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There comes a time in the life of every patio, terrace, garden paths or any paved area that it will start to look less than new. Years of harsh weather conditions, freezing temperatures, physical damage and hard living will leave it looking tired and dirty.
The worst part of any patio slabs appearance will inevitably be the pointing joints between the paving slabs. Quite often, these will have become loose, broken and even, in some cases, completely gone, and it is then time to do something about it.
Today we are looking at the do-it-yourself method needed to restore your patio pointing back to its former glory so you can entertain your friends and family over the summer with that all-important wow factor added to your garden.
We will cover the four stages that are required, including preparation, cleaning, application and sealing:
What Causes This To Happen?
There are several reasons why your pointing joints have begun to disintegrate, and the most common is wear and tear. Over time the traditional sand and cement mix, known as mortar, will perish as wind, rain, and sunshine make it lose its original strength.
Another widespread reason for destroying the pointing on your patio is ants. Ants often use the crevices underneath paving to make their nest and use any cracks in the pointing as means of entry and exit to their nests. Over time the ants will wear away any of the pointing, leaving you with gaps between your paving slabs.
As most paving has been pointed with this mortar mix over the years due to its strength, it has now become dry and crumbly, partly due to its flexibility or, in this case, lack of it. Landscapers have generally used a 3:1 mix of sand and cement to fill the voids, a time-honoured tradition that will continue to be used.
However, nowadays, with the advent of new landscaping technology, there is a new product on the market that is just as strong but many times more flexible than traditional mortar mix.
That product is known as a jointing compound. It is a silicone based product currently manufactured by a number of companies, including Sika, ProJoint, Bostik, and several own brands made by various builders, merchants and DIY stores.
This is the product we are using for this re-pointing exercise as whilst it is more expensive to buy than the traditional sand and cement mortar mix, it is much more time efficient in the application process, can be used in wet weather so, in turn, it will save you time and money.
Tools For The Job:
- Soft broom
- Stiff broom or brush
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Hose pipe
- Pressure washer
- Rubbish bags (strong)
- Scissors/utility knife
- Small trowel/striking iron
- Roller and tray/paint sprayer
Preparation
When it comes to re-pointing your concrete or natural stone patio paving slabs, the first step is to remove any loose or damaged mortar. This can be done using a hammer and chisel, or for a much quicker and, in many cases, easier way, you can use an angle grinder with a diamond blade.
If using a grinder, be aware that a steady hand is a necessity as you only want to remove the old mortar and not cut into any of your lovely paving slabs.
Grinding out the existing pointing in your patio can be tedious and time-consuming, but it is necessary to maintain the integrity of your outdoor space. The first step is removing debris or loose material from between the stones using a stiff-bristled brush. This will ensure that the grinding process goes smoothly and doesn’t damage any surrounding areas.
Next, use an angle grinder with a diamond blade to grind out the old mortar or sand from between each stone. Be sure to wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask, as this process does create a lot of dust. Take care not to grind too deeply into the stone itself, as this could cause irreversible damage.
Once all all the existing pointing has been ground out, thoroughly sweep any loose debris between each stone and place it into strong rubbish bags before re-pointing or sealing. This may seem like an arduous task, but taking proper care of your patio will extend its lifespan for many years to come.
Pressure Washing Paving
The next stage is one that we recommend before applying any new pointing compound, as it will ensure that your paving slabs are clean and dirt-free. This is the best time to undertake this task as you will be able to focus on those tough ground in stains that are hard to remove.
Another fundamental reason for pressure washing at this stage is that the jointing or pointing compound takes an average of up to 72 hours to cure or set fully, so this is the perfect chance to polish your paving stones thoroughly.
It is crucial to remember when pressure washing your patio to use the right equipment. You’ll need a pressure washer with enough power to effectively clean your paving stones without damaging them.
Additionally, it’s vital to follow proper safety procedures when working with a pressure washer, such as wearing protective gear like goggles and ear defenders and, if you have them, wellington boots too. Please avoid spraying the water directly at people or pets.
Another benefit of pressure washing your patio is that it can help prevent mould and mildew growth. These fungi thrive in damp environments, so removing excess moisture from your paved area can make it less hospitable for them.
Applying The Compound Into Joints
This is the easiest stage in the whole process. The paving jointing compound that will become your new pointing is purchased in boxes that contain a vacuum-sealed pack (usually 2) that will cover an average of 20 square metres per 14kg box but some manufacturers may have different guidelines as this is the details on the Sika All Weather Compound.
The measurement quoted on the box is for the entire square meterage of your entire patio, and it is a straightforward equation to figure this out:
You multiply the length times the width of your paved area.
Example: 7 metres x 8.6 metres = 60.2 square metres.
Once you have the compound, you can start. The first stage is to lightly moisten the paving slab with a hose pipe or watering can, as this can be applied in all weather, as it says on the tin..!!
Once the paving is moist, you open one of the vacuum-sealed bags and pour the contents out onto the patio, but not all of the contents as this compound begins to start setting on contact with oxygen, so a little at a time is the advice we can give. The next stage is to brush in with a long-handled broom with slow and steady strokes, ensuring the pointing joints are filled before moving on.
Although some of the manufacturers do not suggest the following, we do advise that the edges of the paving slabs where it joins the wall should be applied using a small hand trowel of striking iron like one used by a bricklayer, as this is an area on most paving that is susceptible to cracking and movement.
Once you have brushed in the contents of your jointing compound and are satisfied that all pointing joints are filled sufficiently to the top of the paving, you now have to wait until the moistened paving is dry (usually 1 hour in sunny conditions) and sweep off any excess compound.
If you have applied the pointing mix in wet conditions, you must wait until the paved area is dry enough to sweep off that excess.
One other piece of advice that we can give is that the next dry day, it is helpful to go over the paving with a stiff brush or broom to remove any jointing compound that may have collected in any divots or dents in your paving slabs.
Resealing Your Patio
The final stage of the whole process and the one which will benefit all of the other stages if done correctly. Some may think this unnecessary, but you need to reseal the paving slabs to prevent premature cracking and avoid repeating this process sooner than you would like.
When it comes to resealing your patio, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying any sealant. This will ensure that the sealant adheres properly and lasts longer.
Secondly, choose a high-quality sealant that is specifically designed for outdoor use. Look for products that offer UV protection and resistance to water damage. These features will help maintain the appearance of your patio over time.
Finally, apply the sealant evenly using a paint roller or sprayer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and allow ample drying time before walking on or using your newly sealed patio. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a beautiful and protected outdoor space for years without worrying about weathering or wear-and-tear damage.
Conclusion
Whilst the do-it-yourself process of getting your garden summer ready by renewing all of the all the existing pointing can be time consuming it can also be very rewarding. And if you are using a joint compound then you will have the knowledge that you will not have to repeat this step by step guide for a few years.
Of course, DIY is not for everyone, and I admit it can be backbreaking work grinding and sweeping in the compound, so there are plenty of experts who can relay your patio if required.
