Paving jointing compound

I have some joints in the patio that have been knackered for some years and it’s time to do something about it [so I’ve been told!]

Apparently sand cement is out and jointing compound is the new kid on the block.

Who’s used what and was it any good?

bookmarks – that’s on my to-do list as well

I’ve used this stuff a couple of times. Mixed results, it is very easy to use but it hasn’t always lasted as well I’d like. If I’m honest though, I think that’s more down to lazy prep on my part. Properly raking out all the old compound and Hoovering up the crud from the joints would give it a better chance. Knackered old knees and idleness have prevented that in my case. I reckon it’s good stuff if used properly.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/sika-fastfix-self-setting-paving-jointing-compound-deep-grey-14kg/388ky?ref=SFAppShare

Contrary to popular opinion on here my patio is laid on a bed of sharp sand over small hardcore. Joints are sharp sand brushed in and that’s all.

Absolutely nothing has moved in  10 years, and in fact when I dropped a tree stump and cracked of the corner of a slab it was easy to lift out and replace.

Now and again I run a sharp edge along the joints if a weed has got in, then brush in more sand. No worries about joints cracking or whatever and rainwater can drain through

I use a mortar mix. Tried the dry mix method, brushed in and it come out with the first winter. So, back to the old 4:1 with a good dollop of plasticiser. Last patio I did, I left the joints deliberately wide and smoothed off the sharp sand mortar mix and, whilst rustic, it looks the business. My mate has tried the compounds, and the same goes for a secondary jointing mortar, if any water can get in, it will freeze and pop the compound/mortar out.

I relaid a large part of my patio earlier in the summer and went through the same decision making process. In the end I read too many stories about how this stuff is just naff so did it “properly” with a mortar mix, same as the patio was laid on.

Same as what DBW says.

I used a Pointmaster tool to get the mortar mix in, I was dubious about it before I used it, but it worked really well.

https://pointmaster.com/pointmaster-online-shop.html

Just tell your garden worms not to surface whilst whatever you use is curing. 🙁

In the end I read too many stories about how this stuff is just naff so did it “properly” with a mortar mix, same as the patio was laid on.

This is my current thinking.  Much of the area I’m tackling is still perfectly good and has been there for about 20 years.

For just a bit more of my time I should patch it up in the same way.