Indian Sandstone Patio - Advice needed

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In February, we had an Indian Sandstone patio laid. While the patio was being laid we weren't entirely comfortable as there were some issues around communication and reliability, and it didn't help that it was very wet when the work was being done.

When they had finished, there were boot prints all over the patio and cement splashes. They had also left the front drive in a terrible state, where they had been mixing the mortar directly on the block paving. The owner of the company agreed to clean the driveway and this has been done to a standard we can accept. However, we had just had a shower of rain when he viewed the patio, so the issues we have described were less visible. He was quite dismissive and said that all the marks would weather off, including the cement marks. Subsequently we have scrubbed off the boot marks with a lot of elbow grease, but the cement marks remain.

We could probably live with this, but further issues have emerged.

We have a lot of white marks that appear on the stones. I think it is efflorescence, and I understand that this should dissipate over time. However, some flagstones are completely covered in it, and others just seem to have darker patches where the white marking appears. I am wondering if these patterns are normal for efflorescence, or whether something else is going on. There are photos in the attached album.

Also, we are concerned about the stones laid at the side of the house. There is less efflorescence here, but the stones always have marks on them. There are also photos of this in the album. The side of the house doesn't get much sun, but the pictures were taken in the recent dry period. They always look damp - from the pattern on them, I am wondering if this is some sort of reflective staining.

We had some rain overnight, so the white marks are gone for the time being, but the patio looks duller than when it was first installed - the colours seem more uniform and less vibrant.


I am a born worrier, and I can't make up my mind whether I'm being over anxious or whether there are long term problems with this patio. Any comment or advice would be gratefully received.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/US6odjxPc2cq6r8c6
 
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GRW61. good evening.

There have been a number of Indian Sandstone "issues" posted on this board, Suggest you use the "Search" function found top right of these posts, a load of information in there?

Ken.
 
others just seem to have darker patches where the white marking appears. I am wondering if these patterns are normal for efflorescence, or whether something else is going on

From what I understand, this is due to the bedding of the slabs. I had similar issues it becomes less apparent

but the patio looks duller than when it was first installed - the colours seem more uniform and less vibrant.

That is often the case. Recommend you jet wash and apply a sealant (once the cement stains and effervescence has passed) cement stains will fade eventually

Whist not a great job, I've certainly seen worse patios.
 

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