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Last Updated on By Jon
With such seasonal use UK patios are often neglected during the colder months. The inclement British weather can take its toll on your patio grouting causing it to crack. Not only is this unsightly but can be a trip hazard and lead to further damage to your patio area.
Our free guide to repointing a patio will show you all you need to know including dry mix, brush-in compounds and average patio repointing costs for 2024.
Want some average prices to repoint your patio? Take a look below:
Job | Average Cost |
---|---|
Repointing (sqm) | £14.25 |
Crack Repairs (sqm) | £12.35 |
Brush-in Compound (20kg tub) | £33.25 |
Average-sized patio | £237.50 |
(Prices taken from multiple sources and averaged) Prices Checked 12/10/2024 |
There are of course several factors that will influence the overall cost of your project, we've detailed the most influential below:
If you're undertaking this as a DIY project there are a few tools necessary to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible:
Perhaps the most important and time-consuming part of the whole process there is no avoiding the fact that this step is hard work.
Using a combination of your lump hammer and bolster chisel to loosen larger sections of mortar, and the smaller more precise plugging chisel to remove the debris you can clear out the joints.
If the original pointing is particularly difficult to remove, you can use a small angle grinder to make accurate incisions. This however comes at the risk of damaging your patio slabs/stones so is probably best left to professionals that work with such tools daily.
After the chisel work there is bound to be a large amount of smaller debris at the base of your joints which will need to be cleared out. You can use a combination of techniques to clear them out completely including a stiff patio brush, power washer, leaf blower and a standard garden hose. Once you're confident the lines are clear then wet the entire area and move on to the next step.
There are two main options when it comes to repointing your patio as explained below:
Certainly, the most convenient way to repoint a patio, brush-in compounds are perhaps the most popular DIY approach as they are incredibly easy to apply, durable and leave a great finish.
Similar in process to the granule compound above, this comes in bucketed liquid form in various colours and follows the same application process. The only noticeable change in the technique is that once poured into the gaps and brushed into place, additional water will be needed to clear the slab surface completely of the liquid compound.
Both ready-mixed pour in approaches are incredibly convenient, easy to DIY however can be costly per bucket needed.
A more traditional method that comes with additional risks of staining if not carried out properly but can still be achieved as a DIY project.
Optional: At this stage you can leave your newly grouted patio to slowly set, however there is an optional step taken by some which is to lightly mist the patio with a fine hose spray taking care not to dislodge any of the dry mix. This has the benefit of gently washing any residue into the filled lines and helping the cement to cure faster. Care must be taken however to ensure you don't wash away any mix or cause additional staining.
Get Free Patio Repointing Quotes OnlineYou may not need to repoint your entire patio, and it's entirely plausible to carry out some minor repairs. The process is essentially the same, but on a far smaller scale:
If you need to repoint stone paving other than common regular shaped sandstone flagstones, then it may be easier to use a more traditional hand-pointed approach.
You may find that brush in compounds don't work as well with uneven stones.
In this case you can make a 3:1 sand to Portland cement mix and add water until a smooth consistency is achieved. Taking great care to avoid overspill onto the stones (to avoid staining) the mix can be carefully applied with a pointing trowel or for greater precision a grouting bag and nozzle can be used to 'pipe' in the mixture.
Though it is entirely possible to use sharp sand in your pointing mix, the resulting texture will be far coarser in both texture and appearance. You may also find that it is more susceptible to frost damage and general weathering.
Once pointed correctly, your new pointing should last well over 10 years before needing any form of attention other than cleaning. If for any reason it shows any sign of failing before then it is likely that it wasn't installed correctly and may need the attention of a professional.
There are a number of common reasona as to why pointing can fail: