How to Repair a Damaged Patio
Patios are a common and much-enjoyed addition to many homes across the UK. They get regular use as soon as the sun comes out and are perfect for hosting dinner parties, summer barbecues and relaxing after a long day off work. However, like with all elements of your home, your patio can become damaged or look a little worn over time.
5 Ways to Repair a Damaged Patio
Keeping your patio in top condition requires a little work from time to time, from basic patio repairs to deep cleaning and stain removal. Here we’re looking at patio repairs you can carry out yourself and when it’s time to call in the specialists.
Repairing Your Patio
There are many tasks you can carry out yourself that can help bring your patio back to its best. Basic repairs and some simple DIY can return a tired patio into an entertaining space. Here are five easy repairs most people should be able to manage, but remember, sometimes professional patio repair and groundwork services are a better option. Let’s look at the five DIY tasks to try yourself first.
Re-levelling Slabs
Over time, paving slabs can become uneven. It may be due to bad weather, poor installation, or the use of substandard materials. If you have an issue with uneven slabs on a small scale, you can try to repair it yourself. A full patio renovation should not be attempted by anyone but professionals.
Begin by removing uneven slabs, being extra careful if you plan to reuse them. Next, you need to look at the base where they are laid and get it back to an even state. Some patios have a mortar base while others are laid on compacted earth or sand. If you don’t plan to use concrete, then ensure the base is fully compacted and flat before relaying the slabs. To ensure slabs settle properly you need to pat them carefully into place and use dry mortar at the joints to ensure a strong finish. Sunken pavers can ruin the appearance of your patio and can be quickly fixed and instantly help improve its appearance.
Patio Pointing Repairs
The joints or pointing between the slabs of your patio can crack or split over time. Repointing your patio slabs should be achievable with ease as you can simply refill the gaps and create an uneven surface. We recommend first removing the old materials with a hammer and chisel and refilling with your chosen filler, which could be dry mortar or a mixture of sand and cement. Pour the mixture over your patio and use a brush to sweep it into the gaps, ensuring an even finish before allowing it to set.
Patio Crack Repairs
Cracks in your patio slabs can ruin its appearance and weeds can quickly sprout if they’re left. They can also cause a trip hazard and be dangerous so may mean your patio is out of bounds until they’re fixed. Repairing patio slab cracks does not always require a full renovation or replacement. You can simply remove the damaged concrete from the slab using a chisel and wire brush and refill the gaps with your chosen concrete repair product. The mixture should be fully pushed into the space using the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the mixture is level, so the crack is fully smoothed and matches the slab surface.
Fixing Stains
There are a range of naturally occurring products that can stain your patio and it can also come from a range of regularly used household items from food and drink to oil and chewing gum. Here are some quick solutions for dealing with stains:
Algae – commercial fungicides can quickly remove the green slimy build-up that comes with moss and algae.
Food and drink – soapy water and a stiff-bristled brush should be enough to remove most food and drink stains. If not, consider adding diluted bleach into the mix.
Oil – oil can be difficult to remove, so acting quickly is important. Soak up oil with sawdust and use a suitable proprietary cleaning agent to remove the residue.
Paint – hot water and detergent need to be used immediately to remove the damage paint can cause. Paint removers should be used once a week or so has passed as if it is used right away, it can cause the paint to stain deeper into the stone.
Chewing gum – ice cube is your best bet for removing stuck-down chewing gum. If you freeze the gum, it can then be easily scraped off the slabs.
Cleaning and Power Washing
Sometimes all a tired patio needs to return to its best is a proper deep clean. Simple brushing and the occasional scrub-down may not be enough to keep it in the best possible condition. Soapy water is a great, simple tool for improving the look of your patio. Washing up liquid is one of the most effective cleaners for your patio, and if you use a hard bristled brush, you can easily clean away surface dirt and grime. It’s even easier if you use a pressure or steam washer. The high-powered jet of water quickly and easily removes surface grime and keeps your patio in good condition for regular use.
Professional Patio Repairs
Sometimes your patio repairs may be beyond your capability. This is nothing to worry about as experts like our professional team are on hand to help. Your patio may have significant cracking or too many broken or sunken slabs, which means you need to consider a full replacement or renovation. If the ground is uneven or you’ve unfortunately had a bad installation or poor materials used in the past, turning to professional patio specialists like ourselves is your best option.
Contact Axtell Surfacing Patio Specialists Today
If you need professional support and want your patio returned to its best, get in touch with the Axtell Surfacing team today. Contact us directly to discuss your needs, and we’ll let you know exactly how we can help.