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flagstone patio

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Posted by eking (My Page) on
Fri, Sep 26, 08 at 18:52

HELP!! i hired a contractor to build a large flagstone patio. I paid over $8000.00 for select Three rivers flagstone and he set the stone in loose cement and mortared the stones. I mean mortared the stones. The surfaces of the stones have patches of mortar all around the edges like 3 inches wide and areas where it collected and dried after they rinsed it off with a hose. The 3 to 4 inch joints are already cracking, it is uneven and has low spots that collect water. We will have to break it all out and do it over. We are trying to save the stone. We have tried acid washing and power washing, no go. I have a giant grey patio with cracked mortar. The contractor is not answering calls and frankly I wouldn't let him in my yard again. Anyone have any suggestions to clean the stone? Can you sandblast it?

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RE: flagstone patio

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All I can do is offer sympathy eking. What a jerk. Did you sign a contract with him before the work began? If he's not answering phone calls, a trip to his place of business or home is in order! The "loose cement" was probably granite dust I hope, I've never heard of simply putting down the cement mix without being mixed. How long ago was the work finished and the cracking began?

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RE: flagstone patio

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Yes, we had a contract. He didn't finish the job although he was paid in full he said he ran out of money and asked for more. Nope. He still owes us a smaller patio and low voltage lighting, but I kissed that goodbye. One of his workers came over twice and asked me to pay him because the contractor hadn't paid him for 4 weeks work. The patio was finished about 3 weeks ago. Cracking already. He laid the stone in wet cement or maybe mortar right on top of dirt and rock. No rebar or form. They mixed the cement in a wheel barrow shoveled it onto the ground and set the stone on it. It took abut 3 weeks to finish in sections, which is probably where it is separating. He told me this was standard practice. The stone looks as if there is a grey film over it and in many places there are patches of mortar or cement adhered to the stone.
So, I feel like an idiot and am out of money to repair the job. So any ideas on how to clean the stone up?

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RE: flagstone patio

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eking, I don't know you; but I'm still very upset for you. What has happened since you last posted? Any updates? Did you find a cleaning solution that worked?

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RE: flagstone patio

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eking, sorry to hear. Does your state license contractors or require insurance? If so, did this contractor show you proof that he is licensed and/or insured? A complaint or a claim might get you some satisfaction.

I can relate to your situation because I once had a painter appear at my door pretty much broke about an hour after his boss sent him home without pay after a couple of hours work at my house. (I think the boss was hungover or still drunk from the night before.) Like you, I owed this young man nothing but felt bad for him. What I did was hire the young man to do some heavy duty cleaning around the exterior (that I really needed to have done) for a few hours to get him by.

There's always one jerk who spoils things for those that are legitimate, hardworking and honest. I have put off a couple of projects because I'm waiting to find people that I know I can trust.

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RE: flagstone patio

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home depot sells muratic acid. dont burn your face or any thing else. dilute with water only in accordance with directions. wear protective gear: thick rubber gloves, clothes and eye protection. scrub solution with abrasive sponge. As for your faulty foundation see the do it yourself link at www.pennsylvaniabluestone.info

Here is a link that might be useful: pennsylvania bluestone

  
 

 

 


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