Pointing a patio

[garrymum]

Hi guys...

I relayed some loose flags on a bed of mortar - mix of 4 builders sand and 1 cement. I had a little left so put some in another area of the patio where all the jointing has either vanished or loose (joints of about 25mm deep, 20mm wide). This was 3-4 weeks ago. The joints are still quite sandy in colour. The previous joints were/are a grey colour.

I know you can get colours to add to mortar but I am now not so sure if the 4-1 mix (above) is correct for jointing/pointing.

I was intending on purchasing some Geofix but one of the builders merchants I spoke to did not recommend it as it can stain the flags.

Any advice on the best material and method for pointing a patio would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[WabbitPoo]

Search and you shall find

 

[Bylough]

I think your sand must be very coloured as a 4-1 mix sand to cement is definitely a cement colour. I always use 'daubs' of 6-1 under slabs so that it won't stick permanently and you can get it off if you are moving the slabs in the future.
Pointing is around 4sand/1cement.
Hope this helps.
(try pointing with dark grey cement mix- looks quite good)

 

[garrymum]

I think your sand must be very coloured as a 4-1 mix sand to cement is definitely a cement colour. I always use 'daubs' of 6-1 under slabs so that it won't stick permanently and you can get it off if you are moving the slabs in the future.
Pointing is around 4sand/1cement.
Hope this helps.
(try pointing with dark grey cement mix- looks quite good)

Thanks for replying. The current pointing (what's left of it) is grey and does look nice. I used ordinary builders sand for the pointing with a 4-1 mix.

 

[Thermo]

dont use geofix its ****e.

we point with 3:1. Make sure you measure the mix out with smaller buckets to get an even finish all over the patio, when you mix each batch

Dont bother laying slabs on a 6:1 mix with the 5 spot method or dots. It will move over time and become loose.

 

[Bylough]

Right Thermo,
I needed correcting, I was thinking of older heavy 3 by 2 slabs- which don't budge with daubbing.

 

[Thermo]

consider yourself corrected!