DIY

Firstly, when creating a new paving area lay the slabs according to the manufacturer’s instructions ensuring that they are sound, level and on a firm foundation.

When refurbishing an existing paving area, remove any old mortar or sand to a depth of 25mm. All joints to be filled must be a minimum of 5mm wide and 25mm deep. The area to be filled must be clean, dry and free from oil, grease and loose debris. Particular care should be taken here for refurbishment projects. If necessary, use a specialist cleaner, such as Cementone brick and patio cleaner.

Application should take place in clear weather when no rain is expected and in ambient temperatures ranging from 8 – 25 degrees centigrade.

Cementone wide jointing compound will also withstand jet washing and mechanical cleaning.

Cementone wide jointing compound is available in 20 kilogram buckets with two sealed bags. This means you need only buy as much as you need for any job.

The bags are sealed to ensure the product is fresh, ready to use and protected from the atmosphere.

The outer bucket gives added protection from punctures and makes Cementone wide jointing compound easier to transport, store and handle on site.

Once the area is thoroughly clean, remove the sealed bag from it’s bucket, cut open and pour the contents over the prepared paving area.

It’s recommended you work with one 10 Kilogram bag at a time to avoid waste and any need to rush.

Cementone wide jointing compound's advanced polymer sand blend binds on contact with air to produce a strong, flexible, weatherproof but breathable joint in just a few hours and because it’s a single component product, there’s no need for any mixing or measuring.

Once air cured, the resulting joint is strong, flexible and weatherproof, unaffected by frost, salt or sun with no cracking or powdering of the surface.

Weed growth is inhibited whilst the area remains permeable to water and air, allowing the paving to drain and nearby plants to continue to thrive.

Using a soft brush or squeegee work the compound into the joints ensuring that all are evenly filled.

Then remove any surplus by brushing diagonally onto the next area to be filled.

Now leave the compound to cure. Curing time varies with temperature. In cold damp conditions surface setting times is between 12 – 36 hours. However, in dry conditions of 22 degrees centrigrade the surface setting time is 6-8 hours.

If rain is a possibility, protect the area with a raised covering for at least the first 12 hours.

After 48 hours, any residue can be removed from the paving surface using a stiff brush.

Your finished patio path or driveway is now ready to be shown off for the admiration and envy of all.

For more information visit www.bostik.co.uk/diy/product/cementone/wide-jointing-compound