Some years ago I made pathways around my garden by laying flagstone/paving slabs on top of a previosuly laid solid concrete base (which was used as a temporary path)using the spot dab method which I had been told was the correct method to use.
Unfortunately, I have now learnt to my cost that this is not very effective as the slabs in some areas are rocking badly and very loose due I believe to the fact that the dab method gives inconsistent levels and provide a moisture trap. Further, the slabs themselves are B&Q riven type and the mortar I applied to the joints dried out and fell through to the void beneath becuaause there was nothing underneath to support it..
I have tried to rectify the problem a number of times over the years but the same problem happens in time, and I realise that it is time to take drastic action and rip up all the slabs and lay and mortar correctly.
I have a couple of people who are prepared to do the work but I want to make sure that when done it will last.
One chap said that he will run a bead of mortar on each of the long side and the centre so that when the slabs are pressed down this will spread out and give a base for the jointing mortar to fix to (hope this makes sense).
I assume that this method will support the slabs much better than the dabs method although there may be better alternatives. I then come to the jointing and again looking at various articles it seems that gun jointing is recommended by many and also that proper joint mortar should be use.
Before I decide what to do would welcome any advise on the best options available so I make the right choice and know the job I pay for will last. I should mention it would not be practical to rip up the concrete base.
Many thanks for any help.
Unfortunately, I have now learnt to my cost that this is not very effective as the slabs in some areas are rocking badly and very loose due I believe to the fact that the dab method gives inconsistent levels and provide a moisture trap. Further, the slabs themselves are B&Q riven type and the mortar I applied to the joints dried out and fell through to the void beneath becuaause there was nothing underneath to support it..
I have tried to rectify the problem a number of times over the years but the same problem happens in time, and I realise that it is time to take drastic action and rip up all the slabs and lay and mortar correctly.
I have a couple of people who are prepared to do the work but I want to make sure that when done it will last.
One chap said that he will run a bead of mortar on each of the long side and the centre so that when the slabs are pressed down this will spread out and give a base for the jointing mortar to fix to (hope this makes sense).
I assume that this method will support the slabs much better than the dabs method although there may be better alternatives. I then come to the jointing and again looking at various articles it seems that gun jointing is recommended by many and also that proper joint mortar should be use.
Before I decide what to do would welcome any advise on the best options available so I make the right choice and know the job I pay for will last. I should mention it would not be practical to rip up the concrete base.
Many thanks for any help.