The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Sun Jul 08, 2012 2:49 pm**

I'm hoping someone is going to be able to help me here.

3 years ago I had a new patio laid, approx 10m sq. According to the information I was given at the time it was laid on a MOT base product, and on sharp sand and cement screed.

Earlier this year my tenants reported loose and wobbly slabs. The managing agents have got some local people to quote and they are all saying it needs to be completely redone, citing the lack of a suitable or sufficient sub-base for the clay soil.

However, one of the people quoting is saying I need a reinforced steel mesh, another is talking about laying on a reinforced concrete slab with a fall of 1:30 towards the garden. Are either of these the best way to approach laying a patio on heavy clay?

Having thought I was using someone reputable before, I would like to have more idea about what is a reasonable specification and price for the job. I'm also interested in what is a realistic guarantee period to expect.

You can appreciate I'm anxious to get it right this time, and would welcome any suggestions you can give. Thanks.

Posted: **Sun Jul 08, 2012 3:13 pm**

100 mm of mot on top of terram/similar
then 30-60 mm of bedding mix at 6:1
i have used mesh on drives but it is overkill on a patio and unwarranted
LLL

Posted: **Sun Jul 08, 2012 5:15 pm**

Im going to plus 1 what lll said. Terram is the key on clay, be wary of those slagging off another mans work to make themselves look good. Giving you an impression. 1:30 is a bit steep too in my mind. I would discount that guy straight away.

Cant see why reinforced concrete is needed other than to give the impression of over engineering the job.

Posted: **Sun Jul 08, 2012 6:53 pm**

Sorry just saw that 1:30 is way too steep. 1:50-70 is more like it
Regards LLL

Posted: **Sun Jul 08, 2012 7:30 pm**

1:30, Reinforced steel mesh, reinforced concrete for a patio, where are the agents getting these people?
Have they had the slabs up to check the sub base, perhaps it's the bedding layer that's the problem? (spot bedding)
How many slabs are wobbly and how much do they wobble?

If it where me I'd make a few enquiries elsewhere and not rely on who the agency have found.

Posted: **Sun Jul 08, 2012 9:09 pm**

Thanks for all your advice. Thanks particularly for the advice about Terram being the key on clay. The reason I'm reliant on the agents is that the house is near the South coast and I now live in the East Midlands. The people quoting are in the brickwork/landscaping business, and certainly one of them has some good customer feedback but then the patio was bulit by someone who was was 'approved' .... I've tried looking on the Interlay website but most of the firms seem to do very large and grand patios and mine isn't in that league. Still thanks to you all I have more idea what I'm meant to be looking for.

Posted: **Sun Jul 08, 2012 10:02 pm**

If you are in the brighton area or close i would be happy to give you some advice and a price

Posted: **Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:00 pm**

Thank you - I have sent you a pm. If outside of your area perhaps you could recommend someone?

Posted: **Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:16 pm**

Many big firms still do small jobs.. it pays the wages!
Good luck lpad BTW post some pics if you get it remember!

Posted: **Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:28 pm**

Bit far for me, but have offered to go take a look, give some advice and a spec for the future. If allowed may take some pics

The Brew Cabin

Advice re sub base