What to use to fix patio pointing

[JamesHughes]

Hello all,

I jet washed the patio last weekend, and blasted out quite a bit of pointing in the process before I realised what was happening. Looking at what came out, its pretty crumbly stuff.

Firstly, should jet washing have blasted this stuff out, or was it badly pointed in the first place? (Just moved in, so it wasn't me!!)

What should I use to point the slabs now (they are a whitey yellow colour, quite pale)

James

 

[Thermo]

a 1:3 mix of building sand and cemenet, slightly damp worked into all the joints.

 

[JamesHughes]

Thanks.

By damp, would that be crumbly, rather that dry or fluid? Not sure at what point things become damp!!!!

Rgds

James

 

[Thermo]

you want it so you can mould it in your hand and not leave any staining on your hand or any liquid squeezed out.

 

[skybluescooby]

Thermo- You say a 1-3 mix with building sand and cement..
Should that read a 1-3 mix with cement and building sand ??

 

[Thermo]

yes, i was in a rush. It will be a bit too strong otherwise!

 

[JamesHughes]

Cheers all,

will give that a go.

James

 

[gcol]

Just my 2ps worth, but I find if you just use a damp mix then it doesn't get a proper grip on the flags - and can easily get power washed out. Crumbles too.
I use the same consistency as bricklaying mortar with the same building sand/cement mix of 3:1. I add a bit of plastciser to make it a bit more workable too. Sets like rock - you can power wash that as much as you like and it won't budge.

 

[Thermo]

as long as you work it in properly and dont brush it then it works well. i usually give it a fine mist spray of water after as well.