not constitute a reason for replacing the Geofix but the first issue clearly does. In our opinion we need to re-visit and repoint the affected patios.
Obviously we have discussed these issues with producers of Geofix. The object of this post is to see whether any other landscapers (or builders) have been down this same route and if so, what was their outcome?
Regards,
Gardenco (apologies for remaining anonymous on a public forum)
