Read our comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about Flowpoint flowable grout. As Flowpoint stockists, we answer common questions such as ‘What is Flowpoint?’ and uncover the recommended application methods, how to prevent stains and the ideal temperatures for application.
About Flowpoint
Flowpoint is a rapid-setting flowable grout that is applied as a wet slurry to fix patios, pavers, terraces and pavements in place and prevent weeds from growing between slabs.
Simple to use and with a setting time of as little as 15 minutes (at temperatures of 20oC), the hardened Flowpoint paving grout is ready to be cleaned after 30 minutes and walked on after one hour. It can receive car traffic after four hours. When applied correctly, this paving grout can last beyond 40 years without needing to regrout.
Ideal for both domestic and commercial paving projects, Flowpoint can be used with all types of manufactured and natural stone – including slate, sandstone, porcelain, limestone, Indian stone, plus concrete, clay pavers and granite setts.
Flowpoint is available in either natural grey and charcoal and comes in four variations:
- Flowpoint Standard Set
- Flowpoint Smooth – perfect for narrow joints and use with porcelain
- Flowpoint ECO – made from 20% recycled materials
- Flowpoint Fine – fine grade for a more contemporary finish
Flowpoint is a cement-based product that is made from a mixture of Portland cement (made from concrete, stucco, mortar and grout) and a blend of special aggregates.
Four variations of the Flowpoint formula are available: Standard Set, Smooth (ideal for pavers with narrower joints), Fine (for a more contemporary finish) and ECO. Flowpoint ECO is made from 20% recycled glass, reducing the amount of virgin aggregates used direct from a mine or quarry
Flowpoint comes as a premixed, dry product. Add the specified amount of water and mix for 3–5 minutes until smooth for it to be ready to apply to your paving project.
When applied correctly, Flowpoint flowable grout can last beyond 20 years without the need to grout the paving again. But the manufacturer Ultrascape says that Flowpoint will last beyond 40 years without needing to regrout when applied together with other products in the Ultrascape Mortar Paving System. This system involves using Flowpoint with Eco-bed bedding mortar and Pro-Prime slurry primer.
After purchasing a bag of Flowpoint, it can be used on a paving project within eight months.
Flowpoint is a rapid-setting grout that can take as little as 15 minutes to set when the temperature is 20oC. As a rule of thumb, the hotter the temperature, the faster the Flowpoint slurry grout will set. It will take a little longer for Flowpoint to set during colder temperatures.
When applying Flowpoint, you must keep the area damp to stop the grout from hardening on surfaces. Use a rubber squeegee to remove the grout from the top of the pavers immediately after application.
Two washes are then needed. Before the initial wash, place the pads of your fingers into the jointing grout to see whether it has set enough. If you can see fingerprints in the grout, it is too soon for a wash-off. Once there aren’t any indentations, begin a gentle wash was a sponge machine, washboy or spray hose. If using a hose, focus on removing the slurry from the surfaces rather than pointing the water into the joints.
Following the final wash – usually after 30 minutes – you want to see clean water alone running off the slabs. After one hour you can walk on the pavers. A car can drive over the area after four hours.
If you are applying Flowpoint on a very hot day, it is best to apply the slurry grout during the early morning or late afternoon when the temperature is low or falling. Avoid applying Flowpoint during the midday sun on a hot summer day – if the temperature is over 30oC, the flowable grout will set instantly.
No. As a cementitious-based grout, Flowpoint is non-permeable, meaning it doesn’t allow water to pass through it once set.
A bag of dry-mixed Flowpoint paving grout can be used for up to eight months, providing it remains unopened in its original packaging. Flowpoint must be stored between 5˚C and 30˚C, clear of the ground in cool dry conditions, avoiding frost, drafts and damp conditions.
You can buy the Standard, Smooth and ECO formulas of Flowpoint flowable grout in 25kg reinforced paper bags. Flowpoint Fine is available to buy in 20kg buckets.
Once mixed with water, one 25kg bag of Flowpoint will cover approximately 7–10 square metres of paving. However, this coverage varies depending on the size of the paving and the width and depth of your joints.
Call us on 0330 122 1025 to provide your measurements so we can calculate how many bags of Flowpoint you will need for your paving project. Or use the handy Flowpoint calculator on our website.
Weather conditions for application
Yes, you can use Flowpoint during light rain, but as long as the paving joints are not filling up with rainwater. Applying Flowpoint flowable grout on a damp day is actually beneficial to the job as it will stop the wet slurry from setting too quickly.
Before applying Flowpoint, the surfaces of the paving slabs and joints should be pre-soaked. You must keep the whole area damp until you have finished applying the wet slurry – if it is not raining, mist the pavers with a light spray of water.
Whatever the weather, the pavers will still need two washes after the mortar has hardened to thoroughly clean the surfaces of the slabs, prevent hardened mortar and avoid stains.
Read our article on applying Flowpoint in the rain for more advice.
Yes, Flowpoint flowable grout can be used in hot weather. However, you must not apply Flowpoint if the temperature is over 30oC as it will set instantly. The grout will take as little as 15 minutes to set at 20oC, and a little longer during cooler temperatures.
If you are using Flowpoint to grout paving slabs and patios on a hot day, try to avoid the midday sun. Instead apply Flowpoint in the early morning or later in the afternoon when the temperature will be much lower.
When applying Flowpoint, we recommend keeping the area damp until you have finished applying the slurry grout. For this reason, a damp day is preferred.
Yes. Flowpoint flowable grout can be used during cold weather at temperatures of 5°C and rising. However, some contractors report being able to apply Flowpoint during temperatures of 2°C and rising.
Ground temperature will always be 2–3°C colder than air temperature. You must always ensure the ground is not frozen and that the temperature is set to rise. If the product starts to freeze, cracks can later form in the hardened mortar due to water ingress.
When applying Flowpoint during cold weather, follow our essential tips:
- The outdoor temperature should be 5°C and rising (some reports say 2°C is ok)
- Check the ground is not frozen
- Grout later in the day when the weather should be warmer
- Check the hose pipe and sponge machine are frost free
- Mix the formula for longer to add more heat
- Allow for a longer curing time
Read our article on grouting during cold weather for more advice.
What is Flowpoint suitable for?
Flowpoint flowable grout can be used with pavers and slabs made from:
- Sandstone
- Indian stone
- Slate
- Porcelain (we recommend either Flowpoint Fine or Smooth)
- Limestone
- Granite setts
- Concrete slabs
- Clay pavers
- Plus, any other man-made or natural stone, regardless of their finish
Please note: Flowpoint is not recommended for use with some darker limestone, such as black limestone, as it can lead to a slight oxidisation. Call our expert team if you would like further advice on the ideal grout for darker limestone.
Flowpoint flowable grout can be used on any outdoor commercial, professional landscaping or domestic paving project such as:
- Patios
- Terraces
- Driveways
- Pedestrian areas
- Pavements
- Plus, any other types of paving projects
Yes. Flowpoint rapid-setting flowable grout is an ideal option for preventing weeds from growing between pavers. As a cement-based grout, Flowpoint can prevent weeds from growing between paving cracks for years.
When applying Flowpoint, just make sure the joints are fully filled – with no gaps or cracks – to prevent weed growth.
It depends on the Flowpoint product you are using.
Flowpoint Standard Set and Flowpoint Smooth can both be used to fill paving joints that are 3–50mm wide. Both products can be used for joints with a depth of 20–200mm. With a smoother formula, Flowpoint Smooth is ideal for narrower joints.
Flowpoint Fine can be used to fill void-free joints because of its high fluid consistency. Joint widths should be between 2mm and 50mm wide. Read more about Flowpoint Fine in our blog.
Flowpoint ECO contains 20% recycled glass and so cannot be used to fill very narrow joints that are less than 5mm wide. Use Flowpoint ECO to fill paving joints that are 5–50mm wide and 20–200mm deep.
Yes. Flowpoint rapid-setting grout can be used with porcelain pavers, plus any manmade and natural stone.
We recommend using either Flowpoint Fine or Flowpoint Smooth with porcelain pavers.
Flowpoint Fine has been developed with contemporary tiles such as porcelain and sawn sandstone in mind. With no visible aggregate and a high fluid consistency, it provides a sleek, indoor look to outdoor paving.
With a much smoother consistency than Standard or ECO, Flowpoint Smooth works well with narrower joints of 3mm and will suit the look of more contemporary materials and gardens.
How to use Flowpoint
Follow these ten steps to use the long-lasting Flowpoint wet slurry grout to fill paving joints:
- Clean the paver surfaces and joints so they are free from debris and any pooled water
- Pre-soak the paving joints and surfaces with water to ensure they are damp – a light spray of water should do the trick
- Add the specified amount of water to a bucket and then add-in the Flowpoint formula
- Using a force-action mixer or paddle mixer, mix for 3–5 minutes until the consistency is smooth and free of lumps
- Ensuring the area is still damp, apply the mixture immediately by carefully forcing Flowpoint into the joints using a rubber squeegee or using a Berta Sponge Machine – Flowpoint can set within as little as 15 minutes (at temperatures of 20oC) so you will need to act fast
- Move the Flowpoint slurry grout constantly around the patio surface to top-up joints where the mortar has sunk
- Use the rubber squeegee to remove as much of the paving grout from the surface of the slabs – still keep the surfaces constantly damp to prevent the grout from hardening
- Use a brush and lots of water – or alternatively a sponge machine – to remove any grout that has hardened on the paving surfaces
- Once the mortar is dry (after 30 minutes), clean the surface of paving slabs thoroughly to remove any spots of mortar and prevent staining
- The pavers are ready to walk on after one hour and can receive car traffic after four hours
Using Flowpoint Fine?
For the best results, use 4.25 litres of water for each 25kg bag of Flowpoint rapid-setting grout. Add the water to an empty bucket, add a bag of Flowpoint and mix thoroughly for 3–5 minutes until smooth and lump-free.
Before and during application, extra water is needed to dampen – rather than saturate – the paving joints and pavers and stop the wet slurry from hardening on the surfaces. After application, use a spray hose or sponge machine for two wash cycles to remove excess Flowpoint from the surfaces and prevent stains.
Adjustment for Flowpoint Fine
Flowpoint Fine comes in a 20kg tub and has a slightly different consistency to the other grades of Flowpoint. Instead, add 3.4 litres of water to a bucket before pouring in the mixture. Find out more
Always start with a bucket containing the water before adding in the Flowpoint formula (clumps can form when you do the reverse and add water to the formula). Use the valve to open the bag and pour the mixture in. Mix for 3–5 minutes using a force-action mixer or paddle mixer.
You want to achieve a smooth consistency that is free of lumps before applying the wet slurry to grout the paving joints. This will ensure that only a very fine film is applied to the surfaces during application, which is then later washed away.
Yes, you can use a pressure washer, hose or sponge machine while applying Flowpoint to pavers.
When using a pressure washer or hose, take care not to apply too much pressure directly into the joints. The idea is to keep the paving surfaces damp and remove any grout on the surfaces. Do not aggravate the setting grout in the joints themselves. Once the grout looks to have set, return 20 minutes later and clean the paving surfaces again. You may want to use a brush.
After applying Flowpoint, you can use a sponge machine straight away to remove any grout from the surface of the paving.
Stain prevention with Flowpoint
When applied correctly, Flowpoint slurry grout does not leave stains on the surfaces of your paving materials, regardless of whether they are made from manufactured or natural stone.
When applying Flowpoint, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the paving surfaces and joints damp and thoroughly clean-off any excess mortar.
Follow these tips to avoid any stains:
- Clean and dampen the paving joints and surfaces with water
- Keep the area damp with a light misting of water during application
- Use a rubber squeegee to immediately remove any excess paving grout
- Use either a sponge machine or a brush and lots of water to remove any hardened mortar from the surfaces
- After 30 minutes of applying the grout (and once it has fully hardened), clean the surfaces thoroughly to remove any spots and prevent staining
When used correctly, Flowpoint does not create efflorescence stains. If efflorescence has developed, consider using a high-quality cleaning product to remove it. Lithofin products, such as Lithofin Power-Clean (for natural and artificial stone) and Lithofin Builders’ Clean (for granite and acid-resistant stone) are popular choices for removing efflorescence and other stains.
Tips to avoid efflorescence
When applying Flowpoint, you should avoid washing it off with excessive amounts of water – doing so can increase the risk of efflorescence. Never spray a hose or pressure washer directly into the paving joints while applying the grout. Instead, spray the water on the paving surfaces to clean them.
Read our article on how to prevent efflorescence for more in-depth advice on avoiding these reflective stains.
Yes, you can use a sealer over Flowpoint.
Paving Guard is a surface sealant that forms a protective barrier against oil and grease. It can even protect against stains from dog poo and reduces the risk of gum sticking to the paving. Paving Guard is solvent-free.
Troubleshooting techniques
While grouting your patio, if you have excess Flowpoint wet slurry that has nowhere to flow to, you have three options.
You can either push excess Flowpoint into:
- The next area you will be paving.
- A grassed area: use a shovel to lift a patch of adjacent grass and run the excess wet slurry into it. Re-lay the grass once the product has set.
- An impervious bunded area: once set, remove and dispose of the dried excess grout.
Never push excess Flowpoint down a drain and take care to ensure the slurry does not inadvertently enter any nearby drains. It is a rapid-setting grout and will create a permanent blockage.
One 25kg bag of Flowpoint flowable paving grout will cover an area of paving approximately 7–10 square metres. However, this coverage varies depending on the size of the paving and width and depth of the joints.
When buying Flowpoint, use our handy calculator to see how many bags of Flowpoint you need based on the:
- Paving area (in square metres)
- Slab width and length (in mm)
- Joint width and depth (in mm)
If you’re still unsure, we’re here to help. Call us on 0330 122 1025 to provide your measurements and we will calculate this for you.
Grouting hot tubs with Flowpoint
An above-ground hot tub must be placed on a solid and level surface that can support the weight of a filled tub and the people sitting in it. A well-laid patio made of either natural stone or concrete can support this weight. For extra stability and longevity, it is important to use a quality bedding mortar and strong jointing compound that won’t disintegrate – we recommend Ultrascape Eco-Bed Bedding Mortar and Flowpoint wet slurry grout.
Never place the tub on grass or concrete ground as the unstable and uneven surface can cause warping and water spills. Timber decking is an option, but it needs to be extremely well designed and reinforced to carry the weight of a hot tub.
Speak with a qualified landscaping contractor who can help you create a safe and solid foundation for your hot tub. If you want to discuss the options with us, call our team on 0330 122 1025 (Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5.30pm).
If you are installing an above-ground hot tub, a concrete or natural stone patio is an ideal option. Above all else, the foundation must be both solid, level and strong. Together, Ultrascape Eco-Bed Bedding Mortar and Flowpoint wet slurry grout provide the right amount of stability and longevity for a patio to withstand the extra weight for years to come.
Your new hot tub needs to be placed onto a level base to ensure that the weight of the tub, water and people within it are displaced across the ground evenly. Without a level base, your hot tub is likely to warp and it will cause unnecessary strains on the tub’s structure. An uneven base also risks water spilling over the side.
Yes, a hot tub can be placed on patio pavers. For extra stability, longevity and to handle any water spills from the hot tub itself, our experts recommend using:
- Concrete or natural stone pavers
- A stable, solid foundation with Ultrascape Eco-Bed Bedding Mortar
- A strong, long-lasting jointing compound with Flowpoint wet slurry grout
It is always best practice to create a full, level bed for the patio using a quality bedding mortar. One of the added benefits of using Flowpoint wet slurry grout is if there are any gaps or inconsistencies in the bedding mortar, Flowpoint will find its way to them and make the patio even stronger.
Although most hot tubs are relatively light when empty, your patio will also need to withstand the weight of the water in the tub plus the maximum weight of the number of people who will be in the tub at any one time.
When deciding whether your patio will withstand the weight of a hot tub, you should consider the:
- Type of patio pavers
- Condition of the pavers
- How level the area is
- Bedding mortar below the pavers
- Strength of the jointing compound used between the pavers
Our paving experts recommend creating a strong foundation for your patio using either natural stone or concrete pavers. The foundation must be level and solid – Ultrascape Eco-Bed Bedding Mortar together with Flowpoint slurry grout offer the right amount of stability. Flowpoint grout will also withstand any water spills from the hot tub itself.
It really depends on your budget and how quickly you want the spa experience in your garden. An in-ground hot tub will involve contractor costs including excavation, waste removal, plumbing and tiling, which may take some time to plan and complete. An above-ground hot tub can be overall a cheaper and quicker installation. You just need a solid, level surface that is strong enough to withstand a hot tub full of water and people. Concrete patio pavers – or natural stone pavers – are an affordable and durable choice.
Still have a question about Flowpoint?
If you’re still not sure about whether Flowpoint is the right choice for your paving project or have another burning question about how to use it, get in touch with our expert team on 0330 122 1025. We’re available weekdays, 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Here at The Paving Experts, we are highly-rated Flowpoint stockists and also stock a wide range of paving grouts, bedding mortars and primers, all ready for click and collect from our Tamworth depot. Delivery can also be arranged, both locally and across the country.
