Category: Latest News

How to restore wooden decking

Every now and again you will have to refresh your wooden decking to ensure it is looking its best. What better time to do it than summertime or even before summer starts? This way, your outdoor space will look as good as possible for you and your guests to enjoy during your summer get-togethers and barbecues.

Step 1  – Make any necessary repairs.

To ensure the safety and stability of your deck, it is essential to tackle any cracked or broken boards as soon as possible. Any rotted wood should also be dealt with, and if the wooden boards are beyond repair, these should be replaced.

Step 2 – Sand it down.

Starting from a black canvas will help your deck stain adhere better. Remove any paint and/or old varnish from the wood boards with a paint scraper and sander. Make sure to sand down all areas of the deck so the surface is level.

Step 3 – Scrub and clean the surface.

Get rid of any dirt and debris by cleaning the surface. If your decking has tough stains, algae or moss, give pressure washing a go. After the whole surface has been cleaned, let it fully dry before applying the deck stain. If you need a second pair of hands to pressure wash your decking, we offer various jet washing services that might suit your needs.

Step 4 – Apply deck stain.

There is a wide selection of deck stains and deck paints to uplift the look of your wooden deck. So, choose the best product for your project and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply the specific product. It is recommended to paint or stain decking by following the same direction of the wood grain. Wait for the first coat to dry before applying a second one (if needed).

In case you do not want to enjoy your weekend instead of having the hassle of staining or painting decking, get in touch with our team. Our painters and decorators can paint various surfaces, including painting stairs as well as glossing wooden fences. Request a quote today by filling our online booking form or give us a call at 0800-0-12-12-12 and let us know how we can help.

What does a home staging company do?

Home staging is an essential part of putting houses on the market. Simply put, home staging is a way of making your home look as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Home staging makes houses easier to market as potential buyers can easily envision themselves in the house plus, have less work to do when moving in.

Neutral living room.

According to the 2021 Home Staging Report by Home Staging Association, “staged properties get more viewing and stay less time in the market, and have higher chances of receiving higher offers. Staging a property is no longer a method for simply increasing offer value – it has become a necessity for maintaining and even exceeding pricing expectations.”

What is a home staging company?

A home staging company consists of professionals who can stage properties for you. At the Handy Squad, we offer a team of professional tradesmen who have experience in different fields to help you with all aspects of your home. From London electricians and carpenters to painters and decorators and general handymen and many other tradesmen who can repair, replace and re-decorate your home.

So, if you are searching for home staging London, look no further than the Handy Squad. Get in touch with our team today by calling 0800-0-12-12-12 or requesting a quote by filling our online booking form.

Rearrange furniture.

What does home staging involve?

Sometimes referred to as property presentation or property styling, the home staging process will depend on your specific situation. Some houses might require complete re-decorating whilst other properties might simply need rearranging furniture. Some of the services our Squad can offer to prepare houses for the market, include:

Handyman services.

Before putting your house on the market, it is key to ensure that your property is clean, tidy and without clutter. Our handyman in London offer a variety of services that you might require. From cable tidying to make sure there are no loose cables obstructing the floor to putting up shelves in order for you to perfectly display your beautiful décor.

Bespoke shelves.

Decorating services.

Painting and decorating services are on top of any home staging to-dos. From giving your home a neutral palette to allow potential buyers to have a clean slate to start from to repairing any holes on the walls left by family pictures and paintings, re-decorating is an important part of staging your home for an upcoming sale. Our decorators can paint rooms, fix holes in walls, repair plaster walls, fix ceiling cracks and much more.

Painting rooms.

Electrician services.

When potential buyers visit your property, all electrics should be working properly. Our electricians can test lighting circuits and test portable appliances to make sure all your electrics are safe to use. In addition to this, our experienced electricians can also change lightbulbs, replace plug sockets and complete many other electrician services.

Changing lightbulbs.

Carpentry services.

Whether your bathroom sash windows are not opening and closing as they should or your wooden flooring is looking old and worn, our carpenters will be able to help. Our team can repair sash windows, fit new flooring, replace cupboard doors, hang new doors, and much more.

Fit wooden cupboards.

Plumbing services.

Our London plumbers can fix leaking taps, repair radiators, unblock toilets and install a variety of appliances and hardware, including install water disposal units and install garden taps. Bad plumbing and/or plumbing issues might put potential buyers off. So, make sure the property’s plumbing is in working order.

Repair radiators.

At the Handy Squad, we also offer other services that you might look for when looking for professional home staging. Get in touch with our team today by calling 0800-0-12-12-12 and let us know how we can help!

Painting Tools — How to Use and Care for Them

Painting is one of the most essential DIY jobs – with a quick brushstroke and your favourite paint colour, you can completely change the look of a room (or re-touch any chipped areas to refresh a space!).

At the Handy Squad, we have painted many homes and commercial spaces in London – from painting front doors to painting offices spaces and even painting home exteriors… we sure know a thing or two about painting. One of the things we can all agree on is the importance of caring for your painting tools.

Whether you use paint brushes or prefer paint rollers, it is essential to look after your tools and maintain them properly to ensure these continue to work as they should for many years to come.

Paint Brushes

Still the default painting tool, brushes come in many types and depend partly on what you’re willing to pay. You can make do with perfectly adequate cheap brushes which you discard after use. On the other hand, reusable brushes go up to professional quality, and the best synthetic fibres both give a finer finish and don’t shed bristles.

Using water-based paint.

The way you clean and store brushes depend on the paint you’ve been using. If it’s water-based, just clean them with water and wrap them in any of the various substances from lint-free cloth to foil.

Using oil-based or solvent-based paint.

If you’re using oil-based or solvent-based paint, brushes should be stored immersed in the recommended cleaning fluid, ensuring the bristles aren’t resting on the bottom of the container. You can use an improvised container or buy a purpose-made cleaning tub, which will come with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Paint Rollers

The quickest and most efficient way to cover large surfaces is to use a roller, although you’ll still need brushes for edges and corners. It’s also worth remembering that rolled coats are thinner than if you use brushes, so you’ll need more of them.

If you’re using a roller, you need to buy trays of non-drip emulsion. The type of roller sleeve you use will determine the finish — short-pile for a smooth surface, for instance, or shaggy sheepskin for texture.

Whichever you use, when you’ve coated the roller with paint, roll it across the tray’s ribbed surface to ensure a smooth covering. To get a smooth blend at the edges, always work your way back to the area you’ve covered when you start with a newly charged roller.

Paint Pads

Paint pads, rectangular bonded fibres with a foam back that allows for flexibility, are ideal if you want to cover a large area with liquid paint. The paint tray that comes with them has a built-in roller, allowing you to remove excess paint. With the pad flat against the wall, gently scrub it from the corner, painting strips around four-time the pad’s width.

Paint Pods

This is a power painting tool, allowing the paint to feed through from the paint pack to a roller attachment. It also has a triangular brush for painting the edges. It has a self-cleaning cycle, clearly explained in the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you want to free yourself from the job of painting and are looking for “painters and decorators near me“,  it’s time to call the Squad. Our experienced team of painters and decorators in London will be able to paint kitchen cupboards, repair cracks in walls, hang wallpaper and complete many other tasks to uplift the look of your property. Wait no further – contact us today and let us know how we can help! Alternatively, request a booking by filling our online form.

How to fix a leaking tap (DIY Guide)

Leaky taps might not seem like a big deal at first. However, when left unchecked or repaired, leaking taps may lead to worse water damage and more costly repairs. Plus, leaking taps are not pleasant… they waste water, increase bills, stain skins and the sound “drip, drip, drip” can keep you up at night.

It’s time to roll your sleeves up and repair the tap. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, don’t have the time or simply would prefer to leave it to the professionals, the Squad can help. At the Handy Squad, our team of London plumbers will be able to repair taps, repair leaks and more. So, if you have a leaking tap and need an extra pair of hands – get in touch.

Materials.

  • Screwdriver
  • Adjustable spanner
  • Washer

Step by step instructions.

Step 1 – Turn off the isolation ball valve on the pipe under the sink. Turn it off by turning the screw head of the isolation tap with a screwdriver. Some isolation valves have a handle. Whether it is a screw head or a handle, the isolation valve should be turned so it is at a right angle (horizontal) to the flow of the pipe. A parallel position (or vertical) means on.

Note: This applies to both cold taps and hot taps. We recommend turning the isolation valve off for both taps and then drain the remaining water from the taps.

In case you do not have an isolation valve, you will have to switch off the external water supply and then drain the remaining water.

Step 2 – Let the water drain completely. Turn on the tap to let the remaining water drain.

Step 3 – Remove the tap head and undo the headgear nut with an adjustable spanner.

Step 4 – Unscrew the nut and, then, remove the headgear assembly.

Step 5 – Replace the washer with a brand-new one and re-assemble the headgear the same way you disassembled it.

Step 6 – Turn on the isolation valve and test the tap.

 

 

Disclaimer

At the Handy Squad, we strongly advise that you always take safety precautions into consideration when undertaking a DIY project. We also strongly suggest that you closely read and follow the instructions, that are provided by the manufacturer, of any building materials, products or tools you use for your projects.

Our aim is to provide you with clear and correct instructions, so that you can easily complete any DIY project you desire. However, please note that the information we provide should only be used as a guideline and that some information within the text may not be entirely accurate.

When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your own responsibility to determine whether you are capable of undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.

Before starting a DIY task, it is essential that you inform yourself of any existing building, gas, water and electrical works regulations. If you were to have any further concerns, we recommend that you complete additional research and/or contact the necessary professional body.

We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY work you have completed.

Why hire a professional to jet wash a patio

Whether you want to get ready for the first barbecue of the year by making your outdoor space look as good as possible or have simply noticed that the patio is looking dull and grubby – it’s time for a jet wash.

You might be inclined to do it yourself. You think that all you have to do is purchase a pressure washer, any washing chemicals needed and put time aside during your weekend to do it. It looks easy, why wouldn’t you be able to do it? You forget that you will get all dirty, wet and spend the whole day trying to get your patio looking good and in the end… it doesn’t look as good as you wish. Is it worth it?

Related: When to jet wash a patio?

Enjoy your weekend and hire a professional to jet wash your patio instead. Put your feet up, have your favourite drink and take your mind off of all the stresses you have whilst a professional is taking care of your patio. That sounds much better, right? But that’s not all. Here’s why you should hire a professional to complete jet washing services.

Saves money.

When you put together all the costs of pressure washing your patio, it might be cheaper to hire a professional who already has all the tools necessary to complete the job. If you end up buying a pressure washer – will it be a good investment? Will you use it enough?

Yes, you could rent a pressure washer to cut down costs but do you have the time to jet wash your whole patio or the skills to do it as well as a professional would?

It’s convenient.

Hiring a professional is convenient. It will save you time and energy. No more having to free up your whole weekend to complete a single house chore – leave it to the pros and make the most out of your weekend.

Prevents damage.

When working with high pressure, it is essential to use it with care. Plus, different surfaces will require different techniques as well as more or less pressure. If you do it yourself, you might end up breaking bits of old patio slabs or even getting rid of the grouting, meaning you will have to also regrout your patio after.

Better result.

Pressure washing can be tricky but professionals have done it countless times. So, they know how to do it (and do it well!). No matter how large your patio surface is or the type of surface, professionals will be able to achieve the best result possible and make your patio look brand-new once again.

If you are looking for “jet wash near me” or “jet washing services near me”, search no further than the Handy Squad. We offer a variety of jet washing services, from jet washing paving stones to jet washing stone steps and more. Our professional team can also jet wash garden furniture and, to give your patio a fresh look, we can also repoint patio slabs.

Contact our team today and let us know how we can help. Give us a call on 0800-0 12 12 12. Want to call from outside the UK? Call 020 7384 5160. Alternatively, request a free quote by filling our online booking form.

How to Apply Silicone Sealant

If you have your bathroom tiled by a London tiler, they’ll also give your bath and sink a water-tight silicone seal to prevent leaking. This is a skilled job, and the safest way to ensure it’s done properly is to leave it to a professional, but if you’re an expert DIYer you may prefer to try it for yourself.

Maybe your silicone sealant has become discoloured, maybe it’s time for a change. You can choose to do it yourself but if you are short on time, why not hire our professional tradesmen? Don’t worry about searching for “silicone sealant services near me“, we will be able to help. Our expert tradesmen can do much more than applying new silicone, we can give your whole bathroom a refresh! From tiling bathrooms walls to tiling kitchen floors and even re-grouting tiles… we can do it all.

However, if you are ready to apply silicone sealant yourself, here are a few things to bear in mind.

Get the right materials.

You can’t do a good job without the right materials, in this case, the silicone and the skeleton gun. Different brands of silicone vary enormously in quality, while a cheap gun won’t give you ideal results. The best thing is to discuss your options with staff at a good hardware shop.

Clean the surface.

Make sure the surfaces are clean and dry so the silicone will adhere well. You can get a more even application if you put tape around the silicone tube to prevent expansion, which can make it expel more than you want. The nozzle should be cut cleanly, with a sharp knife, at an angle of around 30-45%.

If you’re siliconing the bath, fill it with water. This means the seal will be at its biggest before you seal it, and both joint and seal will be compressed when you empty it, reducing the stress on it when you use the bath or shower.

Apply the silicone.

Position yourself so you can do a full run from a stationary position, since moving while applying the silicone could affect the consistency. Put just enough pressure on the trigger so it expels a small bead, and keep the pressure the same to ensure the same amount all along the run. Remember that the silicone will spread as you smooth it down, so you only need a little.

Smooth it off.

You might be asking “how to get a good finish with silicone sealant?”. There are a few ways of smoothing silicone sealant. You can use your fingers or you can use a smooth tool – it’s up to you.

Have a cup of soapy water beside you and wet your finger to smooth down the silicone immediately after application. It isn’t advisable to use spit to wet your fingers, as it contains bacteria that may lead to mould developing. Make sure you also have cloths or kitchen rolls to clean your fingers and the nozzle of the gun.

With a smooth tool, you can easily go over the sealant in one go and smooth it out whilst removing any excess silicone (a much easier alternative!).

Vital to get right.

Siliconing is a job that can produce disastrous results if you get it wrong, since an incomplete seal will mean water seeping down behind your bath, perhaps doing permanent damage. Only try it if you’re an experienced DIYer — and, above all, if you have a very steady hand.

If you’re not completely confident of this, you might be better off hiring a professional tiler in London, or wherever you’re based. Handy Squad will always be happy to help with this. So, whether you are looking to replace silicone sealant or apply new silicone sealant, give our team a call and let us know how we can help.

 

 

Disclaimer

At the Handy Squad, we strongly advise that you always take safety precautions into consideration when undertaking a DIY project. We also strongly suggest that you closely read and follow the instructions, that are provided by the manufacturer, of any building materials, products or tools you use for your projects.

Our aim is to provide you with clear and correct instructions, so that you can easily complete any DIY project you desire. However, please note that the information we provide should only be used as a guideline and that some information within the text may not be entirely accurate.

When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your own responsibility to determine whether you are capable of undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.

Before starting a DIY task, it is essential that you inform yourself of any existing building, gas, water and electrical works regulations. If you were to have any further concerns, we recommend that you complete additional research and/or contact the necessary professional body.

We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY work you have completed.

What are odd jobs?

You might have heard people talk about odd jobs or perhaps someone said they needed an “odd job man” but what does that mean?

An odd job man is someone who is skilled at various odd jobs and other small tasks. The Cambridge Dictionary defines odd jobs as, “small jobs of different types, especially those that involve repairing or cleaning things.” If you’re stuck, scratching your head and thinking “Who do I call to get this done?” That’s an odd job.

At the Handy Squad, our experienced handyman can complete a variety of odd jobs. So, what types of odd jobs can our handymen complete? From boxing in pipes to draught proofing homes, our versatile traders can get all sorts done.

Types of odd jobs.

Install and/or replace bath screens.

Want to install a new bath screen or replace an old bath screen? Perhaps you want to fit a shower screen? An odd job man will be able to give you a helping hand. If you want to further refresh the look of your bathroom, why not get our London plumbers to install a stunning new bathtub or our tilers to regrout bathroom tiles.

Box in pipework.

Pipework is not something pretty to look at. You might want to get someone in to hide it and make your bathroom look modern and sleek once again. Whether you want a professional to box in plumbing pipes in the bathroom or box in pipework in the kitchen, that’s a task for an odd job man.

Cable tidying.

Cable tidying is essential for the home or office (or home office!). Loose cables are a tripping hazard and a pet’s favourite to nibble on. Prevent injuries by tidying loose cables and wires properly. Our handyman in London can tidy away cables in your workplace or hide television cables away from view.

Related: Importance of cable management in the workplace.

Replace ceiling tiles.

Ceiling tiles, also known as ceiling panels, get stained and broken after years of use. Give your office a new look by having professionals replace ceiling tiles. It might seem like a small change but it will have a big impact on the overall look of the office space.

Draught proofing.

No more draughts in the house coming from unwanted gaps in your windows, doors, letterboxes and more. Save money on heating and ensure you are warm during the cold days of winter by draughtproofing your property.

Lift and shift furniture.

Moving furniture around the house might seem like an easy task to some. However, moving large pieces of furniture by yourself will prove to be a bad choice (and you might hurt yourself in the process). Hire handyman to take care of the heavier stuff and redecorate your home. We can lift and shift furniture and help with various other odd jobs.

Replace toilet seat.

Want to swap your old toilet seat with a new one but are not sure how to do it or don’t want the time to do it yourself? Maybe your toilet seat broke and you need help replacing it? Our team will be able to help.

Fit gun cabinets.

If you are a licensed gun holder and need a safe place to store your firearms, our team can easily fit gun cabinets, from small gun cabinets to large gun cabinets, depending on your collection.

These are some of the odd jobs our team can complete. Have more odd jobs you’d like us to do? Contact us today and speak to one of our team members to let us know how we can help.

When to jet wash a patio?

Pressure washing a patio is one of the quickest ways of refreshing the look of your outdoor space. Over the years, it is normal for patio slabs to become dirty, gather moss and lose their shine. To maintain the look of your patio, it should be jet washed at least once a year. This is help cut down the accumulation of algae, dirt and mildew built up (and keep it looking brand-new!).

At the Handy Squad, we have been transforming patios in London for years. So, we have the experience and expertise to talk about all things pressure washing. We offer pressure washing services in London and surrounding areas. Our expert team can also pressure wash paving stones, jet wash stone steps and regrout paving stones.

Pressure washing patio

When is the best time of the year to pressure wash a patio?

Spring and summer are the best seasons to pressure wash patios. The beginning of spring is a great time to jet wash your patio – the temperatures started to rise slightly, so there will not be any unpleasantness of pressure washing in the cold and you won’t run the risk of water freezing. Plus, around this time, you will either want to start using your patio again or want to start getting it ready for summer.

Will jet washing get rid of weeds?

Pressure washing shouldn’t be used to remove weeds growing from in between patio slabs. If weeds are growing in the slab joints, it means that the grout is damaged, cracked or old and should be repointed. So, if you pressure wash delicate grout, it will start breaking even more. Instead, to get rid of weeds, it is recommended to apply a weed-killer.

Related: How to repoint a patio.

Power washing the streets
Image Credit: Ruth and Dave

What to do after jet washing patio?

After pressure washing, you can apply a sealer to your patio. A water-based sealer will protect surfaces against stains to keep them looking their best. However, this step is optional.

Will pressure washing remove paint?

Yes, pressure washing can quickly strip off old paint from wood, metal, concrete and other exterior surfaces. This should only be done if you want to re-paint these surfaces. If you want to keep your exterior surfaces painted, only pressure wash using a low-pressure flow of water.

To note: Lead paint should not be removed with a pressure washer. This type of paint should be carefully contained when removed.

Pressure washing sidewalk

Will pressure washing remove mould?

You can use a pressure washer to remove mould from exterior surfaces. However, removing mould will not stop mould growth. To fully remove mould and reduce the chances of mould growing, pressure wash your surfaces and use mould-killing cleaning products.

Causes of cracks in the ceiling and how to fix them

Whether you brush off a new crack in the ceiling like it’s nothing or you get alarmed if a new crack appears, it is essential to know the difference between minor ceiling cracks and ceiling cracks that might indicate serious problems.

Are cracks in the ceiling normal?

Cracks in the ceiling are a normal occurrence and are often more of a cosmetic issue than a structure issue. However, some cracks in the ceiling might need immediate professional attention. If you need a professional to repair ceiling cracks, search no further than our London decorators, who can also fill cracks in walls and repair plaster walls.

How to tell if ceiling cracks are serious?

The seriousness of a ceiling crack will depend on the location, size and type. To give you a better idea (or some peace of mind!), we ranked different types of ceiling cracks from least to most serious:

  1. Hairline cracks.

Hairline Cracks

Hairline cracks are thin cosmetic cracks that are caused by temperature or humidity fluctuation. These fluctuations can result in plaster shrinkage or swelling, creating small fissures. Hairline cracks are simply an eyesore and can be easily fixed with a new coat of paint.

Small cracks might also appear on walls and ceilings due to layers of old paint. When a ceiling or wall has had multiple layers of paint, cracking might appear. If you want to repair hairline cracks fixed by old paint, be sure to remove old paint before applying a new coat.

  1. Straight cracks.

Straight Cracks

Straight cracks often follow the edge of the drywall tape along the joint. These are most commonly the result of poor workmanship during drywall tape application when an insufficient amount of plaster is used making drywall tape unable to properly adhere to the joints.

  1. Discoloured cracks.

    Discoloured Cracks

Discoloured cracks, such as yellow cracks and brown cracks, are a sign of water damage. Even though these are not linked to structural damage, water damage might lead to more serious problems. We recommend contacting a professional plumber in London to determine the source of the water leak and repair it.

  1. Spiderweb cracks.

Spiderweb cracks have a centre point and the cracks spread out from that centre point, much like a spider web would. Small spiderweb cracks are usually not serious and often the result of poor workmanship, however, larger spiderweb cracks may be caused by foundation settlement which might be linked to compromised structural integrity.

  1. Cracks between the ceiling and wall.

Cracks Between Ceiling and Wall

Cracks that appear between the ceiling and wall might be caused by truss uplift. Roof trusses tend to slightly move due to temperature or humidity. However, cracks that run along the ceiling and continue down to the wall are a sign of structure damage, and should be dealt with in a timely manner.

  1. Large, deep cracks.

Large Ceiling Cracks

Large, deep cracks are a serious concern. In case you have large, deep cracks alongside sagging ceilings, this means major structural damage that needs to be dealt with immediately as the ceiling may collapse.

Are cracks in the ceiling covered by insurance?

Cosmetic ceiling cracks are not typically covered by insurance. It is recommended to double-check your insurance policy to understand what type of ceiling cracks are covered by your home insurance.

Should I worry about cracks in my ceiling?

Small, thin ceiling cracks can be ignored or dealt with by applying a new lick of paint. However, when ceilings have multiple cracks that are more than just a tiny hairline crack, a professional should be called to diagnose the cause of the cracks and recommend a solution.

Can cracks in plaster ceiling be repaired?

Small cracks in plaster ceilings can be easily repaired by applying new plaster and repainting the ceilings. Larger cracks should be dealt with by a professional to ensure there are no structural concerns.

Can you paint over cracks in ceiling?

Hairline cracks can be quickly fixed with a fresh coat of paint.

Painting Ceiling

Can cold weather cause cracks in ceiling?

Yes, change in temperature and humidity can cause cracks to form on walls and ceilings.

What causes cracks in the ceiling?

Ceiling cracks can be caused by a variety of issues:

  • Normal wear and tear.
  • Water damage.
  • Heavy weight above.
  • Poor workmanship.
  • Structural problems.

If you recently found new ceiling cracks in your property and would like a second pair of eyes to double-check the type of crack and recommend a solution, get in touch with our team. Give us a call on 0800-0-12-12-12 or, alternatively, request a free quote by filling our online booking form.

How to repoint a patio

Years of wear and tear have taken a toll on your back garden, and now, after a long and rainy winter, the state of your patio is more noticeable than ever. The grout between patio slabs has become loose, cracked and now weeds are growing out of the cracks.

Now, it’s time for a change. With the sun making its appearance once again, it is the perfect time to finally give your patio some attention. What better way to refresh your patio than to repoint the patio slabs?

What is repointing a patio?

Repointing your patio is an easy and cheap way to make your patio look brand-new once again but what does repointing mean? Repointing a patio means removing old grout and re-apply grout between patio slabs.

patio slabs need repointing

Who can repoint a patio?

Many people can repoint a patio – all you need is the right materials, enough free time (we would recommend a full weekend) and maybe a helping hand. Whether you don’t have enough spare time to complete this task or would prefer to get it done by a professional, our skilled team of tradesmen can undertake a variety of tasks to uplift your outdoors, from repointing patios to pressure washing paving stones and treating outdoor wooden furniture.

How often repoint patio?

There is no set rule on how often to repoint a patio or either when to repoint a patio. Different patio sealers will have different lifespans. There are many factors that will affect the lifespan of your patio grout, from weather conditions to how often you clean the patio and more.

The right time to repoint a patio will be when you have noticed that the mortar that held the slabs together has started to crack, crumbled away or is riddled with weeds.

weeds growing out of paving slabs

What to use to repoint patio slabs?

There are a variety of ways to repoint patio slabs. Some of the most popular ways include:

  • Repointing patio with cement
  • Repointing patio with dry mix
  • Repointing patio with resin

How to repoint patio slabs with cement.

Materials:

  • Cement
  • Pointing bar
  • Mixing bucket
  • Stirrer
  • Trowel
  • Soft brush
  • Gun injection equipment
  • Pointing trowel
  • Grout rake

How to:

Step 1 – Pressure wash patio.

Clean the patio slabs to remove any staining, moss and dirt.

Step 2. Remove old pointing.

Use a grout rake to remove old pointing. Do this in between all patio slabs. Sweep away any residue and dirt. You can pressure wash slightly again to remove the remaining dirt and make the joints damp.

Step 3 – Create mortar mix.

Follow the product’s instructions on how to create the right mortar mix. With the help of a trowel, load mortar mix into gun injection equipment. You might choose to do it without a gun, use a pointing trowel instead.

trowel

Step 4.  Push mortar inside the joints.

Push the mortar mix inside the slab joints. Any mortar that goes on the patio slabs can be wiped off with a clean damp sponge. Any extra bits of mortar can be brushed off.

Step 5 – Keep it damp.

Don’t let the mortar dry out too quickly. After you’ve pointed the patio, let it sit for a couple of hours (depending on the temperature). If you see the mortar starting to get quite light, make it damp with a fine mist of water using a hosepipe. The next day, make it damp again with a fine mist a couple of times a day.

How to repoint patio slabs with dry mix.

Materials:

  • Cement
  • Sand
  • Grout rake
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Trowel
  • Broom

How to:

Step 1. Remove old grout.

Use a grout rake to remove old pointing. Do this in between all patio slabs. Sweep away any residue and dirt or use a vacuum cleaner to hoover any dirt or leftover residue more thoroughly.

Step 2 – Create dry mix.

Speak to a local professional for advice on the best dry mix ratio for your location. Mix it together until you have no crumbly bits of sand. You want to aim for a consistency that holds together when being squeezed. Use safety gloves when testing the consistency of your dry mix.

Step 3 – Push mix in.

Use a trowel to insert the dry mix into the joints of the slabs. Compact it down. Do this again until the mix is higher up and firmly compacted in. Use a brush to sweep any leftover dry mix over. Make sure to not leave any mix on top of the slabs as it might stain. Leave it to cure.

 

finished patio

How to repoint patio slabs with resin.

Materials:

  • Resin compound
  • Grout rake
  • Broom
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Pointing trowel

How to:

Step 1 – Remove existing pointing.

Use a grout rake to remove the old pointing. Once this has been removed, clean the joints thoroughly. Use a brush to scrape out any debris and use a vacuum cleaner to suck out any old pointing that is stuck in the joints.

Step 2 – Soak the patio.

With a hosepipe, wet the whole patio and in between the joints.

Step 3 – Fill in joints and brush.

Open the resin compound bag. Turn it upside down and fill the joints with the compound. Use a broom to brush the mix inside the joints. Compact the mix using a pointing trowel. Brush it in and compact again. Hose it off in a mist as you go and brush off any extra resin.

finished terrace

If all of this seems like a bit too much – why not contact the professionals? Our experienced team will be able to transform your patio in a timely manner. Besides being able to pressure wash patios and repoint patio joints, our painters and decorators can also paint your home’s exterior and more. Give us a call today on 0800-0-12-12-12 or request a quote by filling our online form.