New grouting for the patio..

gabyjane

Having used our Karcher jet washer yesterday it seems to ahve done more damage than good! It has taken the grouting out between some of the patio slabs we have down and wondered what it is we buy..cement? or is there a proper name for it? also do they do dif colours? ours is a light grey type.

Thanks

keystone

Its most likely a sand/cement mixture. They greyer it is the more cement will be in the mix but its most likely a 3:1 ratio.

Cheers

wallbash

Best way is a ready mix , yes its more expensive , but will give a consistent colour.
Try and use a very dry mix, when squeezed in the hand the 'ball' should remain in one piece but NOT leave a stain/smear/ mess on your hand.Use a small trowel, and with a chopping action force the mix into the gap. Then a quick press/wipe for a good finish.
Find something soft to sit on. listen to the radio and dont rush.

davemorton

Does putting it in dry, as a dust, then watering it work okay??

wallbash

No! first time you turn a pressure washer on ,it will all fall out. Even if you don't use a washer will only last one winter.I did some crazy paving over 25 years ago , pointing/grouting is as good as ever. Do it once , do it correctly.

CashisKing

If your slabs are almost butt jointed (2-3mm gap between) then I would say dry is best, it wont stand up to a pressure washer though.

Ideally do on a sunny day.
Using a watering can libarally pour water down all the cracks between the slabs.

Wait until the surface of the slabs is bone dry then

Mix 3 parts kiln dried sand (or other very dry soft sand) and 1 cement.

Brush into cracks using a soft brush etc removing excess from the surface.

optimus_primera

davemorton wrote: »

Does putting it in dry, as a dust, then watering it work okay??

Other way round. water it first then add dry mix.

oldernotsowise

you could take a visit to wickes and buy a tub of ready prepared patio grout.
I have used this product (available in grey or buff) and found it easy to use.
Best way to describe it is to say it is sand containing a resin mix.Each tub has two foil bags when one is opened it starts to react with air and over aperiod of hours sets hard.
Easy to brush in and does not stain

Bobby_T_2

You have two options first expensive ready-made patio grout or sand and cement.

A ready mixed patio grout tub can be bought from B & Q for £14.99p cheaper than the £21.00p from Wicks read the instructions on the tub before applying, Oh and if possible check the tubs contents before buys as they some times go hard in the tub if not sealed properly. This can be brushed into the gaps or pushed in with a small trowel only do this on a bone dry day.

Sand and cement Mix 4-1 add a little water and a small amount of plasteriser, so it will mix properly but don't make it soaking wet this type of mix is called semi dry, wait for a bone dry day before attempting this if you get the mix right you can brush this mix into your gaps, Or push it into the gaps using a small trowel. It will go completely hard in a few hours to a few days dependant on how much moisture in the air or if it rains.

gabyjane

Hi thanks for the replies.

Due to the fact neither of us are very good at ratios i think the bought stuff is easier and quicker to do however done properly of course! There is a very small bit come out on one of our steps in the back garden, one bit on the patio and one bit on our front door step..my fault as pressure washed iot right on the grout as made them all clean again but obviously too powerful for parts! All minimal but if left will no doubt cause problems.

Will check out B&Q next time in as don't have a wickes by us, thanks again x