Dear Tim,

Last spring I hired a crew to remove an old, cracked concrete patio and then install a natural flagstone patio.

The contractor wanted to install it in concrete. I said no, I wanted it set without concrete, So that's what he did.

For months after he installed it I was refilling the gaps between the stone. Some somes he cut to samll sizes to fill in and they have just popped out.

Now my problem is there are areas where the fill inbetween the stones has completely washed away. I can't sweep the stones clean, or use a light water spray because the fill goes all over the place. My floors in the huse are getting ruined from being tracked in daily on shoes.

The area right under my backdoor step has now sunk over an inch.

It hasn't been a full year and I have a big mess on my hands. I paid a lot of money for this install!

Can you give me any suggestions on what to ask of the contractor to make it right, or re-do it properly?

Thank you!

Julie,
You need to go read ALL of my past columns about brick patios. There are many that tell you to install the finished surface over concrete. That is how I would have done it. As I say in the above column, the fines will wash out and you are living proof of this.

I just moved into a home with a pool and flagstone patio--the patio was built about 5 years ago and is showing gaps in between the stone...some stones are even loose.
I need to fill it in myself and want to know the best products to use --and easiest way to do this!

Thanks,
J.H.

John,
Read all of my past patio and paving-brick columns. I talk all about what you need to know.

Tim
A stone patio was install about 5 year ago, what ever was between the stones is gone, last year we use fine stone wash out after a heavy rain, will be fine to used the portland cement and sand? Thank you
Enrique

I am having a Lowe's build 12X16' shed in my backyard. It comes with a heavy duty floor, which will sit on 4X4". What should I have for the base underneath the floor?

I would make the best of it by filling in the cracks with wooly thyme - it's a low growing, perennial herb will add a splash of color to your patio floor. I prefer a stone patio WITHOUT mortar because where I have mine there are some lines I want to be able to access in case of trouble.

I wanted to know if you have a product that is a either crushe stone or pebbles of different color. That you spray on your house foundation over a tar like substance. Or is there a product like that out there. And do you know where I can get it if you do not have that product. Or do you know of a simular product. It is only a decrative application not structural. Hope you can help me with this problem.

Tim, I have two questions:
1. Since the limestone and fines underneath and between the flagstone harden like concrete, it will be impermeable to water? Because of the location of my patio I have difficulty installing a drain, therefore I want water to percolate into the soil from between the pavers.
2. I have hugh concrete slabs in my courtyard. One of them has a long irregular small crack in it, and the area around it is sinking. Can I leave it as is or what can I do without having to replace the whole slab? If I stain and seal it will it stop the sinking?
Thank you.

Those with the growing joints in the flagstone patio should look into Polymeric sand. This sand is used as the "grout" between the stones or pavers. It has sand and polymer with other additives to help the joint stay flexible, water resistant, and strong.

It should be part of a new installation but can be used in a re-do if ALL of the old material is REMOVED first. Look up Gator Dust or Super Sand just to name two.