Patio Repair Tips to Enhance Your Garden

Your garden is a haven of the home. A place where you can enjoy long summer nights, indulge in green-fingered hobbies and keep the kids entertained in the fresh air. However, sometimes it can slide into a state that makes it less of a haven and more of an eyesore. One of the main causes of this is the patio.

Cracked tiles, invasions of weeds and uneven surfaces can rapidly transform what was once a stunning addition to your garden into something much less desirable and welcoming.

In this blog, we’ll cover some of the ways to repair your patio and help make your garden more of what you want it to be.

What are the common areas needing patio repair?

If you have had your patio laid by specialist surfacing contractors, it will likely have been laid using high-quality materials that should last a long time. However, damage is still possible, especially if the patio hasn’t been well looked after. In some cases, unreliable surfacing companies will lay almost any surface materials to complete the job, not taking into account the ground it's being laid upon or the way the patio is likely to be used.

Both of these factors play a part in the common issues we find when it comes to repairing or laying a new patio.

In most cases, patio repairs are required for cracked or broken paving slabs, but sinking tiles, splits in the surface or discolouration are also common.

If you encounter any of these, you can opt to tackle some DIY or speak to surfacing experts who can advise if the problem is far bigger than what you see on the surface.

How to repair sinking patio slabs or bricks

Uneven slabs or bricks not only compromise the overall aesthetic of your garden patio but may also pose a safety risk. With slabs of varying heights, it becomes much easier for someone to trip, and with the corners of a slab jutting out, injury risk is increased too.

To repair this issue can be quite easy though:

• Remove any sinking slabs
• Remove the ground underneath the sinking slab by at least 3 inches
• Create a level surface where the sinking slab was by using approximately 2 inches of coarse stones.
• Add one or two inches of fine gravel.
• Put the patio slab back in place
• You’ll see the new slab(s) sit(s) a little higher than the others. This is fine. They will gradually sink into the correct level.
• Use sand to fill the gaps between the slabs.

It’s that simple! If though, multiple slabs are uneven, it might be that the surface beneath them isn’t suitable, and you might be better off hiring a surfacing specialist to create the ideal patio for you.

Patio pointing repair

Patio pointing repair is another simple fix that shouldn’t take you too much time. The pointing between slabs can occasionally crack. This makes for an unsightly patio! First, grab your goggles, hammer and chisel. It could get a little messy!

• With the hammer and chisel, chip away at the pointing to remove the original material that sat between the slabs.
• With a mix of sand and cement fill the gaps between the slabs. Don’t leave any gaps!
• Press the mix between each slab to get maximum fill.
• Brush away the leftover mix and leave your new pointing to set.

How to repair cracks in patio slabs

Much like sinking slabs or bricks, cracks can pose a trip hazard in addition to making your patio look a little worn down. The cracks can sometimes be minimal and do not require a full replacement of the slab meaning you can restore them fairly easily.

• Using your chisel, remove any loose or damaged material from the slab.
• Using a concrete repair product, mixed to the instructions of the manufacturer, apply it to the cracks with a trowel. Make sure you reach the bottom of the crack for added stability and less chance of a repeat of the cracking.
• Smooth off the surface and leave to set. Ideally, cover it and leave it for 2-3 days for optimal results.

Replacing patio slabs

If your slabs are damaged and a simple crack filling or re-levelling isn’t going to sort the problem, you’ll likely need to replace the slab. Arm yourself with your goggles, hammer and chisel again.

• Release the slab by breaking down the substance holding them together. Use your hammer and chisel to chip away at it.
• With a spade, your hands or any other tool that helps you gain leverage, lift out the slab.
• Remove the old mortar underneath the original slab.
• Where mortar was used, mix mortar with cement and sand to create a fresh mix that which the new slab can be placed. Ensure it is level first though.
• If there is no mortar under your tiles, and you instead find sand, level out the existing sand, adding extra if needed.
• Lay your new slab, firmly pushing it into place.
• Fill the gaps between tiles with mortar.

How do you fix a brick patio?

Brick patios provide a stunning addition to the garden, like patios with paving slabs, they can also get damaged. Sinking of the bricks can be common if the patio hasn’t been laid properly. To fix this, you’ll need to:

• Remove the sinking or damaged bricks.
• Remove clay and soil from the old bricks.
• Fill holes in the sand with ground limestone, pushing it down until it is level.
• Add an inch of sand to the top of the limestone.
• Carefully line up your brick(s) in the gap(s).
• Tap into place with a mallet.
• Fill the gaps between bricks with sand.

These all sound like relatively easy jobs and with our tips, they can be. However, we know that not everyone feels confident dabbling with some DIY. That’s why we are here! If your patio has seen better days we can help restore it to its best. And, if you don’t yet have a patio, what are you waiting for? A well-laid patio and a landscaped garden can add significant value to your home! Furthermore, it enhances your home giving you more space to relax, work and entertain. Why not speak to the Southeast's leading surfacing specialists? Our knowledgeable team have more than 40 years of experience in all aspects of commercial and residential surfacing and will offer impartial, expert advice so you get the best patio for your garden.