FAQs
Where can I buy EASYJoint - 'the all weather jointing compound'?
We have Stockists of our EASY Range 'all weather jointing compound' all over the UK and in parts of Europe, to find your nearest EASY Range stockist, use our find a stockist page to search with your postcode which will direct you to your closest EASYJoint stockist. However if your local EASY Range supplier has run out of our paving compound we can normally get it to them within a couple of working days or we can direct you to another stockist who does hold stock. Alternatively there are on-line 'internet' companies that you could contact. Our phone number is 01473 760777 - call us and our EASY Range support team will be pleased to assist you.
Can I use a power washer to clean the paving and joints?
Yes, you can clean our paving joints with a pressure washer but it must be done cautiously and after the EASYJoint sweep in sand has set hard. We recommend leaving newly laid EASYJoint for at least 4 weeks before cleaning it. When you clean the patio hold the power washer at an angle of about 45⁰ degrees and using a fan spray from no closer than 150mm from the paving joint. For stubborn stains and dirty paving, use our EASY Care Patio & Deck cleaner - for extremely contaminated areas of paving, natural stone or garden ornaments use EASY Care Masonry Cleaner. EASYJoint paving compound sets hard on contact with air but remains permeable. As water drains through the joints contaminants in the water will collect at the surface of the paving joint but these can easily cleaned & washed away, leaving the paving joint looking like new.
How deep do the paving joints need to be?
The recommended minimum depth of the paving joint is 20mm. It needs to be this deep to ensure the jointing compound has the correct strength to be a long-lasting paving joint.
What is the minimum width a paving joint can be?
The paving joint needs to be a minimum of 3mm wide, (what is described as a narrow paving joint) however care should be taken measuring this as with some, chamfered edge 'V' shaped paving, the joints at the bottom edge can be narrower than the top. EASYJoint is designed to be a narrow joint filler and is probably the best on the market. Note there is no maximum paving joint width, feel free to use as much EASYJoint as you like!
Can EASYJoint be used with any base mix? (Base mix or the bedding mixture - parts or ratio of 'sand to cement' that the paving sits on).
All projects must be on a free draining site. We recommend a 6:1 bedding mix, six parts sharp sand to one cement. At this strength, your bedding mix will remain permeable and allow water to drain through it. A stronger mix may cause the base to become impermeable and this will mean that water does not drain away. EASYJoint goes hard on contact with air, our EASYJoint needs to sufficiently dry out to allow it to cure properly. When using the wet method - the water is used to assist our jointing compound into the joints, it will self-compact and fill any voids. It also makes it easier to move around the paving and prevents staining. EASYJoint does not need water to harden but is makes it easier to use. If the area to be jointed is laid on a strong mix or suffers from poor drainage, we suggest using EASYJoint PRO as this is made specifically for these types of installations.
Does EASYJoint come in different colours?
Yes, our paving compound comes in five great colours. Mushroom, Buff Sand, Stone Grey, Basalt and Jet Black. Our range of EASYJoint paving joint colours enables you to individually design your patio. You can be as bold or refined as you like with your patio styling! EASYJoint - 'all weather' jointing compound is made in the UK. Rain or shine EASYJoint goes in fine! Note: Always choose tubs of EASYJoint from the same batch as the shading of natural sand can differ slightly.
How does EASYJoint go hard?
Simply on contact with air. Once the bag is opened, and air gets to it and the curing process commences. EASYJoint can be stored in the tub once the bag is opened by keeping it covered with at least 50mm of water and replacing the lid - it will keep for many months
It was raining when I put in the EASYJoint and we are still getting showers, will it affect the drying time or appearance of the finished look?
EASYJoint will not harden until it has dried out - if it stays wet it will remain soft. Heavy rain may disturb the sand grains on the surface of the joint. If the joint has been 'struck' or 'tooled' this process may have to be repeated to achieve the desired finish. EASYJoint will go rock hard when it is exposed to air and allowed to dry - this may take 3 to 5 days (depending on weather). If the paving joints only partially dry out on the surface and remain wet below, and are repeatedly allowed to get wet, partially dry out etc, over a period of time, the curing process may fail altogether. All projects must be on a free draining site. See our usage instructions. See our usage instructions.
Why do you need to soak the paving before using EASYJoint?
There are three key reasons why using plenty of water with EASYJoint is essential. Water helps the user to sweep our paving compound around the patio, it also allows the compound to compact itself into the joints. There is no need to push EASYJoint into the joints, our paving compound does the hard work for you, falling into the paving gaps, filling voids and compacting. Lastly is contains linseed oil, a vital ingredient to create a strong bond in the paving joint however to avoid this oil penetrating the paving stone the EASYJoint instructions inform you to thoroughly soak the paving, this keeps the linseed oil 'floating' on the surface of the water, rather than penetrating the stone. It is important to note that linseed oil staining is only a temporary stain and exposure to sunlight, will over time, lift the marks.
Will EASYJoint mark my paving?
No it shouldn't if used correctly by following our instructions, however there is always a chance that the Linseed oil will seep into the paving. Linseed oil is a vital ingredient which creates a strong bond in our paving joint. It is important to note that linseed oil staining is only a temporary stain and exposure to sunlight, will over time, lift the marks and fade away. Do not be tempted to use brick acid on paving, it will damage the paving and possibly the paving joint. Particularly sensitive, porous stone should always be sealed on both sides and all edges as a precaution.
I have a block paved patio, can I use EASYJoint to point it?
No, the joints will be too narrow, we recommend a minimum of 3mm. The best solution would be to get it laid as recommended by the suppliers and to then protect it by sealing it with one of our specialised EASYSealers, either EASYSeal BCS or EASYSeal Contract. Both have sand binder in them and work in similar ways however EASYSeal BCS is the superior product and lasts longer.
Why do you need to use lots of water to wash in EASYJoint?
Simply to make patio laying EASY: We say 'the wetter the better' because it flows into the paving joints filling voids, compacting itself within the joint and giving you a stronger paving joint that will last. It is also easier to push around the paving and prevents the linseed oil within the EASYJoint marking the paving. We recommend using sufficient water with EASYJoint to turn it into a slurry, it works incredibly well with paving joints of different sizes (miniumum 3mm) - View the EASYJoint demonstration video and see how EASY it is to joint a patio using EASYJoint.
The paving I'm using is sensitive to marking, is EASYJoint a suitable product?
Yes, however only if used correctly by following the 'how to point paving' instructions in the EASYJoint tub or on this Azpects web site. We recommend that sensitive paving, such as Granite, Black Limestone and smooth Sandstone are sealed to protect from staining before using EASYJoint. Our sealers can protect against most common spills and are resistant to tea and coffee, red wine and engine oil, mayonnaise, vinegar, and ketchup etc. Look at the sealer comparision chart for help choosing the right sealer for you.
What do you mean by the joints are permeable?
EASYJoint allows water to pass through it - it's a permeable or porous jointing compound. EASYJoint resists weed growth however, sometimes the joints trap dirt at the surface as the water drains through it making them dirty. EASYJoint can be cleaned to remove these particles by using a light pressure wash (see cleaning instructions).
Can I use EASYJoint with a driveway project?
Due to the structural requirements of a driveway and that generally, the bedding mix is stronger than that of a patio or path, the use of EASYJoint is not recommended.
For this purpose, we recommend EASYJoint PRO.
In freezing conditions can I still use EASYJoint?
Yes, however, in freezing conditions or in falling temperatures below 3 degrees Celsius, please refer to the instructions.
Can you keep left over EASYJoint from going hard?
Yes, we make it EASY. Pour any unused EASYJoint back into the tub and cover it with at least 50mm (2 inches) of water. It should remain stable and safe to use for up to several months providing it remains covered with water (subject to environmental influences). EASYJoint will always go rock hard as soon as it is in contact with the air, it does not need water to cure.
Will EASYJoint set hard in every case?
Providing it is allowed to dry out, YES! EASYJoint requires air to cure but water will stop this process happening. As long as it is allowed to dry out it will go hard. EASYJoint will not go hard if left in damp or wet joints that never fully dry out.
Is there a visual change in the EASYJoint colour over time?
EASYJoint is a natural product, because dirty water can drain through the joint, over time the appearance may change, this will not affect the integrity of the product. The joints can be cleaned by the cautious use of a pressure washer, keeping a fan type nozzle, at an angle, no closer than 150mm from the surface.
Is EASYJoint guaranteed?
Not in the sense that it will last forever, nor can we guarantee its lifespan. However we can say that its predecessors, earlier derivatives of the current product, have been in use for more than 20 years and where the ground conditions are stable and a good sub-base has been employed, they have stood the test of time - much longer in most instances than a cement alternative. The basic technology is sound and proven and in our experience it will outlive most alternatives.
Can I top up joints when the EASYJoint has set hard?
No. Our instructions state that any sagging of a joint must be topped up whilst it is still wet (or has not cured). The problem is that if you try to top up a joint it will not bond properly with the existing joint and over time the joint will fail. We recommend the depth of the joints are kept to a minimum of 20mm, if necessary, remove the old joint and top back up with new jointing compound.
Can EASYJoint be sealed?
Yes, although it will make the joints less permeable.
Can EASYJoint be used with Porcelain tiles?
Yes, you can use our jointing compound with porcelain tiles, in fact some specialist suppliers only recommend EASYJoint for jointing them! You must follow the instructions carefully when using porcelain tiles and depending on whether they are for indoor or outdoor use, be careful what bedding mix they are laid on. Porcelain is impermeable (it will not allow water to pass through it) so follow our instructions for use with porcelain tiles. If using the wet method, ensure that the bedding mix is permeable and made up from a mix no stronger of 6 parts sharp sand to one cement. To ensure a strong joint that will last for years the depth of the joint should be at least 20mm deep. The width of the joint can be as little as 3mm wide.