ᐅ Epoxy Resin and Natural Stone Paving in Winter

Hello,

I have a question about epoxy resin and the installation of natural stone paving.

At our site, a mixture of sand and some other material—which I don’t know exactly—was used as a base layer. The procedure was as follows: the sand-something mixture was brought to the area to be paved, and the natural stone paving was hammered into it. After all the paving was laid, it was flooded with water. Later, epoxy resin was applied to seal the joints.

I have the following questions and I really hope someone can help me. It would be nice to know the level of expertise of the person answering, so please no guesses.

Here are my questions: If cement was included in the sand mixture, is it possible that during winter, water penetrates through the epoxy resin, freezes, and causes the paving to crack and get damaged? This would be very unfortunate, considering the amount of money already spent.

Also, dry stone walls were built; I always thought they would just be stacked. In any case, the walls have a solid core with a foundation. The joints on the sides are open, but the top was also sealed with epoxy resin. Same question: in winter, with moisture and freezing temperatures, could the wall be damaged because epoxy resin is permeable to water?

Building is really starting to become frustrating. I feel like everyone is cheating you, if this is true.

immerprobleme

PS Thank you

Hello,

immerprobleme schrieb:

It would be nice to know who is answering my question, so we can understand the level of expertise.

17 years of professional experience as a construction supervisor.

immerprobleme schrieb:

Here, a mixture of sand and something else was used, but I am not exactly sure what it was,

Gravel?

immerprobleme schrieb:

So the questions: If the sand mixture contained cement, is it possible that in winter water penetrates through the epoxy resin and causes the paving to crack and be destroyed? That would be very unfortunate given the amount of money already invested.

Epoxy resin joints are weatherproof and frost-resistant. They are also waterimpermeable—unless you specifically requested a permeable version.

immerprobleme schrieb:

Additionally, dry-stone walls were built. I always thought they were just stacked. In any case, these walls have a solid core with a foundation. The joints on the sides are open, and epoxy resin was used on the top joints as well. Same question: winter, moisture, freezing temperatures, wall damaged because epoxy resin is water-permeable?

Without a foundation—in the "soil"—these walls would not stand for long…

immerprobleme schrieb:

Building is really becoming unenjoyable. I feel like everyone is cheating me if this is true,
immerprobleme

Where does this impression come from?

Best regards, Bauexperte

Bauexperte schrieb:
Hello,


17 years of professional experience as a construction supervisor.


Gravel?


Epoxy resin joints are weather- and frost-resistant. So they are also waterimpermeable—unless you specifically insisted on a permeable version.


Without a foundation, these walls wouldn’t stand long in the "dirt"...


What is the basis for this assessment?


Regards, Bauexperte

Hi Bauexperte, thanks for the reply.

And I’ll start again because I just closed the wrong tab by mistake.

Regarding the base layer: Gravel was delivered. On top of that, a mixture of sand and something else was applied, and the next day a mixture of crushed stone and presumably the same something else. The stones were pressed halfway into this mixture. Then it was flooded with water. Now the stones are firmly set in it. The other half was then grouted.

Regarding the epoxy resin: When I pour water on the joints, small bubbles can be seen rising. Also, it’s clearly noticeable that the water seeps into it. However, the paving specialist said that the water would run off over the surface. This matches your statement that it is impermeable. One source says the system is permeable and requires a permeable subbase.

Now I am of course confused, and the question remains: if what is between the joints is permeable, won’t it be damaged during winter and frost?

Best regards, Bauexperte back,
immerprobleme

Hello,

immerprobleme schrieb:

One source states that it must be permeable to water and that there must be a permeable sub-base.

I have removed the link, as you noticed => forum rules.

But it said/states: "can only be applied if penetrating water is drained through a correspondingly permeable sub-base."

immerprobleme schrieb:

Now I’m obviously confused, and the question remains whether what is between the joints is permeable to water and won’t be damaged in winter or by frost.

You should clarify whether the "paving expert," as you call him, consulted with the civil engineer beforehand; at the moment, it does not seem that way. On the other hand, the epoxy resin installation done by the paver does not match his statement => "planned" to drain on the surface, now it soaks in.

The good news: if the sub-base is suitable for the epoxy resin application, nothing should happen since the water can infiltrate freely. You should therefore also clarify exactly what this mixture of sand and "something" is and then consult the epoxy resin supplier regarding its appropriate use.

Regards, Bauexperte