cement mixes

Stephen · 2015-12-03T09:27:02+00:00

Hello, I read this on the paving expert web site: "There is often a temptation for installers to use either a mortar with a higher cement content, say a 3:1 mix in place of a 6:1 mix, to use PVA as an alleged bonding agent, or to combine a cement-rich mortar with PVA and hope for the best. Adding cement to a mortar does not, in very general terms, improve its adhesive properties, and PVA, being water-soluble, is a sort-term fix that will eventually be washed away." It goes on to recommend using SBR. My question is, I have always followed the instructions on the cement bag, which says to use 5:1 for general use or 3:1 for a strong mix. The advice above, appears to contradict that, saying a stronger mix will not actually be stronger. To put this into context, the paragraph is talking about cementing pavers as the treads of garden steps. I did use SBR as the web site recommended, and they do seem rock solid but I was not using a 6:1 mix. Could I have saved cement by doing so? What ratios do you use? Thanks, Stephen.