How to Repoint a Patio

As we write this, we are in the midst of a cold spell, occasionally punctuated by rain and wind. Such weather conditions tend to force us indoors, leaving the social hub of our garden empty until warmer days arrive. The thing is, when temperatures do finally rise, and you want to start utilising your outdoor space, you look outside, only to notice that the cold snap earlier in the year has left your patio in need of some TLC.

If you have noticed weeds growing between the tiles, the grout is cracked, and the patio looks a little messy, it might be time to repoint your patio.

Patio repointing can be completed quickly and easily. In this blog, we’ll explain what it is, how to do it and when it's best to get it done.

What is patio repointing?

Patio repointing is when you give your patio a new lease of life by removing the old grout and applying new grout to the gaps between the patio slabs. It’s a cost-effective and quick way to reinvigorate your outdoor space and secure the slabs, making your patio safer, more attractive and less likely to be damaged.

How do you know when it’s time to repoint a patio?

Your patio could need repointing at any time of year; however, poor weather conditions can often exacerbate any problems. If any of the issues below are noticeable, it could be time to repoint your patio:

• Weeds are growing between the slabs.
• Slabs move underfoot or feel uneven when walking over them.
• The grout between the tiles is cracking or falling out.
• Water is starting to pool on the surface.

Additionally, if your patio hasn’t been repointed in more than ten years, it would be advisable to consider repointing your patio.

When should I be repointing a patio?

There is no hard and fast rule for when you should repoint your patio, but specific times of year do offer more advantages than others. Both high and low temperatures can make it difficult for the materials to set properly, so Summer and Winter could be avoided. A dry day in either Spring or Autumn may be best. This way, you avoid extreme temperatures and have the best chance of reducing exposure to a climate that is too hot or too cold for the pointing to set properly.

How often do I need to repoint my patio?

This all depends on how well you care for your patio, the weather and the quality of the materials you use. A patio that isn’t regularly cleaned will deteriorate much faster than one that is well-maintained. The best way to determine whether your patio needs repointing is when you notice cracks in the grout, weeds growing between the slabs or the tiles becoming loose. Once any of these issues become apparent, you should start considering repointing your patio.

Patio repointing step by step

If you have noticed that your patio isn’t in the best condition and believe repointing is necessary, our step-by-step walkthrough should help you complete the job quickly, affordably and successfully. You’ll need to decide whether you want to use the concrete, dry-mix or resin-based methods. The dry mix combines sand with concrete, whereas the resin-based method uses a pre-mixed resin-based compound.

Firstly, gather the following equipment:

• Pointing trowel
• Broom
• Grout rake
• Mortar gun
• Plugging chisel
• Hose (or pressure washer)
• Mixing bucket
• Stirrer
• Sand, cement or resin compound
• Goggles
• Gloves

Clean the patio

Clean the patio with your broom, removing debris, weeds and dirt. Once swept, you may need to hose it down to ensure the patio is fully cleaned. In some cases, you can use a pressure washer, but this will depend on the materials your patio is made of. Some materials cannot withstand the force of a pressure washer and may get damaged if this method is used.

Remove weeds, dirt and debris from between the slabs

With the patio clean, you reduce the chances of debris falling into the cracks. Before you can start removing the existing grout, remove weeds, loose grout and any other debris from between the tiles.

Carefully remove existing grout

Using the chisel, carefully remove the grout. Ensure all gaps are free from debris and have no remaining grout in them.

Moisten the joints

By adding a little water to the joints, the new grout won’t dry too fast. Be wary, though; too much water will make it difficult for the material to dry and may actually weaken the surface.

Dry-mix patio repointing

1. Mix four parts sand with 1 part cement. If the mix holds together well when squeezed, it should be good to use.
2. Pour this mix into the joints with a mortar gun. With the pointing trowel, press the mixture firmly into the gaps. Ensure it is well compacted and check that the dry mix is not on the top of the slabs. Sweep away any excess into the joints.
3. Apply a small amount of water to the joints to help the sand and cement bond with the tiles. Leave the patio for 24-48 hours before using it, covering it if it starts to rain.

Resin-bound patio repointing

1. Use the hose to make the paving surface wet.
2. Spread the resin compound over the patio using a soft brush to push it into the joints. With the pointing trowel, press the mix firmly into the gaps.
3. Rinse the patio to remove any residue and reduce the risk of staining.
4. Leave the resin-bound compound to set for 24-48 hours and cover the patio if it starts to rain.

Concrete patio repointing

1. Create the mortar mix as per the manufacturer's instructions
2. Use a mortar gun or pointing trowel to apply the mortar to the gaps.
3. Push the mortar max into the slab joints, making sure that any concrete that gets on the slabs is removed right away.
4. Keep the mortar damp, not soaking wet. Leave it for a few hours. If the mortar gets light, dampen it again. The following day, dampen it a few times at regular intervals.

Is it expensive to repoint a patio?

Repointing a patio may be considered an expensive initial outlay, but for how long it lasts, it’s a good investment. Leaving a patio to degrade is more likely to result in needing a complete patio overhaul, and that could cost much more than the occasional repointing.

Sand and cement mixes are normally cheaper than resin compounds, with costs typically ranging from £10 to £20 per square metre.

If your patio has seen better days, contact Tidey & Webb. We are the Sussex-based surfacing specialists with over forty years of experience in laying and restoring residential and commercial surfaces. Our team of skilled, qualified surfacing experts are on hand to provide high-quality, affordable and long-lasting driveways, footpaths, racetracks, roads, car parks, playgrounds and more.