Patio Maintenance

We always recommend regular maintenance to ensure your patio’s longevity and appearance. Due to the weather conditions in the Northwest of England, patios can suffer from damage over time, such as grout loss from joints and weed growth. In these cases, more extensive refurbishment may be required. This could involve lifting sunken areas, re-laying the paving stones to restore the proper levels and drainage, addressing weed and insect nests, and removing any deteriorated or failed joint mortar or grout. Finally, the patio should be re-pointed or re-grouted using the appropriate paving joint material to ensure a lasting finish.

Why is Pointing Important?

Pointing plays a crucial role in both the structural integrity and aesthetic of your patio. Structurally, it strengthens the patio by preventing horizontal movement of the paving slabs. It also seals the gaps between the slabs, stopping surface water from seeping underneath, where it could cause further damage.

Aesthetically, pointing is vital for the patio’s appearance. Our eyes tend to focus on imperfections, especially when viewing materials with precisely cut surfaces like sawn stone or porcelain paving. The sharp, clean edges of these materials can highlight any inconsistencies in the grouting lines, making imperfections more noticeable.

The Process to Repoint Your Patio

1. Clean the Joints and Remove Weeds: Begin by thoroughly cleaning out the old joints and removing any weeds, ensuring the area is clear to a depth of 20mm.
   
   
2. Damp the Surface: Lightly dampen the stones, but don’t soak them. Dry stone can absorb water from the mortar, which may cause “picture-framing,” a residue that’s difficult to clean away.
   
   
3. Choose Your Product: The most recommended products on the market are either brush-in compounds or cement-based materials. Be cautious of “slump,” where mortar sinks into the joints, creating uneven hollows. This is less likely to happen with trowel-in and gun-able products, but if it does, it must be corrected immediately before the pointing hardens. Brush-in patio pointing is more forgiving because it bonds with itself, allowing you to top up joints even after they’ve hardened. However, it’s important to monitor the slump closely to avoid issues. Top up deep joints and hollows and smooth off the surface to avoid needing to revisit the job later.
   
   
4. Clean as You Go: Whether you’re working with natural stone or porcelain, cleaning off the product before it starts to harden makes the process much easier. Wipe away excess mortar before it sets to ensure a clean finish.

Pro Tip: Preparation is key! By following these basic steps and taking your time, you’ll achieve a professional, durable finish without the need for rework. The key is patience and attention to detail.