Repairing Guides

how to repair flagstone walkway

by Sydnee Trantow Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Steps:

  1. Lift up and remove loosened flagstones.
  2. Use wire brush to scrub clean the concrete surface below the flagstone.
  3. Don safety glasses and use air compessor with air nozzle to blow dirt and debris from the concrete base.
  4. Apply concrete-block adhesive to the concrete.
  5. Use flat trowel to evenly spread out the adhesive.

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Part of a video titled How to Repair a Mortared Flagstone Walkway | This Old House
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So now yeah take this i want you to run a bead about an inch away and just go back and forth overMoreSo now yeah take this i want you to run a bead about an inch away and just go back and forth over the whole. Area. How long does it take for this to set up roger not long so we got to work pretty.

Full Answer

Is it possible to repair an uneven flagstone walkway?

If you have a flagstone walkway or patio, you may notice that it has become uneven, specially if it was installed many years ago. The good news it that it's simple to fix. Follow these steps to repair your uneven stone walkways or patios.

How do you fix flagstone on a concrete driveway?

1. Lift up and remove loosened flagstones. 2. Use wire brush to scrub clean the concrete surface below the flagstone. 3. Don safety glasses and use air compessor with air nozzle to blow dirt and debris from the concrete base. 4. Apply concrete-block adhesive to the concrete.

How is a flagstone walkway constructed?

The flagstone is cleaned and laid back down in a time consuming process, many pieces need to be chiseled and recut. Working simultaneously, a new concrete base is mixed and applied to this area, while stones continue to be set on the front section of the walkway. Fresh cement is mixed and laid down under each stone.

How do you seal a stone walkway?

When the mortar is completely dry, clean the entire surface with a masonry or stone cleaning solution. This is necessary to prepare it for the application of a sealer. Applying the sealer will protect the stones and the mortar so that the walkway remains safe and attractive for a long time. Watch the video above to see the process step by step.

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What do you use to fill in between flagstone?

Rocks. Small stones, gravel, and crushed gravel are all commonly used as a flagstone filler. They are both a practical and aesthetically pleasing filler solution as they reduce weed growth and bug infestations.

How do you repair mortar between flagstone?

Wearing rubber gloves, apply the mortar mix with the trowel. Working on just a small area at a time, stuff joints and immediately flatten them with the trowel. Then, with the damp sponge, wipe over the joints to smooth them. Also wipe off any mortar on the surface of the stones.

How do you fill gaps on a flagstone path?

0:004:19What to put between flagstones? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAreas like municipal parks perk grout is permeable. And easily cleaned sometimes perc grout can beMoreAreas like municipal parks perk grout is permeable. And easily cleaned sometimes perc grout can be stronger than the stone.

What is the best filler for flagstone patio?

Filler Options for Flagstone PatioSand: Sand is the most common joint filler, but it is challenging to keep in place and needs to be refilled.Rocks: You can use small rocks to fill large gaps, and gravel or crushed rock can be used to fill smaller gaps.More items...

What is the best mortar for flagstone?

1:1 Mortar Mixture If you decide not to use hydrated lime in mortar for your flagstone walk, a good sturdy mixture is made from sand and Portland cement. Landscapers, accustomed to the extreme fluctuations of Colorado weather, have had satisfactory results mixing 1 part Portland cement with I part sand.

What is the best sealant for flagstone?

Silane-Siloxane water repellent sealers are the best sealer to use on flagstone. They won't change the look or color of the flagstone and they won't leave behind a visible surface film.

What do you use to grout flagstone?

1:203:13How to Grout Flagstone : Home Improvement Help - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I started off by mixing our cement with a little extra Portland in a two to one mix. This willMoreSo I started off by mixing our cement with a little extra Portland in a two to one mix. This will give you a good bind good bond ability to the base as well as the side of the flag.

Can polymeric sand be used with flagstone?

Polymeric sand, or “poly-sand” seemed great at first. As easy to install as regular sand, almost. You simply sweep the material into the flagstone (or other paver) joints, lightly hose down, then it solidifies. Once it dries and hardens, the sand stays in place.

How do you fill cracks in a stone walkway?

2:0110:32How to Repair a Broken Stone Walkway | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWithout having to really compact it by hitting the stone with a hammer. So i'm just using the edgeMoreWithout having to really compact it by hitting the stone with a hammer. So i'm just using the edge of the old stone. And smoothing the bed. Out. Just take and set it.

Is polymeric sand the same as stone dust?

The main difference is in the size of the primary materials, stone dust versus sand. Gator dust bond base material is stone dust, much finer than regular jointing sand. It is designed to stabilize wider paver joints than polymeric sand.

How do you repair a cracked flagstone patio?

DIY Fix for Loose FlagstoneStep 1: Remove the Loose Flagstone. Pull up the loose stones with a pry bar if they don't easily come free without tools.Step 2: Remove Dirt and Mortar. ... Step 3: Apply Masonry Adhesive. ... Step 4: Apply Joint-Repair Adhesive. ... Step 5: Set the Flagstone. ... Step 6: Finish Using the Joint-Repair Adhesive.

What can I use instead of polymeric sand?

When looking for alternatives to polymeric sand, you will also want to find high quality materials. There are other products, such as EnviroSAND, EnviroSTONE and EnviroPATH on the market that are able to stop water erosion from occurring.

What do you use to grout flagstone?

1:203:13How to Grout Flagstone : Home Improvement Help - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I started off by mixing our cement with a little extra Portland in a two to one mix. This willMoreSo I started off by mixing our cement with a little extra Portland in a two to one mix. This will give you a good bind good bond ability to the base as well as the side of the flag.

How do you repair mortar between stones?

2:565:43How to prepare and point old stonework - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGet your pointing trash. And then start to apply in the areas like this pushing. It in really deepMoreGet your pointing trash. And then start to apply in the areas like this pushing. It in really deep fill in all of the gaps. Between each one of the blocks.

How do you replace mortar between paving slabs?

0:075:18How to repoint paving slabs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne part cement. Four part sand. And i'm literally just mixing it up now and just making sure that iMoreOne part cement. Four part sand. And i'm literally just mixing it up now and just making sure that i get all of these kind of well that's actually just a set piece of cement.

How do you repoint flagstones?

How to point your patios pavingSaturate your patio area with water. Grouting a patio needn't be a difficult job, or a time-consuming one. ... Pour your compound product over the patio. ... Use a broom to sweep the compound where it's needed into joints. ... Strike it into the joint. ... Remove excess.

How to replace missing stone?

To replace missing stones, you’ll need stones of similar size and thickness to what already exists. You may have to do some chipping to make the new pieces fit the voids. Do this slowly and whittle away from the edge so you don’t remove too much material. Once the stones are dry fit, you’re ready to mix up the mortar.

How do I clean mortar off a stone patio?

As the mortar begins to dry, you’ll want to clean it off the face of the stones using a mason brush or a sponge along with a light spray from a garden hose . When the mortar is completely dry, clean the entire surface with a masonry or stone cleaning solution.

Can you repair a flagstone walkway?

Repair a Flagstone Walkway. This flagstone walkway is missing some stones and mortar. That can be hazardous, so it’s time to fix it. Rarely are flagstone walkways completely smooth. But if stones or mortar are missing, they can become unsightly and dangerous.

How deep should a flagstone mortar bed be?

A proper mortar bed for flagstone should be about one inch in depth, say half an inch to one and a half inches. Very often, more often that not, really, when doing flagstone repairs, I find flagstones that were laid in a solid two inches, or even three inches of mortar. Yikes, not good.

Can you remove loose flagstone?

Loose flagstones shall be removed. Old cement from underneath these flagstones shall likewise be removed. Any crack in the foundation itself shall be widened to a full inch in width. Widened crack shall be coated with a masonry adhesive agent, this shall be given proper time to set up.

Can flagstone be heaved?

Flagstones that are set in cement can be vulnerable to heaving due to freeze-thaw conditions. Here in Pennsylvania we have serious winters, leading to serious winter damage to masonry. (HINT if you’re having a new patio installed go dry-laid. repairs for dry laid will be much simpler.) flagstone repair: BEFORE.

Is it cheaper to use flagstone or mortar?

Mortar is the weak link, and should be kept to a minimum. Irregular (natural shaped) flagstone is sold by weight, thus it is much cheaper to use thinner pieces. Being lighter in weight, it is also easier and faster to install thinner flagstone.

Is it better to use 2 inch or thicker flagstone?

Thicker flagstones are also more well-rooted. A two inch flagstone will have 2 inches of mortar along it’s sides, wedging it down in better. Commonly, masons and hardscapers will recommend thicker flagstone for dry-laid work and will proclaim that the thinner stuff is fine for cemented-in work. In the short term, yes.

How do I clean flagstone mortar?

Take one corner of the sponge and wipe down the one side of the flagstone mortar joint. Then, use a different corner of the sponge and clean the other side of the joint. Okay, now you’re good. move on to other work. When the mortar has become thumbprint dry you can return and sponge it off again.

How do I remove cracked mortar from a concrete slab?

One way to remove the old cracked up mortar is to take your angle grinder and cut a line through the center of the mortar….on ly as deep as the cement joint. You do not need to cut all the way down into the concrete. A inch deep will do it. like so.

Can you push cement down hard?

Also, since the cement is fairly dry, I can really push it down into them cracks. With a wetter mortar, if you push it down hard, or even just go to smooth it out too much, you’ll push the moisture up to the surface–which will cause problems, such as spalling and cracking, later.

Can you use super dry mortar on cinderblock?

The mortar, whether you are using the super dry method or and other dry method, must not be plastic. It can be bone dry, crumbly, or slightly damp…but it must be more dry than a block laying mix. The cement you use to lay a cinderblock is just way too wet for grade level application.

How to smooth out flagstone?

Keep the mortar level with the surrounding dry mortar, removing any excess. Clean the flagstone faces with a damp sponge to remove excess mortar, wait 90 minutes or so and then shape the mortar as desired with a tuck-pointing trowel. Afterward, brush over it with a stiff-bristled paintbrush to smooth things out.

What happens if flagstone breaks?

If sandset flagstone breaks into two pieces that seem to be in fairly good condition and are large enough to work with, you may be able to simply reposition them and fill the new gap between them with sand or polymeric sand. In other situations, you may have to replace several flagstone pieces entirely, especially if the flagstone is mortared in place.

Why is my stone patio sinking?

Because your stone patio is exposed to the elements, it likely won't stay pristine forever due to harsh winters, summer rain storms and damaging winds , which can wreak havoc on this area of your outdoor living space. For stones set in sand, too much sand or a drainage issue could cause the patio to sink in some areas. Frost might cause mortared flagstone to crack, or cause the mortar itself to crack over time. Flagstone might also chip or start to crumble due to a sharp blow from a heavy dropped object, for instance.

Why does my patio sink?

For stones set in sand, too much sand or a drainage issue could cause the patio to sink in some areas. Frost might cause mortared flagstone to crack, or cause the mortar itself to crack over time. Flagstone might also chip or start to crumble due to a sharp blow from a heavy dropped object, for instance.

What is the filler between flagstone pavers?

Polymeric sand, which is a special blend of fine sand and bonding additives, is the solution to this type of problem.

What to use to cut flagstone?

When cutting flagstone, aim for relatively straight, simple lines for a better chance at success. For just a few stones, a hammer and a stone chisel are enough to do the trick, while larger projects require power tools. In either case, wear eye protection and a dust mask. Advertisement.

How long does mortar cure?

Let the mortar cure for 24 hours or as directed.

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