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New build 'patio' - no pointing..... improvement advice please

KitBMillerKitBMiller Posts: 33
in Garden design
Hello
I've been in a new build 2 and a half years.  I've just worked out that I think I don't have a patio - they just stuck some slabs down out the back of the house.  I don't want to redo it as I don't think I want to be in the house long term, so don't want to spend much money or effort on it, but I'm wondering what I can do to improve it.  It looks to me like they didn't use any spacers or do any pointing / grouting. 

I've attached some pictures, there are bits of moss / weeds, dirty cracks.  I think the gaps are too small to get much grout into them if I used some kind of premix mortar.  I'm wondering if I clean them out as much as I can and then try and brush in 1 part silver sand and 1 part cement mix, then I think it sets over time with the moisture in the soil etc?

Any suggestions for improvement greatly appreciated.  Thanks

Posts

  • dappledshadedappledshade Posts: 982
    There’s no picture I’m afraid.
  • KitBMillerKitBMiller Posts: 33
    Another basic error!
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 9,409
    The Paving Expert website is a very useful resource. Butt jointing is a thing and does have it's place but generally if someone has decided to cut enough corners to do it then they probably cut more corners on the base below it. It's good that it hasn't sunk or anything too bad in the time you've been there though.
    Tradition is just peer pressure from dead people
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,469
    I agree,have you lifted one and looked underneath. Never seen spacers used outside. My old man lifted all of ours, re did the base,grouted in-between and we still get weeds. It took a long time,it's L shaped and about 36 by 30 feet
  • KitBMillerKitBMiller Posts: 33
    I'm a female in my 50's with a bad back so am trying to avoid any heavy lifting; I'm just hoping to make the best of whatever's there. I'm thinking the paving gaps are too small for me to get any mortar into?
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 84,056
    You can get 'brush in grout for patios' especially for narrow gaps, via Amazon and presumably from other sellers.

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,409
    I used dry brush in sand & cement mix for a small circle of  old stone setts just set into the soil (simplest as they are all different thicknesses) and it has lasted well.
    I am pleased with it :)
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