Laying sawn mint sandstone patio

[Chrisscotty]

Hi,

Hope you guys can help me on a little issue I have at the moment.

I am attempting to lay sawn mint sandstone paving. I am using a 7-1 ratio of sharp sand and cement, not too wet, just so it clumps together in a ball. I am using a full bed and not spot bedding. This is what my research has told me.

Problem 1: the slabs haven't really adhered to the bed. I have now taken up the first few sq meters I have laid and there is very little adhesion. Should the mortar be wetter to overcome this?

Problem 2: I have deliberately kept the mortar drier as I know sandstone is very absorbant and to try and stop potential staining. Still, The slabs have absorbed the water in the mortar and there were wet patches on the surface of the slabs. These have lessened in appearance today but there is still some marks. Will these completely dry over time or are they stained permanently and ruined!?

You're help would be greatly appreciated!

Chris

 

[Nige F]

Problem 1 they don't need to adhere as such - in the old Lime mortar - days it was said the mortar held the bricks apart, not stuck them together. Problem 2, I don't know Have you looked at www.pavingexpert.com

 

[Chrisscotty]

Thanks for the reply. Yes I have looked at paving expert, but can't seem to find the answers to my problems exactly.

 

[r896neo]

Adhesion problems and staining problems can both be dealt with by using a bond bridge. See paving expert for details.

The other thing to do I to pre-wet the slabs. Mint I super porous meaning it sucks up water fast so but having the flags damp they don't suck up water so violently and draw the moisture from the bedding. This will help adhesion and staining.

Keep the paving damp by misting every half hour whilst laying.