I have hired a landscaper to lay paving slab out my garden, things seem to be going to plan, they 1st put down a mot type 1 sub base and then a layer of sharp sand to which they are now laying the slabs on top using a sand and cement mix. They are 3/4 the way through but I've now noticed there are multiple loose/wobbling slabs throughout, pbviously pointing hasn't been done yet but I'm wandering if there's a bigger issue?
Have a look at pavingexpert.com, they advocate laying slabs on a full bed of sand and not on a cement bedding. Link provided by another member.
A sharp sand and cement mix is correct... it doesn't need much cement... about 10 sand to 1 cement is fine... but it should be fairly dry... not much more that "damp" is fine. What isn't fine is any slabs rocking, AT ALL, before they finish. If they are rocking it's because the bed isn't full under the slab concerned. This should/must be rectified before the "pointing" or you're liable to get cracking in the future. Regards, Cando
Old school here, prefer to lay slabs on a full mortar bed (4-1 mortar mix,sharp sand,some use 6-1 mix), not spot bedded, & keep the sand bed for block paving.
By "pointing" I mean filling the gaps betweens the slabs. The bed of sharp sand is dry but they put some wet cement/sand mix underneath each slab before laying
I will be showing him the numerous rocking slabs this morning for him to rectify, I'm just hoping that they have been laid correctly that in the near future others don't start to loosen and rock. Adam
Have a rad of this page. It's got all you need to know. http://www.pavingexpert.com/layflag1.htm In particular read the section on "Spot bedding" a short way down the page. Cando