[BanziBarn]

I've done it once before and used a purpose built powder from Wicks which went hard from the moisture from the ground.

It needs redoing again so I was just wondering if this stuff designed specifically for the job is the best thing, or should I just use some ordinary concrete?

Thanks for any tips!

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

I've done it once before and used a purpose built powder from Wicks which went hard from the moisture from the ground.

It needs redoing again so I was just wondering if this stuff designed specifically for the job is the best thing, or should I just use some ordinary concrete?

Thanks for any tips!

Concrete!
No.

Get some sharp sand (ask for screeding sand) and some Portland cement.

Mix it together dry in the following parts:

1 of cement
5 of sharp sand

Brush the dry mix into the joints,pushing it into the joints with an old bucket handle/or a similar tool to push it firmly into the gap,once flush with the top of the slabs,water the patio using a watering can with a fine holed rose.

[rogerxp]

Nice one Ian, I need to do this too, can you opt for different colours?? Also, how do you get the old stuff out, or just this as a base and pack the new mix in the gaps/on top??

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by rogerxp

Nice one Ian, I need to do this too, can you opt for different colours?? Also, how do you get the old stuff out, or just this as a base and pack the new mix in the gaps/on top??

You can use colours yes,plenty of choices.
It comes in either powder form or liquid,for this particular job I'd recommend the powdered variant as ideally you want a dry mix to brush into the joints,you do need to mix it (powder) in well.

Plenty of options here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nk...g&geo_id=32031

If the existing pointing is loose it needs to come out,a club hammer and a small chisel along these lines will suffice nicely:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/sumo-plugg...1-4-x-10/36795

Ideally you want at least a depth of 15mm for the new material,any less and it's likely to crack,and come the winter the moisture will get into the crack,then freeze,then expand and then it's fecked!

[rogerxp]

You free at the weekend

[BanziBarn]

Brilliant advice, thanks!

The purpose made stuff has just turned back to sand over the last 2 years, so I can easily get it out - but obviously I want the next attempt to last longer than 2 years!

[script]

http://www.kingfisheruk.com/item.php?id=GPC20

Much better than mortar,use it all the time...35 years experience!

[BanziBarn]

Originally Posted by script

http://www.kingfisheruk.com/item.php?id=GPC20

Much better than mortar,use it all the time...35 years experience!

This looks nice and easy - perfect.

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by script

http://www.kingfisheruk.com/item.php?id=GPC20

Much better than mortar,use it all the time...35 years experience!

Good gear Script,but jeez,it's feckin expensive!

5 x 25kg Bag of Thames washed sand = £12.50ish inc vat
1 x 25kg bag of OPC (dust) = £3.50ish inc vat

So 150kg of gear for £16.00, 300Kg for £32.00 or

450Kg for £48.00 or
20Kg of Geofix for £49.80

[script]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

Good gear Script,but jeez,it's feckin expensive!

5 x 25kg Bag of Thames washed sand = £12.50ish inc vat
1 x 25kg bag of OPC (dust) = £3.50ish inc vat

So 150kg of gear for £16.00, 300Kg for £32.00 or

450Kg for £48.00 or
20Kg of Geofix for £49.80

I know what your saying but in scheme of things its cheap!

People generally fuck mortar up,too soft a mix and too strong and the whole patio is finished!

it looks way better than pointing too,lasts longer and no stains which for the diy'er is the best part!

WTF are you going to do with 450kg of mortar? build a house

[BanziBarn]

Yeah - £45/£50 is cheaper than getting someone in, so I'd pay that if it's going to last for a few years.

[rich1068]

And also Mr Barn may be a member of The Royal Fraternity of the Terminally Cack Handed like me. Seems a good solution. I'd still fuck it up mind.

[BanziBarn]

Originally Posted by rich1068

And also Mr Barn may be a member of The Royal Fraternity of the Terminally Cack Handed like me. Seems a good solution. I'd still fuck it up mind.

Ha ha, I'm the same. I haven't got a clue, hence why I started this thread!

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by script

WTF are you going to do with 450kg of mortar?

Pah,as an ex spread/floor layer,I'd have that used in 15mins

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

Yeah - £45/£50 is cheaper than getting someone in, so I'd pay that if it's going to last for a few years.

How big is your patio,two sq metres

[willhollin]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

...as an ex spread/floor layer...

I know you like to get down and spread 'em Ian, didn't realise it was a former occupation of yours? Assumed it was just a hobby!

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by willhollin

I know you like to get down and spread 'em Ian, didn't realise it was a former occupation of yours? Assumed it was just a hobby!

Full 5yr apprenticeship Will.
Went to the Vauxhall School of Building (South Bank Polytechnic) back in the 1800's

Started there after being released from Borstal (joke) in summer 1974 through to 1981.
Back then you did block release,3 stints of 8wks,the other 28wks were on site.
A full apprenticeship covered solid plastering (boggo stuff),Fibrous plastering (Cornice,niche,ceiling roses,Moulds etc) and floorlaying.

We had two Master Plaisterer tutors,one previously worked at Clark & Fenn (now owned by Skanska) and the other had previously worked for George Jackson.

There are very few Master Plasterers left these days,sadly.

Highlight - Renovation of Dustin's Hoffmans house in Kensington 1987.
As well as DH,I met Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

Not a lot of people know that

[rogerxp]

You've led a colourful celebrity life Ian - not only Hoffman, Cruise & Kidman but also Michael Jackson's Cousin too

[script]

[QUOTE=Hotcoupe;12145210]Pah,as an ex spread/floor layer,I'd have that used in 15mins

Yeah but you dont use mortar for screeding,you use screed

Using pressed bricks and "buttering" them that quantity would build a house!

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by rogerxp

You've led a colourful celebrity life Ian - not only Hoffman, Cruise & Kidman but also Michael Jackson's Cousin too

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

5 x 25kg Bag of Thames washed sand = £12.50ish inc vat
1 x 25kg bag of OPC (dust) = £3.50ish inc vat

Originally Posted by script

[Yeah but you dont use mortar for screeding,you use screed

I don't recall using the term mortar

The mix above is for screeding

[script]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

I don't recall using the term mortar

The mix above is for screeding

Which is no use at all for ponting paving

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by script

Which is no use at all for ponting paving

It is for pointing though

[script]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

It is for pointing though

ha ha...games moved on mate,even the local council dont semi dry grout anymore