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PRO

Advice needed for patio grouting

Hi all,I know this has been discussed many times in various guises but I can't find a definitive answer.I have a large patio where all the grouting has over many years disappeared. As a result there are now some loose slabs. I am looking for a cheap (customers request) solution. I need to replace the grout and relay one or two slabs. Ideally the patio would be relaid but that is not an option. I'm looking for a cheap but efficient method of tidying it all up.Does anyone have a good idea on the best and most efficient method and/or product on how to replace the grout without breaking the bank!The patio is approx 350 to 400 sq ft and each gap is around half to one inch. In some places there is no grout at all.Can I use a sand and cement mix and brush it in and if so what mix, sand type and cement powder or do you recommend an alternative.All advice is welcome.Thanks

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  • PRO

    Thats about 35-40m2. Should be halfday to a day to rake out and prep( depends on what its like to start) which would include relaying loose slabs and 2 days to point with a wet mix. I only do old style wet mix pointing with real mortar but you could pay the extra for the resin bonded stuff as it  lays so fast but i don't really like it myself.  I'd never put my name to dry brush in sand cement mix. I think it needs to be consolidated by striking off which you can't do with brush in. Also the way i do it i push the wet pointing mix all the way down into the bottom of the joint and if the paving is not laid on a full bed it helps support round the edge of each slab. Strike it off flat as its quicker than weather struck and makes it easier where joints change direction. Point out to the customer that the price of a job well done is a lot cheaper than a new patio and will last longer than a cheap and nasty rush job. Ive done plenty and they hold up well if done right, look great when finished, and they're a nice earner too.

  • PRO

    a product called easy joint is brush with water in but its about £30 a tub does about 7 sq mtrs 

    as for the slabs is it a mortar base they are on. if so i sometimes use sbr and cement mixed into a liquid kind of paste in a thin layer acts a bit like super glue 

  • PRO

    Andy,

    If you want to know more about resins then check out pavingexpert.com - its on there and the site is like an encyclopedia. Think he's even done case studies on different resins.

    Can't help with brand names but iv'e worked with one that comes in tub of water, use plenty of water on the slabs as a medium to get it to move around and brush into the joints and whatever is left over you can put back in the tub and save for another day. Easy peasy. Only used it one on a tiny patio of about 12m. Needed 2 tubs at about £25-30 each but pointed it in about 10 or 15mins. Would be loads faster next time now i know what to expect.

    Trade off with resin is cost of resin versus speed. Deep joints will need more material at more expense. We did a new install and laid on a full bed with joint of the recommended depth of 20mm which reduces the amount of product you need.

    Its got its place i guess but i prefer real mortar and i really love doing it as a task in itself whereas i know loads of people that hate pointing are turning to the resin. I make on the labour whereas they don't.

    As an aside i had to break a load of badly laid resin out last year. Clients son did it - poor prep and not enough product! What a nightmare. It just crumbles to like little grains of sand and dust and also after one season it had algae all over it. If you don't strike it off it sets with a rough surface just right for algae moss and lichen to get hold.

    Sorry for the ramble - missus gone to bed early so i got the time today.

    Good luck whatever you decide.

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