General Advice.
We are proud of the service we provide and this starts with our suppliers who strive for the same excellence, efficiency and professionalism that we offer.
COLOUR CHANGE & VARIATION
Several items we sell are a natural product and therefore consideration should be giving to the variance of tones and colour especially when more than 1 pack of product is being used. All efforts are made to ensure that the photography used accurately reflects the delivered product, however we strongly advise that you visit a local stockist to check that it matches your requirements. Imperfections such as iron oxides are common and should be seen as part of the inherent beauty of natural stone.
SIZING
Our sizing reflects the laid slabs including the correct spacing and are subject to the normal acceptable tolerance levels of the manufacturer.
CLEANING AND MAINTAINING YOUR PAVING
All Paving benefits from simple maintenance and cleaning. Detritus will accumulate on the surface and weeds may settle into this and start to grow. Weeds do NOT grow through properly laid paving; they grow onto poorly maintained paving.
Regular sweeping with a broom will remove most of the usual litter and garden debris that finds its way onto all pavements. Occasionally, it can be beneficial to hose down the paving adding a dash of basic detergent if required to help remove any surface stains. For sensitive paving such as limestone many cleaning specialists prefer to use a mild shampoo in place of standard detergent. Scrubbing with soapy water and a stiff brush will help shift any awkward stains, but don’t be tempted to use anything overly abrasive, such as steel wool or wire brushes as these can leave marks on the surface of the paving.
Power washers can help clean heavily soiled paving, but they should be used sparingly and with great care. They can damage the surface of the stone and/or the jointing if not handled correctly. If a power washer is to be used, we would strongly recommend the use of a ‘rotary cleaning head’ rather than the more usual ‘lance’ as these are less damaging to the paving while still being very effective against dirt.
For heavy staining, such as oil drips, autumnal fruits, bird droppings, etc. if basic cleaning using hot, soapy water does not work, we would recommend that you seek specialist advice from a surface cleaning professional. Many of the ‘patio cleaners ‘sold in DIY store or Builders’ Merchants are based on strong acids that can irreparably damage certain types of stone or adversely affect the natural colouring. Always test any cleaning product on a surplus flagstone or sett or in a discreet corner before applying it to the paving.
EFFLORESCENCE
Efflorescence is a problem more commonly associated with concrete paving, as the characteristic white powdery deposit originates in the calcium carbonated areas of the concrete, but it can also affect natural stone pacing when it is laid on mortar or concrete.
While the appearance of efflorescence can detract from the looks of a new patio, it is important to understand that no matter how bad it may seem, it is temporary, that it will pass with time, and that it is not actually damaging the stone. There are efflorescence removers that can be used to wash away the worst of any deposit, but they are removers, not cures, and it is quite likely that a new deposit will appear within a few days, although it may not be as heavy as the original deposit. Simple washing with warm soapy water will usually achieve the same, and at a much lower cost.
WARRANTIES
Should our product arrive with you in an unsatisfactory condition, please notify your supplier immediately who will then have 7 days to inform us in writing along with photographic evidence of the damage/fault. Any credit or refund may be subject to a deduction should the value of goods be reduced because of the way they have been handled or treated following delivery.
If any products are knowingly laid with any defects apparent prior to laying, then we reserve the right not to replace the product and will not accept any responsibility for costs incurred for relaying or rectifying the problem.
Should it be discovered that the goods were damaged or short in the quantity, then we shall only be liable for the missing or damaged product(s).
As our goods are heavy, please follow appropriate handling precautions, including wearing protective gloves and footwear and obtaining assistance when moving items weighing over 20kg.