Renovating a patio

[JohnN]

Advice and ideas, please!
My patio, constructed of Noelite paving with ½” gaps, needs re-pointing. Over some 40 years it has done good service and is still firm and level, but has always suffered from the twin evils of weeds and ants.
As it is quite large (30’ x 8’) I am thinking of re-pointing by spreading the dry mix along the joins, brushing in and then spraying the area with a hose. Comments? (I once tried putting wet cement into the joins but it takes ages and leaves stains on the slabs). Questions: Would mixing sodium chlorate into the cement ensure weeds don’t grow for a few years? Or is there a better herbicide? Is there anything I can mix in or spread beforehand to dissuade ants from nesting under the slabs, long term?
Thank you all.
John N

[Mole]

Hi John

The 'dry mix' method has never worked totally satisfactorily for me on new patios (I used to do some hard landscaping), so I think it would be even worse with a renovation. Personally, I would blast out the joints with a power washer, then repoint with a mix which has sharp sand as well as builders sand for strength - mix very well before adding the water.
You can use a plastic sack with the corner cut off like a giant cake icing bag for quick pointing. Use spirits of salt to remove cement stains later.



Hope this helps

Mole

[oldherbaceous]

Good morning John, i'm afraid i totally agree with Mole, i was in the building trade for twenty five years and the best way to do it is point it with mortar.
I've been back to houses after twenty years and the pointing on the patios was nearly as good as the day it was done.
Mole is also right about the mix, using sharp sand and builders sand, it makes for a stronger job, and also makes it easier to use.

If you don't feel like taking the job on yourself, have you thought about paying a reliable builder to do it for you. If you prepare the joints ready, to a depth of an inch if possible, it should be done in a day, so won't cost a fortune. You will then have peace of mind for a long time, no weeds or ants.

Having said all that, when i came out of the building trade a few years ago, there was a new product on the market just for pointing patios. I don't know anything about it, but if you ring your local builders merchants they should be able to give you some advice.