Summary: Learn how to make repairs to a patio and driveway, level block paving, replace a broken stone slab, make repairs to concrete and make repairs to tarmac.
Patios and driveways can be constructed from paving slabs, block paving, tarmac or concrete, but all may need to be repaired at sometime. Here we look at how to carry out repairs to the patio or driveway if part of the surface is cracked or has become unstable.
One of the most common problems is an uneven surface caused by the blocks sinking due to poor construction.
With the uneven blocks removed add an even layer of sand that will raise the blocks levelling it with a trowel.
In time paving slabs may become loose and unstable or cracked due to frost or a fault in the stone. If the slab has been laid on sand the broken slab is easily removed and replaced.
Here we are looking at replacing a slab that has been laid on concrete.
The ratio of cement to sand in a dry pointing mix will depend on the width of the joints. As a guideline the smaller the joint the stronger the mix:
Lift the pieces of broken slab with a pry bar taking care not to damage the surrounding slabs.
Cracks in concrete can be easily repaired using proprietary masonry filler or a mix of concrete made up of cement, sand and fine gravel.
Crumbling edges of a concrete surface are also easily repaired.
When the PVA is tacky, apply the filler or concrete mix ensuring it is tightly packed to avoid air bubbles and smooth over the surface with a trowel.
Small holes in tarmac can be repaired using cold-mix tarmac that can be bought in bags.
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