Learn how to repoint a patio with HandyExperts. Step-by-step guide on repointing using cement, dry mix, and resin.
Years of wear and tear have taken a toll on your back garden. After a long and rainy winter, the state of your patio is more noticeable than ever. The grout between the patio slabs has become loose and cracked, and weeds are growing out of the gaps.
It's time for a change. With the sun making its appearance once again, it is the perfect time to give your patio some attention. What better way to refresh your patio than by repointing the patio slabs?
Repointing your patio is an easy and cost-effective way to make your patio look brand new. But what does repointing mean? Repointing a patio involves removing old grout and reapplying fresh grout between the patio slabs.
Many people can repoint a patio—all you need are the right materials, enough free time (we recommend a full weekend), and maybe a helping hand. If you don't have the time or prefer to get it done by a professional, Handy Experts' skilled team can handle everything from repointing patios to pressure washing paving stones and treating outdoor wooden furniture.
There is no set rule on how often to repoint a patio. Different patio sealers have different lifespans. Factors such as weather conditions and how often you clean the patio will affect the lifespan of your patio grout. The right time to repoint a patio is when you notice the mortar between the slabs starting to crack, crumble, or become riddled with weeds.
There are various methods for repointing patio slabs. Some of the most popular include:
Pressure Wash the Patio Clean the patio slabs to remove any staining, moss, and dirt.
Remove Old Pointing Use a grout rake to remove the old pointing. Sweep away any residue and dirt. Pressure wash again slightly to remove the remaining dirt and dampen the joints.
Create Mortar Mix Follow the product’s instructions to create the right mix. Load the mortar mix into gun injection equipment or use a pointing trowel.
Push Mortar Inside the Joints Push the mortar mix inside the slab joints. Wipe off any mortar that gets on the patio slabs with a clean, damp sponge. Brush off any extra bits of mortar.
Keep It Damp Don’t let the mortar dry out too quickly. After pointing the patio, let it sit for a couple of hours. If the mortar starts to get light, dampen it with a fine mist of water using a hosepipe. The next day, dampen it again with a fine mist a couple of times.
Remove Old Grout Use a grout rake to remove the old pointing. Sweep away any residue and dirt or use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and leftover residue thoroughly.
Create Dry Mix Consult a local professional for advice on the best dry mix ratio for your location. Mix it until you have no crumbly bits of sand. Aim for a consistency that holds together when squeezed. Use safety gloves when testing the consistency.
Push Mix In Use a trowel to insert the dry mix into the joints of the slabs. Compact it down. Repeat until the mix is higher up and firmly compacted. Sweep away any leftover dry mix. Ensure no mix is left on top of the slabs as it might stain. Leave it to cure.
Remove Existing Pointing Use a grout rake to remove the old pointing. Clean the joints thoroughly, scrape out debris with a brush, and vacuum out any old points stuck in the joints.
Soak the Patio Wet the entire patio and the joints with a hosepipe.
Fill Joints and Brush Open the resin compound bag. Turn it upside down and fill the joints with the compound. Use a broom to brush the mix inside the joints. Compact the mix using a pointing trowel. Brush it in and compact again. Mist with water using a hose as you go and brush off any extra resin.
If this seems like too much, why not contact the professionals?
Handy Experts' experienced team can transform your patio quickly and efficiently. Besides repointing patios and pressure washing, our painters and decorators can also paint your home’s exterior and more.
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