Keinton flags-pointing help please!

[Carol]

I have spent a very cheerful day popping the awful levelling compound that was partly covering our entrance hall floor, over rather nice Keinton blue lias flagstones. Now I can see why it was applied, as I have some quite large differences in level at the joins, up to a 1cm step.
Can I chamfer the new pointing (lime of course!) between the gap? Any suggestions please, before I seriously consider replacing the underlay and thick carpet I have just taken up. Also what do I use to tint the mortar which (despite being local) is very yellow?

Sorry, I just got tempted to add the sad smiley!

 

[Peter]

Can you lift the flags, level and re-lay?

 

[Gervase]

A centimetre is a big rise - how wide are the gaps between the flags? I'd be wary of chamfering the pointing as it would be very vulnerable.
You could either lift and relay onto silver sand or a hydraulic lime and sand mix, as suggested (presupposing that all the flags are the same thickness!), or just grin and bear it, brushing the pointing mortar to get as close to a chamfer as you dare. But you'll have to contend with lots of trips and stubbed toes, I fear, unless you can put a mat or runner down on the most heavily trodden parts.

 

[Carol]

Lifting not an option, unfortunately as this would probably damage them beyond repair. Worst level changes are in the middle of the hall, so am thinking about thick underlay and a rug to cover this bit. Main concern is safety of visitors as it is main throughway, previously a screens passage. I am still hopeful we can expose them, as OH thought they were better condition than those we have already in other room. Will experiment with pointing then reconsider. Did find several old threads which speak of how exposing and wear 'helps' appearance so am planning to make student daughter pace about a bit on them. She needs the exercise! Wonder if she will trip up....?

 

[Peter]

What are they current laid on? Any idea how thick they are?

 

[Carol]

No idea what they are laid on, all are very solidly bedded in tight with small joints. Thickness is probably about 3.5 /4 cm based on others we have lifted, but the failure rate of these was quite high when we took them up, hence this not being an option. Levels are not quite so bad as initially thought, now all the levelling screed is completely off, except for one central patch. Am now thinking about pointing, is it too warm?

 

[Gervase]

No, not too warm at all. Remember the Romans managed to build Rome without faffing around waiting for dull days. Just keep the pointing damp for a day or so to help carbonation - a bit of damp sacking laid down over it would work a treat.