Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2017 12:31 pm
Hi,
I had an indian sandstone patio laid about 5 years ago and it's starting to look a bit tatty - specifically most of the pointing between flags is broken or coming out. In addition, a few (not many) of the flags rock very slightly when walking on them.
I've got some time on my hands so thought I might try and undertake the repairs myself. I wondered if someone could check my plan please?
I'm going to take all the existing pointing out and clean up the gaps nad make sure no debris (some gaps are quite large (maybe 20 - 25mm).
I then intend to lift the flags that are rocking and add an mortar mix (8:1 moist mix with grit sand) to the areas needed to get the flags to rest without rocking.
Leave for a day or two and then commence re-pointing. Having read up on some posts it seems that there are different views on whether to use a wet mix or dry mix for re-pointing. I was planning on the wet mix as views seem to be that this is longer lasting but care needs to be taken to avoid staining.
So a 3:1 wet mix with builders sand (do I need any grit sand) and some plasticiser. Clean any mix off flags as go along with wet sponge.
Leave for a couple of days.
Does that sound like a reasonable plan? I've read a few posts about using a bonding agent but don't know if that would be required.
Thanks for any help.
I had an indian sandstone patio laid about 5 years ago and it's starting to look a bit tatty - specifically most of the pointing between flags is broken or coming out. In addition, a few (not many) of the flags rock very slightly when walking on them.
I've got some time on my hands so thought I might try and undertake the repairs myself. I wondered if someone could check my plan please?
I'm going to take all the existing pointing out and clean up the gaps nad make sure no debris (some gaps are quite large (maybe 20 - 25mm).
I then intend to lift the flags that are rocking and add an mortar mix (8:1 moist mix with grit sand) to the areas needed to get the flags to rest without rocking.
Leave for a day or two and then commence re-pointing. Having read up on some posts it seems that there are different views on whether to use a wet mix or dry mix for re-pointing. I was planning on the wet mix as views seem to be that this is longer lasting but care needs to be taken to avoid staining.
So a 3:1 wet mix with builders sand (do I need any grit sand) and some plasticiser. Clean any mix off flags as go along with wet sponge.
Leave for a couple of days.
Does that sound like a reasonable plan? I've read a few posts about using a bonding agent but don't know if that would be required.
Thanks for any help.