Grey Brazillian Slate Help needed!

Im after a bit of advice. Im having one of those jobs that has come back and is biting me on the bum, despite doing nothing wrong. In september i laid a grey brazillian slate patio for a customer, who selected teh slate and had been given a sample of it. all hunky dory when we laid it, but a few weeks ago she called us back. no problem with the workmanship, but she is not happy as the grey slate is showing small white scratches and marking fairly easily. ive told her its normal for grey slate, the supplier has come back and viewed it and said the same. Ive sent for a few samples from other suppliers to show her if it does the same thing, but i guess im after a few people saying, its grey slate, its what it does to me, to stop me going out of my mind! She is trying to blame me and saying that teh patio needs to come up. i think its a case of shes selected teh wrong product and doesnt like it and is now doing waht she can to get it changed for free!

Hi Thermo. I just did a google search for slate scratches easily and got loads of results confirming that it can. You say she choose the slate. Did you advise her of what could happen. This is where i think it can get a bit tricky. I don't recommend black limestone for example as i know it fades unless you seal it. I also don't recommend smooth sandstone as it gets slippery when wet. I don't reommend softwood sleepers or non frost proof bricks for obvious reasons. You can see where i am going with this. As a contractor i feel its my job to point out the limitations of certain products. After all a client comes to me because they think i have knowledge and understanding that they don't. If a client then chooses said product i have at least made them aware of the pitfalls and it makes it difficult for them to come back to me. Having said that i have had to do all of the above as clients don't always want to hear what you have to tell them.

Now in your case i wonder how are the scratches being made and how bad are they. I assume you have seen them. I have laid slate but chinese in origin and have not had the problem you are ttalking about.

I am not suggesting you replace them as i certainly would not want to go down that path unless i got paid for it but maybe make changes to what you advise in the future to cover yourself. On this occasion the fact that she chose the stone herself and i am assuming without your guidance is going to be your get out clause.

I wish you luck in resolving it.

Replies

Paul Doyle February 7, 2020 at 11:19am

Hi Thermo,

On what grounds is she blaming you??. I never used it but if the supplier says it ,then what can be done.?? Let the buyer beware and all!!.
PRO

Ed Fox February 7, 2020 at 4:16pm

Hi Thermo. I just did a google search for slate scratches easily and got loads of results confirming that it can. You say she choose the slate. Did you advise her of what could happen. This is where i think it can get a bit tricky. I don't recommend black limestone for example as i know it fades unless you seal it. I also don't recommend smooth sandstone as it gets slippery when wet. I don't reommend softwood sleepers or non frost proof bricks for obvious reasons. You can see where i am going with this. As a contractor i feel its my job to point out the limitations of certain products. After all a client comes to me because they think i have knowledge and understanding that they don't. If a client then chooses said product i have at least made them aware of the pitfalls and it makes it difficult for them to come back to me. Having said that i have had to do all of the above as clients don't always want to hear what you have to tell them.

Now in your case i wonder how are the scratches being made and how bad are they. I assume you have seen them. I have laid slate but chinese in origin and have not had the problem you are ttalking about.

I am not suggesting you replace them as i certainly would not want to go down that path unless i got paid for it but maybe make changes to what you advise in the future to cover yourself. On this occasion the fact that she chose the stone herself and i am assuming without your guidance is going to be your get out clause.

I wish you luck in resolving it.