Applying EASYJoint in hot conditions

with a heatwave in full swing, here are some helpful tips for using EASYJoint in hot weather

Paving, especially sandstone will dry quickly in hot weather so it's important to keep your working area wet, very wet!

Paving can dry quickly in hot conditions, making sure
you regularly soak the paving during hot spells

A top tip is to empty the contents of the bag into the tub and then add water. This 'slurry' will flow  and fall much easier, keeping the paving area wetter.

Quite simply, the wetter the better!

To see our full instructional website 

visit: http://easyjoint.eu 

or for our full product range 

visit: http://azpects.co.uk

Applying EASYJoint in Cold Weather

EASYJoint can be used in virtually all conditions including rain and light snow. 

If torrential rain is forecast it would be beneficial to cover the area to prevent any possibility of the compound being washed out by the force of the rain.

Once EASYJoint has been applied it will not be compromised by cold and freezing conditions. Cold & wet conditions will increase the setting time considerably - freezing weather will cause the process to virtually cease & it can take many days for the joints to set hard. However, it will eventually set & the weather will not have impaired its qualities in any way.  EASYJoint can take up to 3 weeks to gain maximum hardness & strength.

In freezing conditions, EASYJoint can be applied using the Dry Application method. There is a greater risk of staining or ‘picture framing’ with this method but the effects can be lessened by sealing the paving first.  Our experience has been that if any marking occurs it will weather over time & eventually fade away. Azpects have a range of easy to use sealers to meet your needs  -  visit our website to find out more: http://azpects.co.uk/sealers-and-protectors.aspx

As water can turn to ice in freezing conditions, we strongly recommend you avoid the wet application process. If ice has formed in the joint prior to installation avoid using EASYJoint until the ice has melted.

If your intention is to use the wet application method, ensure that ground temperatures are greater than 3 degrees Celsius.

To access our instructional guides for our dry application and wet application methods, please visit our instructional website: easyjoint.eu/

For information on all our products including EASYJoint visit: azpects.co.uk/products.aspx

Written by Jeff Carter; employee Of Azpects Ltd (plus ex Landscape Gardener and Paving Centre Manager) 

Surveying and preparing the area for your job

So now you have chosen what paving is to be laid you can get to work on the tools.

A really important first job is to survey the site to check for possible problems like drains and cables.
Look at the ground for manhole covers and also check the house and any close out-buildings for drainpipes and cables as there is a good chance some pipes or cables may run under the ground you will be digging out. It may sound like trying to teach your Granny how to suck eggs but it is easy to charge in with spade or mini digger and before you know it you have more expense.

Once you are happy that the area is workable you need to mark out where you need to dig. Clear the existing surface to a depth of about 200mm or 8 inches in old money.  You will probably need a skip at this point if you haven’t already got one as the amount of dirt removed can add up to a big heap. EG: an area of 6m wide by 4m deep dug out to 200mm will produce a bit more than will fit level in a six yard skip!

Now whilst digging out to 200mm may sound extreme, let’s look at how that’s going to be filled.
For a domestic patio you really need a sub-base of compacted material such as crushed concrete or MOT Type1 to a finished depth of 100mm. You will be laying a slab between 20mm-35mm  depending on what you choose (some natural stone can be thicker, thinner or a combination of both so keep this in mind).

The bedding mortar should be about 50mm to allow for adjustment in levels and to provide a decent base for the slabs.

So, what have we reached in height with all these measurements? 100+50+25=175mm which leaves about an inch for any variances in the paving. Obviously if you are using regulated paving with uniform dimensions you can fine tune the digging out to suit.

Treat yourself to a couple of decent spirit levels. A long one (6’) and a short one (3’) as these are invaluable for decent slab laying.
Have a cup of tea.

Click here to read Part 3

Written by Jeff Carter; employee Of Azpects Ltd (plus ex Landscape Gardener and Paving Centre Manager) 

For more information on our range of products go to: azpects.co.uk