[Ged]

Been to look at a job today. 350 metres of block that’s had 4ft of flood water on it last year. Client wants it sealing. It’s a large level enclosed forecourt and drainage is poor. I’m wondering if it’s a good idea to seal this as I can see a problem arising with standing water and possible application problems due to high water table. Any thoughts ?

Ged

[drive surgeon]

if its sealed properly then the water wont soak through very well so yes it could cause more drainage problems and if its already poor drainage its not good!  how you gonna pressure wash it and get rid of the water?, via a water pump?  sounds like a hard job my friend, i hate places that have no drainage!!

[steve doyle]

Joint stabalizer instead (i use marshalls)? It will still work as a sealent but i think water will penetrate it a bit easier. also easy to put on!


steve

[drive surgeon]

what is this joint stabiliser?  is it better than a sealant?

[keith b]

If the area has sat in 4ft of water, then there is a chance that the block paving sand that the blocks sit on will have shifted or soaked away! - the paving will need to be re-compacted before any sealing is done.

[steve doyle]

what is this joint stabiliser?  is it better than a sealant?

I use marshalls keybond, Its not a sealant really but on domestic drives I think it does a decent job. It is mixed with water 1:5 (i think) and applied with a watering can through a rose nozel/head? It basically covers everything (looks like milk but dries clear) and soakes in to the joints and acts like a strong glue to bind everything together. It will stop the joint sand erroding and help protect against weeds. It can also be seen on the block but is much more subtle than sealants (not as shiney).

Basically, because of the ease of application and being water based, sealing in an area of damp isnt an issue either if you do it to soon (still do it dry tho'), so no horror stories of cloudyness etc and its also poss to do a  standard 2 car drive on 1 tub (5ltr £35) 2 coats preferably. I tend to push this for domestics. No its not sealant, but I find its a good alternative and easy to apply without pricing out customer with quotes of £3/4/500+

but to address your problem, I think water will still be able to drain through this product, although probably alot slower than normal.

anyone else used this?


steve

[Roger Oakley]

If the area has sat in 4ft of water, then there is a chance that the block paving sand that the blocks sit on will have shifted or soaked away! - the paving will need to be re-compacted before any sealing is done.

I agree with Keith on this one, get a decent paving company to have a look and give their opinion, sealing in it's state at the moment could be a nightmare for you in the future, ie client coming back not happy sealer breaking down etc.