The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:10 am**

Hi Guys

I wonder if anyone can offer me some advice?

I have recently had a path and patio laid by a complete rouge trader javascript:emoticon('

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smilie. I currently have a range of problems from

Broken slabs

High slabs - Trip hazards

Mobile Slabs

Really badly cracked mortar - They used Kiln dried sand in between the joints and brushed raw concorete over the top.

I would welcome some advice on securing the broken slabs, Lowering the raised slabs and stoping the rock in my mobile slabs and Regrouting the entire path and patio.

I was going to use a wet grout and plasticiser delieverd via a Mortar gun to re-do the job - Any "Heads up on this or Tips for using wet mortar?

My final question is this - I originally went for nice buff coloured slabs which resemble York stone with a riven surface. I am currently in possession of grey and white slabs (Unless it rains) following my rouge traders carless brushing of raw cement over the kiln dried sand used between the joints. Is there anyway that I can remove the whitish grey appearance from the slabs?

I am at my wits end with this project and would be very thankful for any advice.

Regards

Simon

Posted: **Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:27 am**

Brick acid will clean up the slabs (read the instructions and wear protection)

From your description I would suggest that you lift the lot, level the base and lay the flags again on a wet motar. Hopefully the cowboy put some kind of base under there.

Posted: **Sun Sep 24, 2006 10:38 am**

It sounds like it needs laying again. Have you approached him about it. If he has refused to do anything then get quotes from another professional and take him to the small claims court. It is a simple and inexpensive process. Given how bad it is then you shoudl win. Alternatively try trading standards.

Posted: **Sun Sep 24, 2006 5:43 pm**

hzatph wrote:It sounds like it needs laying again. Have you approached him about it. If he has refused to do anything then get quotes from another professional and take him to the small claims court. It is a simple and inexpensive process. Given how bad it is then you shoudl win. Alternatively try trading standards.

Totally agree ^^ don't touch it until you know where things are going.

Posted: **Sun Sep 24, 2006 10:41 pm**

Just adding my voice to the 2 previous posts, try and get the contractor to redo it properly, or have him pay another contractor to do the job.

Posted: **Tue Sep 26, 2006 8:41 pm**

I'll have to leave the sensible posts to others until I stop giggling over the image that 'rouge' traders paints in my mind.

Posted: **Tue Sep 26, 2006 8:44 pm**

Take photographs.

WRITE to the contractor pointing out all areas of concern and asking for a solution and timescale. Send letter by recorded delivery.

Send copy of letter and pictures to trading standards office. Phone them first, they can probably give more detailed advice.

I assume you paid the lone ranger?

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2006 11:06 pm**

mouldmaker wrote:I'll have to leave the sensible posts to others until I stop giggling over the image that 'rouge' traders paints in my mind.

Then they must be Indians rather than Cowboys......boom boom ....sorry, couldn't resist.

Posted: **Thu Sep 28, 2006 2:33 pm**

Maybe he should sioux them?

Edited By mouldmaker on 1159450479

The Brew Cabin

Fixing problems caused by a rouge trader - Cleaning, relaying + grouting slabs