Rompox / NCC paving mortar versus. traditional pointing

Hi All,
I'm currently laying a couple of patios in my back garden (smaller one = 2 x 2m, larger one = 4.5 x 4m). I'm using Bradstone Milldale (Antique chestnut) slabs and I've been reading up on the Rompox / NCC / Geofix type of products as an alternative to traditional mortar pointing between the slabs. I've read in a couple of places that Geofix and m-joint are useless and the NCC and Rompox are the products to go for. However, the bad reviews of Geofix and m-point may have been due to poor installation? Do any of you have any experiance of using these and have any advice of the brands to go for?

Also, I've read that because these products are porous they tend to "filter" out the rainwater leaving a black discolouration to the mortar joints (algae buildup?) Again, any opinions?

I would also like to have something that can stand up to an annual going over by a jet washer so I'm not sure how hardy these epoxy based filler are with regards to this level of abuse? Or should just stop being lazy and use a proper patio cleaner and sealer each year instead (I'll probably start a separate thread on this one though)?

In summary, I'm tempted to stick with the traditional mortaring of the joints (even though it will take me hours!!) unless you think the Rompox / NCC type fillars will be just as good.

thanks all,
Sam

I've used the NCC (840 I think) on two recent jobs both with regular thin joints and both where I was after a strong black colour which lasts.

They were recent so I can't comment on how they will pass the test of time but when first down they look very nice and the stuff goes off rock solid.

I'd like to try the slurry version which looks very good as well.

My only comments would be that where we tried it once for a sandstone patio with wider joints it took an awful lot and therefore swayed the balance between saving time versus costs back in favour of traditional pointing.

The other option it takes away is putting the pointing in with a peak which some clients like the look of. When the 840 goes in I found you can't really strike it or shape it so it lies flat in the joint.

Personally on smaller random sized patio jobs I'll probably stick to traditional methods but I think I will probably start doing more and more with this style product and hopefullly the price will come down as it becomes more popular!

Replies

Kirsty Blair May 24, 2010 at 11:06pm

I used geofix last yr on a couple of gardens, been back to both this yr and not impressed with them, discoloured but most of it does jet wash off - still not the same colour as new though.

I'm now using NCC stuff which is much easier to use (I use the one you apply as a slurry and can be done in the rain) - the test for them will be next yr to see what they look like.

I took out the traditional mortar that was done badly on my patio (by someone who used to work for me) and put in the NCC so I can see first hand what happens over time.

Have just jet washed a patio that I put in about a month ago and the NCC pointing didn't move. (some thief bled all over it so it needed cleaning!)
Big Dig Groundworks May 25, 2010 at 6:54pm

Having just used the GTFK800 from NCC for the first time last week I now swear by it.

Gary came out from NCC to show us how to use it properly and I am well and truely won over by it. I pointed approx 40m2 on my own in around 3 hours and it looks amazing.

I highly recommend it to anyone as it is easy to mix and apply.
Andy Westacott May 25, 2010 at 9:54pm

I've used the NCC (840 I think) on two recent jobs both with regular thin joints and both where I was after a strong black colour which lasts.

They were recent so I can't comment on how they will pass the test of time but when first down they look very nice and the stuff goes off rock solid.

I'd like to try the slurry version which looks very good as well.

My only comments would be that where we tried it once for a sandstone patio with wider joints it took an awful lot and therefore swayed the balance between saving time versus costs back in favour of traditional pointing.

The other option it takes away is putting the pointing in with a peak which some clients like the look of. When the 840 goes in I found you can't really strike it or shape it so it lies flat in the joint.

Personally on smaller random sized patio jobs I'll probably stick to traditional methods but I think I will probably start doing more and more with this style product and hopefullly the price will come down as it becomes more popular!
Sam Price May 26, 2010 at 7:42am

Thanks for the replies everyone. Sounds like NCC is certainly worth considering out the the "epoxy" type fillers. Also, thanks for the tip on the easipoint as well. That looks a nice piece of kit. I'll check into costings of both of these.

Sam