I am in the process of pressure washing my patio, after that is finished I will need to re-point. Having tried both dry mortar and wet I have still managed to mark the slabs, though it has come off. Is there a reasonably easy and quick way of doing it and keeping the mortar off the slabs? I wondered if something akin to an icing bag might work. Any tips gratefully received.
Re-pointing patio slabs
Nov 12, 2008
10 Replies
I favour something in between. Dry doesn't really work because even a light spray of water tends to throw the powder all over the edges, and only reaches the top layer. Just slightly damp allows you to pack it firmly without any bleeding into the slab edges.
Is there a
I the slabs are stone other than concrete or limestone/marble, treat them with brick acid to clean up afterwards, and use whatever works for you.
I have found that dry is fine - if there is no rain or other spray while still not firm. Overnight dew, or just what is wicked up from the existing slab/mortar, is enough to set the dry mix.
Having done a lot of slabbing over the last year, I will never again use cement/sand mix for pointing the gaps. I always use brush-in ready made mortar mix, around £15 for a small bucket.£25ish for a large one. Gives a good finish, does not mark the slabs, and very easily applied. See here fir oen make of it:
Alan.
Brush dry Postcrete into the cracks, mist coat with water. Set in 10 minutes but can be cleaned off bits it's not wanted on.
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Any idea why they call it Ecofil? Doesn't appear to have any 'eco' credentials or claims.
Unless "Polybutadiene based product extended with silicaceous fillers. Contains less than 0.02% cobalt octoate." is super-eco-friendly. :-)
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'eco' as in economical.
than sharp sand/cement, brushes off easily, so no stains, and available in multiple colours. I tend to do more buff slabs than grey, so it is a godsend being able to put in buff mortar. Alan.
Quite possible I suppose. Rather put off that interpretation by the price. :-)
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