Sunken Patio

[NotebookNewport]

not sure how to tell the difference in the sand - the bottom left one appears to be solid but the other 3 squares are just sand and a skin of hardened stuff over parts of the rest - easily broken with a light touch of a shovel

 

[Doggit]

If you rub the sand between your hands, is it soft, or sratchy.

 

[NotebookNewport]

 

[Doggit]

It looks like shrp sand, so that suggests they didn't use enough cement under the paving stones.

 

[NotebookNewport]

You mean in the mix?
So how do I fix this?
Thanks

 

[Doggit]

You level the sharp sand, then dollop down a mix of building sand and cement in each corner and the centre of the slab that's wetish enough to spread as you tap down the paving slabs. Building sand moves around, but sharp sand is gritty enough to stop movement.

 

[NotebookNewport]

Hi Doggit
Just checking - you said mix sharp with cement before? is that because you must have one against the other to stop it moving? Just checking cos it was late you posted m8 - a few beers etc.

 

[NotebookNewport]

Therefore
get rid of rubbish
level with sharp
mix building sand with cement
dolopp

correct?

 

[Doggit]

Level the sharp sand to about half inch below the bottom of the adjoining slabs, and you've got the general idea.

 

[NotebookNewport]

Cheers
Will give it a go

 

[NotebookNewport]

will need a chisel I take it to break up the few solid bits - what type?

 

[Doggit]

Bolster and a club hammer, but you might just get away a normal hammer, but do it carefully along the edges so that you don't disturb the other slabs.

 

[NotebookNewport]

cheers - got a lump hammer as my Father used to say - so will get a masonry bolster from screwfix
cheers

 

[Doggit]

Have a go with the lump hammer, and then get the bolster if necessary.

 

[NotebookNewport]

cheers