Fixing patio grout, often called repointing, involves replacing the old, damaged material between your patio slabs to improve appearance and stability. The process primarily includes cleaning the area, removing the old grout, preparing the new material, and applying it correctly.
## Steps to Repoint (Fix) Patio Grout
Based on the provided information, here is a breakdown of how to fix patio grout:
1. **Clean the Patio Thoroughly**
* Start by cleaning the patio slabs to remove any **staining, moss, and dirt**.
* The reference suggests using a **pressure washer** for this initial cleaning step (Ref: Step 1 – Pressure wash patio). A clean surface is essential for the new grout to adhere properly.
2. **Remove Old Grout/Pointing**
* Carefully remove the old, loose, or damaged grout from the joints between the slabs.
* Use a specialized tool like a **grout rake** to effectively scrape out the old material (Ref: Remove old pointing, Remove old grout). Ensure you remove enough depth to allow the new material to bond well.
3. **Prepare the New Grout Material**
* Prepare the material you will use for repointing. This can be a traditional sand and cement mortar mix or a dry mix specifically designed for patio joints (like polymeric sand or a dry mix that is watered in).
* The reference mentions preparing both a "**mortar mix**" and a "**dry mix**" (Ref: Step 3 – Create mortar mix, Step 2 – Create dry mix), indicating different material options are possible. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your chosen product.
4. **Apply the New Material into the Joints**
* Once the joints are clean and the material is prepared, carefully push or pack the new grout mix into the empty spaces between the slabs.
* Ensure the material is fully compacted into the joints (Ref: Push mortar inside the joints, Step 3 – Push mix in). Use a pointing trowel or similar tool to achieve a smooth, level finish, flush with the patio surface or slightly below, depending on your preference and the product type.
5. **Cure the New Grout**
* Proper curing is vital for the strength and durability of cement-based grouts.
* Keep the newly applied material **damp** for the recommended curing period (Ref: Step 5 – Keep it damp). This often involves lightly misting the area with water periodically, especially in warm or dry conditions, for several days. Follow the specific instructions for the product you used. For dry mixes like polymeric sand, curing involves initial wetting as per instructions and then allowing it to harden.
### Summary Table
| Step | Action | Tool/Material Example | Reference Mention? |
| :-------------------- | :------------------------------------------- | :-------------------- | :--------------------------- |
| **Clean Patio** | Remove dirt, moss, stains | Pressure Washer | Yes (Step 1 – Pressure wash) |
| **Remove Old Grout** | Scrape out old material | Grout Rake | Yes (Remove old pointing/grout) |
| **Prepare New Mix** | Mix mortar or prepare dry material | Mortar, Dry mix | Yes (Create mortar mix/dry mix) |
| **Apply New Grout** | Pack mix into joints | Trowel | Yes (Push mortar/mix in) |
| **Cure New Grout** | Keep material damp | Water | Yes (Step 5 – Keep it damp) |
By following these steps, you can effectively fix damaged patio grout and restore the look and stability of your paved area.
