The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Wed Jun 13, 2018 10:45 am**

Any advice on the optimum mortar mix for jointing limestone pavers please.

I am in search of a mix which will last ie not shrink or crack... at least for a few years

Thinking: 3 sharp sand to 1 cement plus a little plasticiser plus X% SBR. Dry-ish mix. Carefully wet the joints?

Sand - will Sharp sand be stronger more durable? (I don't mind if the finish is slightly rougher than could be obtained with building sand)

Thinking of SBR as I want what is in the joint to stick â€¦. really stick! But how much SBR should I use.

I am looking for a really durable job.

I cant use a brush in jointing compound as my mortar bed and the underlying concrete base are not porous enough and hence I need to undertake traditional on knees pointing.

Posted: **Thu Jun 14, 2018 8:11 am**

hi Peter do you mean pavers or flags or slabs
we have had fantastic results with GFTK VDW 815
link
its almost idiot proof
once it has gone hard it really is hard
I have tried every mortar mix known to man, but sometimes you get hairline shrinkage (summer days etc)
if you must use mortar I would use 2 plastering sand,2 soft sand ,1 cement ,and a splash of SBR
the mix needs to be just right or it will stain
if you make a ball of it in your gloved hand it must retain the ball shape when released

cheers LLL

Posted: **Fri Jun 15, 2018 8:55 am**

Thank you for your advice. I will investigate GFTK.
From a very quick look it looks like this product is applied like a traditional mortar as they also have a 'sweep in' mortar. Is that right?

Cheers PK

Posted: **Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:43 am**

Ahh... they are both sweep-in.

I have black limestone and I have already suffered cement staining from being a DIYer not understanding the properties of the material. I do now

.

Will the GFTK VDW 815 add to my staining problems?

Once pointed I intend to Alkaline wash and use a honing compound / rotary brush on the are to rectify my misdemeanours.
After that I will be using a colour enhancer / sealer.

Thatâ€™s the plan, unless there is any other advice?

Posted: **Thu Jun 28, 2018 7:55 am**

Rompox D1. Simple to use and brilliant results.

Posted: **Thu Jun 28, 2018 8:29 am**

Thanks Matt
Some of the my depths may not be 30mm, possibly 20mm as cement bed has come up between pavers. Product says 30mm min, have you any experience using D1 with shallower gaps?

The Brew Cabin

Mortar - Best mortar mix for jointing?