ISM Groundworks

ISM Groundworks Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from ISM Groundworks, Construction Company, London.

Sussex based company specialising in brickwork, porcelain patios, patios, fencing, garden rooms, block paving, artificial grass, drainage, and groundwork. 🏡 Imagine Something More.

New product I discovered at Screwfix live soudal repair express knew nothing about this product used it today to reinsta...
30/09/2026

New product I discovered at Screwfix live soudal repair express knew nothing about this product used it today to reinstall existing flashing blended in well with existing mortar.
Thanks Screwfix and Soudal for a great product

Let me help you fall in love with your garden, we can make it in to an extended living space for entertaining, family ti...
18/08/2026

Let me help you fall in love with your garden, we can make it in to an extended living space for entertaining, family time or just somewhere you can go and relax.

Let me know if have some ideas, and want to chat through options. ❤️

24/06/2026

Yesterday in the soaring heat I headed to Birmingham NEC for the installer show and for an added bonus, the regional finals for the Super Trowel 2026 competition, where I saw Ash Mahoney win with 820 bricks laid in 60 mins! Also met Paul Merson (ex footballer for Arsenal), darts legend Russ Bray, the two bald builders from Fix radio.

🌦️ Don’t Let the British Weather Ruin Your Garden Plans! 🌦️How many times have you planned a BBQ, family gathering, or r...
11/06/2026

🌦️ Don’t Let the British Weather Ruin Your Garden Plans! 🌦️

How many times have you planned a BBQ, family gathering, or relaxing evening outdoors, only for the weather to have other ideas? ☔

The good news is that you can enjoy your garden in almost any weather with the right outdoor shelter.

✅ Stylish gazebos
✅ Retractable awnings
✅ Covered seating areas
✅ Pergolas with roofing options
✅ Garden rooms for year-round use

Adding a sheltered space not only extends the time you can spend outdoors but also protects your furniture, creates a comfortable entertaining area, and can even add value to your home.

Imagine enjoying your morning coffee while listening to the rain, hosting friends without checking the forecast, or creating a cosy outdoor retreat that works all year round.

💬 What would your dream weatherproof garden include?
🏡 A gazebo
☀️ An awning
🔥 A covered seating area
🌿 A pergola

Let us know in the comments!

Pointing (also known as jointing) is the process of filling the gaps between the paving slabs or stones on a patio. It s...
14/03/2026

Pointing (also known as jointing) is the process of filling the gaps between the paving slabs or stones on a patio. It serves two main purposes: structurally binding the stones together to prevent movement and creating a weather-resistant seal to stop w**ds from growing and water from undermining the sub-base.

Here are the most common types of patio pointing, along with their pros and cons:

♦️ Sand and Cement Mortar

This is the traditional method where a mix of sharp sand and cement (usually a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio) is pushed into the joints. It can be applied as a "dry mix" or a "wet mix."

✅ Pros:
Very cost-effective; extremely strong and durable when done correctly; provides a classic look.

❌ Cons:
Time-consuming to install; prone to cracking if the patio settles; can stain paving slabs if not cleaned off immediately; not permeable (water sits on top).

♦️ Polymeric Joining Sand

This is a fine sand combined with additive polymers. You sweep it into the joints, mist it with water, and the polymers activate to harden the sand into a flexible "glue."

✅ Pros:
Very easy and fast to install; prevents w**d growth and insect infestations; flexible enough to resist cracking during freeze-thaw cycles.

❌ Cons:
More expensive than standard sand/cement; requires the patio to be completely dry during installation; can leave a "haze" on the surface if not swept perfectly clean before wetting.

♦️ Brush-in Resin (Jointing Compound)

These are pre-mixed compounds that you simply brush them into the joints, often while the patio is wet.

✅ Pros:
Extremely fast to apply; can be used in the rain; permeable (allows water to drain through to the ground); very resistant to salt and frost.

❌ Cons:
The most expensive option; has a shorter lifespan than mortar (typically 2-5 years from experience of ones I’ve been asked to repair); can feel slightly "grainy" or soft compared to cement.

♦️ Exterior Tile Grout

Specific porcelain or stone grouts are used for modern, high-end patios. These are similar to indoor grouts but formulated for outdoor weather resistance.

✅ Pros:
Provides a very smooth, contemporary finish; available in many colors to match stone; highly waterproof and resistant to mold.

❌ Cons:
Expensive; requires professional skill to apply without ruining the stone surface; joints must be very clean and of a specific depth to bond correctly. Ideally for optimum longevity, the patio needs be laid on a concrete base and not on MOT type 1.

♦️Kiln-Dried Sand

This is only used for block paving (like driveways) rather than stone slabs. It is a very fine sand that is swept into tight joints to lock it all together.

✅ Pros:
Cheapest method; easy to DIY; allows for easy repair of individual blocks.

❌ Cons:
Not suitable for wide-jointed flagstones; washes away over time; does not stop w**ds or ants.

When considering real grass versus artificial grass in the UK, there are several factors to weigh up.♦️Real Grass✅ Pros:...
07/03/2026

When considering real grass versus artificial grass in the UK, there are several factors to weigh up.

♦️Real Grass

✅ Pros:

• Natural Aesthetic and Feel: Real grass provides a natural look, feel, and smell that many people prefer. It blends seamlessly with the environment and offers a softer surface.

• Environmental Benefits: It contributes to biodiversity, supports insect life, helps filter air, and absorbs carbon dioxide. It also helps cool the surrounding area.

• Cost-Effective (Initial): The initial cost of laying real turf or sowing seeds is generally lower than installing artificial grass.

• Improved Drainage: A well-maintained natural lawn can help with water drainage, reducing surface water runoff.

• Increased Property Value (Potentially): A well-maintained natural lawn can enhance curb appeal and potentially add value to a property.

❌ Cons:

• High Maintenance: Real grass requires regular mowing, watering (especially during dry spells), w**ding and fertilising. This can be time-consuming and expensive.

• Weather Dependent: Its appearance is heavily influenced by the weather. It can become muddy and waterlogged in winter, and turn brown and dry in summer.

• Allergies: For some people, pollen from grass can trigger allergies.

• Wear and Tear: High-traffic areas can quickly become worn, patchy, and muddy, particularly with children or pets.

• Limited Usability: It can be unusable during very wet or very dry periods.

♦️Artificial Grass

✅ Pros:

• Low Maintenance: No mowing, watering, w**ding, or fertilizing is required, saving time and money on upkeep.

• Year-Round Greenery: It maintains a pristine, green appearance regardless of the weather or season.

• Durability: Artificial grass is highly durable and can withstand heavy use, making it ideal for families with children or pets.

• No Allergies: It eliminates grass pollen, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers.

• Cleanliness: No mud means no muddy footprints or paw prints brought into the house.

• Water Conservation: Reduces the need for watering, which is good for the environment and your water bill.

❌ Cons:

• High Initial Cost: The upfront cost of purchasing and installing artificial grass is significantly higher than real grass.

• Heat Retention: Artificial grass can get very hot in direct sunlight, making it uncomfortable to walk or sit on during warm weather. Not ideal if you have pets.

• Environmental Concerns (Microplastics & Disposal): Made from plastics, it contributes to microplastic pollution over time and is difficult to recycle at the end of its lifespan. It also doesn't support local ecosystems.

• Unnatural Feel and Look: While improving, it still doesn't replicate the exact feel and natural look of real grass.

• Drainage Issues (Potentially): If not installed correctly, it can lead to poor drainage and standing water.

• Odour Build-up: Pet urine can lead to odour build-up if not regularly cleaned.

• Lifespan: While durable, it eventually degrades and will need replacing, typically after 10-15 years, contributing to landfill waste.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities, lifestyle, budget, and how you intend to use your outdoor space.

We install and refresh artificial grass, so please do reach out if this is something that you are thinking of installing.

Have you recently bought a new build? Congratulation! 🙌🏼We regularly help homeowners turn muddy plots into:* Patios & pa...
04/03/2026

Have you recently bought a new build? Congratulation! 🙌🏼

We regularly help homeowners turn muddy plots into:

* Patios & paths
* Shed bases
* Fencing & privacy
* Raised gardens

Let me know if you would like to discuss options to suit your needs and budget.

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