Paving joints

IvyFlood

Just had some paving laid in my garden but there’s just sand between the joints, is this normal? 

Now I’ve done a bit of research before posting and from what I can see it is fairly common place except it’s special sand. I knew it was common practice for block paving but wasn’t sure about paving flagstones? 

The sand between mine is ‘soft’ and looks like over time it will just wash away! And I’m conscious of weeds coming through. It will definitely be gone when I come to pressure wash it in a few years time!

I would have thought the sand should be set or sealed in some way? 

If anyone has any advice before I go back to the contractors. 

Thanks 

stuart45

Were the slabs laid on a flexible sand bed, or a rigid sand/cement bed?

Bradden

A photo would be useful. Block paving joints are usually filled with Kiln Dried Sand... slabs usually have a rigid joint either mortar or a more modern material... Easyjoint is a popular make .. depends on the type of slab used.. sandstone porcelain etc. It may just be that the jointing compound is curing... most of them just brush in and then set.

IvyFlood

Bradden said:

A photo would be useful. Block paving joints are usually filled with Kiln Dried Sand... slabs usually have a rigid joint either mortar or a more modern material... Easyjoint is a popular make .. depends on the type of slab used.. sandstone porcelain etc. It may just be that the jointing compound is curing... most of them just brush in and then set.

There’s a photo, it’s just sand and it’s still soft (was done yesterday) as you can see the joints are quite wide 

IvyFlood

stuart45 said:

Were the slabs laid on a flexible sand bed, or a rigid sand/cement bed?

They are laid on a cement bed

stuart45

You need to ask the contractors what they've used. It could be a setting sand. It doesn't look like building sand.

Bradden

as @stuart45 worth checking with the contractor... looks like it could well be a jointing compound. From that photo though I'm not sure they've done agreat job... that corner looks kinda messy. Are the slabs new?

Chickereeeee

That looks like Easyjoint. (Basalt or Stone Grey). Usually sets in a few hours, but if its wet/cold can take overnight of more.

IvyFlood

Bradden said:

as @stuart45 worth checking with the contractor... looks like it could well be a jointing compound. From that photo though I'm not sure they've done agreat job... that corner looks kinda messy. Are the slabs new?

So I checked with them and it’s resin. Takes 24-48 hours to set apparently, and we have had rain. So I’ll just keep an eye on it. 

The photo looks worse than it is, the flags are new but old if you know what I mean, they have uneven sides.