The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Wed May 01, 2019 12:20 pm**

I've just moved into a new build house and am having the garden landscaped. This will include about 150 sq.m of paving around the house and after much deliberation I have bought some limestone paving, specifically Stonemarket Namera, which is 30mm thick and has sawn edges.

I have two queries, first on jointing and second on sealing.

On jointing, Stonemarket suggests three approaches, either a full mortar joint, external waterproof grout or their own "Fast Point" resin-based jointing compound. I asked them about using a two part slurry, such as VDW 800, which I had seen recommended on this site, and they said they had not tested it on Namera stone and could therefore not guarantee the paving, which is not riven but has a textured finish, would not be stained by it. Does anyone have experience of laying/jointing Namera paving and can recommend a jointing product please? I'm also not sure how, if using a slurry, upstands under steps are jointed.

On sealing, I think, given its light colour, this will be a good idea but can anyone advise me on the best sealer to use, how long after laying/jointing the stone I should wait before sealing it and how often it will need resealing please?

Any advice gratefully received.

Pete

Posted: **Mon May 06, 2019 10:03 am**

It should come as no surprise that Stonemarket/Marshalls will not sanction the use of a competitor's product for jointing: why would they? I've seen the VDW series of mortars used with all sorts of limestones (can't recall whether that includes Namera or whatever name they are giving it this season) and, as long as the installation guidance is followed to the letter, there's never been a problem. I have an almost identical limestone in my own garden, jointed with the 850 about 7-8 years ago, and I've never had a problem with it.

As for sealing, I never, ever make recommendations for sealants (See FAQ for reasons why) but, again, referring to my own limestone paving in the garden - never been sealed; never will be; doesn't need it. I use a good quality biocide on it once a year to keep the lagae and lichens at bay, and it looks as good today as it did when first installed.

As I've said a thousand times and more: WHY does the paving need sealing? This myth that has devloped that all paving needs sealing in all situations is nonsense. Most paving will perform just fine with no sealant and just a little bit of simple regular maintenance. There are situations when a sealant may be warranted (crap stone/barbecues/overhanging lime or sycamore trees, etc.) but in most cases, it's completely unnecessary.

The Brew Cabin

Limestone paving - best jointing/sealing products