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Your biggest problem will be the weeds. I would say make sure those have been completely killed eg roundup then a follow-up spray to catch any survivors. Otherwise the joints will just get pushed out again.
Thanks Tim, I dont use weed killers, so have jet washed then hand weeded.
One of my enduring memories is of seeing a newly tarmacked pavement being lifted up and fragmented by dandelions, taught me a lot about the power of plants. If you're not going to use weedkiller I would hand weed or reat with vinegar or whatever several times until they stop coming back, before filling the joints.
You could lessen the void with a bit of damp 3:1 muck then top up with the jointing compound. But if your going Todo that way you might as well do it the time consuming old fashion way.
If doing it the old way you have to push it in real tight or the water wil get into any voids and the frost will blow the joints out. For big joints I'd either used sharp sand(for strength) or 2parts soft 1part sharp 1part cement.
I repointed a patio last week approx 20m it took me 14hrs, small slabs. On random Indian sand stone I point a 5m per hr with 10-20mm joints.
If I used compound in the 20m it would have taken 2hrs or less. Compound is expensive but it saves a lot of time.
Pavingexpert website has a calculator for this and explains the different methods.
If you won't use chemical, how about pouring some salt on each of the weed areas before using jointing compound. Absolute doddle to use (overestimate how much you need in the price) SOOOOO much faster than traditional cement pointing.
I'd part fill any really deep gaps with a bit of damp sharp sand
Or tip vinegar in the joints..
You can partial fill the deeper joint with sand and cement prior to using East joint but do not exceed ratios of 6:1 as the bedding mix must remain permeable. 3:1 is too strong to do this. The minimum joint depth for easyjoint is 20mm.
Also on an old patio ensure there is no movement in any of the paving (even minor) prior to jointing or they will fail again.
As with all jobs like this, the time is in the preparation! Easy joint,as the name suggests is the easy bit.
Good luck
I have used many products over the years and all have been successful. Some you just brush in and walk away other you then sprinkle with a watering can . The last product I used you added a small amount of water to it and brushed it in and lightly hosed off . All of these type of products you need to apply quickly so for a larger area id take a mate along.
YouTube have many clips on how to apply the particular product
Re not using weed killer i agree vinegar or salt will do the job
I hope this helps