One for Dozergirl!

diamond_dave

Need to regrout small section of patio(buff coloured slabs) which is loose and breaking up. Best way to carry this out - dry mix or wet mix? Advice so far differs considerably, so any answers would help, Dozergirl or others.

Gloomendoom

Dozer or Doozer?

stuart45

Is is just the joints that are breaking down, or are the slabs loose and moving as well?

diamond_dave

These are just a few half slabs in a strip along the edge of the patio/garden. Patio has been in place for about 3 years and it seems that they are not moving. From what I can glean from various info the always crack. Fairly easy job but just want to know whats better - dry mix or wet?

stuart45

Bone dry brushed in is used by some people, but not the best method. You need enough water to make it ball in your hand so you can compress it properly into the joints and when jointed with a metal tool will bring enough laitance to the surface to seal the joints.
Too much water means there is more shrinkage in the joints.
Prepare the joints properly and wet down the area allowing the surface to dry before you start.
Use the correct sand. A 50/50 sharp/building sand mix is popular in the trade.

Doozergirl

Yeah, this not a question I'd be great at answering, but you did get a great one! :rotfl:

diamond_dave

Sorry Doozergirl - missed out an"O"! Thanks for all replies.

bris

Kiln dried sand would be my choice, it's so fine it gets into every nook and cranny and seals them up sold. After a couple of weeks top it up when it's settled.