patio slab flags guide for beginners from cleaning prep pointing and tools

this is a guide to help you point paving slabs patio flags jointing
using a semi wet mix in the summer
the aim of my channel is to help guide people on small projects like this
#patio
#flags
#pointing
#paving slabs
#paving stones
#cleaning
#tools
#pointing hod
#finger trowel
please subscribe

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Please subscribe to my channel it helps to get my content out and helps people with traditional building to do them the traditional ways

[@losttheplot26]

I've just had to relay some Indian stone slabs after pressure washing pointing failed and grinding out stone was dot and dab laid on flat brick effect gravel board. I asked six builders help me. Made an 83 year old Beryl wait six weeks. With your video it gave me the confidence to do it myself. Shes happy. I didn't use lime. Had five litres of pink Feb frost proof add said no need for lime when adding. Thanking you GTM.

[@normanchristie4524]

A lot of knee work!

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Yes pointing flags tends to be like that that's why I use pads Even the brush it stuff needs to be pushed in so you are on your knees

[@ivansuarez5179]

Hi Glenn , nice video , one of my client have a patio with same stone on floor but is over 1.5 inch stone dust and over a concrete base , the polymeric sand dont work good there because is wet all time ( the stone dust do not leave dry fast the area)), do you think can i remove the grout and fill up with mortar like you doing in this video or what other suggestion can you give me ,? Thank you for you answer .

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

You can do it the way I'm doing it or flow point or use joint it simple is resin based

[@brianherbert9608]

Hi Glenn - brilliant video from a clear expert. I understand now how to clean off as you go but I’m keen to use a dry mix ( as per one of your videos) I have a large patio to repoint ( 17 years old - never done) I’m going to do a dry mix ( as per your video) of 1x1x5. But I’m a novice and I just wanted to check the mix you use is completely dry, then, after it’s all in I lightly spray a couple of times over 2 days, then soak it on the third day. Have subscribed - lots to learn ! Thanks again - great help.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Hi I never use a dry mix. I mix it dry first then add water so it's semi dry If you wattsapp me a video of your project, I can talk you through it

[@brianherbert9608]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd thanks - I will watch more of your videos first and then do that so I can cover any other dumb questions! Very kind - thanks.

[@paulcloona9331]

Hi, i have to repoint a sandstone patio. It was badly done before. I was considering sika premixed pointing brush in. But i also considering your method. In your opinion whats best for longevity?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

I'd use lime nhl 3.5 lime myself Silka stuff can be very hard no flex If you make it to hard it can destroy the sandstone And the pointing needs to be sacraficial

[@bricklayersworldwithandy6277]

a dustpan with a few alterations to it works well for pointing slabs👍

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

So does a plastic sheet with no alterations 🤪

[@kodiak1232]

Thank you, very informative and too the point (no pun intended) video. Just a quick couple of questions. I gather the plastic sheet your working your mix off is just bog standard plastic sheeting? And in regards to the first tool is that some kind of hawk designed for this purpose or did you make it. Lastly if available where would one get that tool from? Cheers 👍

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

I sell the hods £ 12 delivered to the UK The black sheet is visqueen if you buy a hod I will put a piece in with it

[@scottunderwood3481]

Hi, ive just discovered your great channel. I'm currently in the process of laying my own patio, 25 sqr mtr of black Indian Limestone. I was going to use Easy Joint but after watching your video I'm definitely going to point them up the traditional way. My only concern is will this mix stain the slabs where it spills over??

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

What I suggest is do a small mix drop a bit of your mix on an off cut leave it on for a few hrs Wipe it of with a dry sponge Then a wet sponge see if it stained I've seen some Indian stone so porous it stained by walking on it Just do a sample first I do a semi dry mix this time of the year

[@scottunderwood3481]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Hi, thanks for the reply, very informative. Going from pretty much using Easy joint from the outset, im now actually really looking forward to pointing it up the traditional way, it will look better and also be much stronger.👍

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@scottunderwood3481 it's the flexibility you want not the strength With adding lime when the flags heat up and cool down they move slightly Lime helps with this and wicking away moisture good luck with your project

[@paulwheatley6]

where did you get that little open box Hawk from im liking that???

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

I've done a video on it c & e pointing hods on Google If you give Charlotte at candesupplies.co.uk a message, give her code gmtyt she may sort you out a discount depending on what you buy

[@mw1460]

Hi, great video. Your pathway doesn’t seem to have a slope/inclination in order to remove water away from the wall?! The curb/kerb is higher than the pathway so water from rain can form a mini lake. Is there a reason you did it this way?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Hi I didn't lay the flags I've only repointed it The owner always had a problem with water by her front door so I've pointed that are slightly lower now so water has chance to escape It's about 1 ft higher at the top end of the flags There is a slope

[@andyhume874]

Great video - thanks! I'm just starting a large patio, very similar style paving - scraping out all the old pointing. I've started out with Blue Circle mastercrete with a 1:3 mix with builders sand. Do you think this is too strong, should I switch to a 1:4? The paving is for people only, no vehicles.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

1:3 is a concrete mix to strong And will go grey If you did a 1 cement 1hydrated lime 5 or 6 sand it will be a redish colour and will allow a bit of movement in the heat and cold The lime makes it sticky and will key to the side of the flags

[@nomanbeguk]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd if I have grey slabs, what mix do you recommend?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@nomanbeguk mix or colour 1 1 5 or 1 1 6 mix will go to the colour of the sand We get a dark brown sand here in North Wales Or just use a red building sand You can buy various colours of tints or dyes

[@nomanbeguk]

⁠@@GMTpointingspecialistsltdthan you Glenn. You are a legend. I have never seen such a simple and informative channel on a specific topic. Truly appreciate you putting videos up and sharing your experience and expert knowledge. God bless

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@nomanbeguk thank you for your kind words really appreciated Please like share and if possible it helps with my channel If you have a project and need advice, please feel free to ask

[@garybyng8020]

What sort of trowel do you use? I've been looking for a pointing trowel. There's so many options - Margin trowel, tuck-pointing trowel, brick-jointer, finger trowel.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

I use finger trowels

[@helen3469]

Hi, can you help me please. Just had a patio laid. Disaster. It’s a dark grey colour grout stuff but half missing already needing filled up. I’m a novice and need help and advice. Do l scrap all the old stuff out and do you know of any dark grey l could use to fill it?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Joint it simple is grey Just youtube it there's videos on there how to do it

[@NATGEOANDSTUFFPaulbrannan]

I use an hoover bro to get out loose compo out.blower and hoover.indian stone when not layed well move big time

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Yeah I use a hoover as well these were solid, just different heights And widths

[@NATGEOANDSTUFFPaulbrannan]

@GMTpointingspecialistsltd seen alot of poorly layed ones.i work with a builder learnt all my stuff from him.patios conservatory. Extensions.prety much everything apart from electrics lol.amount of times cutting foundations out for coneys and straight threw electric about 100mill down is crazy.iys like it's an after thought when they lay em.not buried deep enough

[@Don-ry4hi]

Hi Glen, great channel, i was wondering if you could help me with a query. I started pointing a stone wall at the end of May using 3.5 lime. The mix i used was 2 part sharp sand i part granite dust i part lime. The problem is nearly 3 months after ,the joints are still flakey, when i when i run my fingers along them. I made sure when i was pointing not to let it dry too quick, i covered it with a damp cloth. Could you please suggest any way i can improve it, thank you.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

It could be a few things W hat make of lime did you use How long did you mix it dry for What depth of pointing Did you do it by hand or gun Did you make sure you tampered it back We had some really hot days may June time so you should of soaked the walls Watts app me a video if you like

[@Don-ry4hi]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Hi Glen the make of the lime is SAINT-ASTIER

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@Don-ry4hi very good quality lime did you mix it well for around 30 minutes

[@Don-ry4hi]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd I mixed it for a long time, but next lot i will make sure to time it for at least 30 minutes, thank you

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@Don-ry4hi ok the wall that's powdery keep misting it over try to save it If not you might have to do it again

[@stephenrichardson6105]

Hi, glad I’ve just came across your channel Need to repoint our patio, got all the joints cleaned and with them being big joints I’ve ordered sharp sand Now I didn’t know about about adding lime but now want to. Could you advice what lime I need please to make a 5 1 1 mix Cheers

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

You need hydrated lime with opc don't use multicem I'd add a building sand to that mix Do a couple of small samples first to see how it looks Mix dry then add water

[@stephenrichardson6105]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd thank you for the fast reply So would that be NHL 3.5 lime after doing a bit of research Cheers

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@stephenrichardson6105 no you you don't add nhl 3.5 with cement Is your property listed If you wattsapp me some pictures I can let you know what I'd recommend

[@stephenrichardson6105]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd no it’s not listed Just needing redone after 20 years

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@stephenrichardson6105 OK 1 hydrated lime 1 ordanery portland cement 5 or 6 sand sharp / building Or you do 1 nhl 3 sharp sand You can just use sand and cement 3:1 4:1 5:1 but they are so hard they can cause damage to the flags

[@richardmaddox8584]

Do you use sharp sand or building sand or a mix of both?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Depending on the width of the joints depends on how much sharp or grit sand you use

[@jamesbriggs4443]

Mix looks a bit wet to me for pointing , but looks good man

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Hi that was the idea of the video if you watch it all the way through its to show beginners how to clean it up I've got a few other videos of a perfect mix but beginners might not get a perfect mix so I show how to clean it off

[@donaldmcintosh6940]

Hello, enjoying your channel. Quick question, would that mix be suitable for pointing an old sandstone building?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Thank you Sand stone I'd use an NHL 3.5 it's about half the strength

[@russellthompson2239]

Hi Glen thanks for the interesting video how did you remove the wet excess mortar that was on the surrounding slabs Is it a matter of a sponge and water as you go ? Thanks Russell

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Hi yes Keep sponging it off It will give a mist of white lime when it's dry just clean it of with clean water and a soft brush

[@russellthompson2239]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Hi glen I have nearly completed repointing my Indian sandstone patio I found your use of the piece of plastic to but mortar on a god send and fantastic idea but I have noticed a few loose slabs could I use a SBR cement slurry to re bond it to the mortar bed or could you suggest anything else Many thanks Russell

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@russellthompson2239 depending on the flags the screen can soak though to the top so don't put too much sbr in the mix Or builders merchants sell a mix to paint on the back of the slabs about £12 a bag you just add water

[@russellthompson2239]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Thanks for the reply was thinking of about 5 cement to 1 SBR how does that sound or could you give me name of the mix that you mentioned Many thanks Russell

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@russellthompson2239 it's just a slurry primer if you call your local builders merchant they will tell you what they stock If the Indian stone is pretty thick 5 to 1 should be fine

[@jaynemaule2683]

Hi, joints are very deep and filled with mud and sand under the concrete, do I need to dig all this out before repointing.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

It sounds asthough it hasn't been laid properly I'd lift it and put it on full beds But if you can't rake out as deep as you can and fill with a mix of sharp sand building sand cement lime mix But you may find in a hard frost it might move

[@jamessmallwood2453]

Hi mate, where can I get an Hod like that

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

C & e supplies pointing hod on FB mate or put small pointing hod in eBay mate

[@davegill7614]

Qustion mate...why the lime?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Because where it is, it's cold in the morning, and then the sun hits it at full temperature, so it allows the flags to expand and contract in the heat These flags weren't put down very well, and they pointed it with a rock hard 3:1 sand and cement and it failed

[@davegill7614]

@GMTpointingspecialistsltd so is it like a plasticiser...sorry for the ignorance

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@davegill7614 yes hydrated lime acts as a plastisiser and helps it stick to the flags and allowes foe small movements and vibration

[@MrJimbo777]

Hi Glenn... Great video!... How long is the pointing likely to last roughly plz?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

It's hard to say as this wasn't laid the best I've gone about 5 inches deep so I hope 12 to 15 years

[@MrJimbo777]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Cheers... & if it had been better laid... How long then? :)

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@MrJimbo777 25 30 years as long as no Muppet blasts it out with a jet washer lol

[@MrJimbo777]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd HaHa yeah :P I see a lot in that condition. It's one of the reasons I'm eager to learn this skill... So i can offer a more complete service. Do you need to keep the patio damp whilst the mortar is going off?.... Would you ever use the hessian under the tarp? & how many days do you need to protect it? I know in your video its one day after... But does that time ever vary? Cheers :)

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@MrJimbo777 yes I did this on a cool day So if it's hot put damp Hessian on it then a sheet over the top about 3 days should do it

[@losttheplot26]

I prefer horticulture management. Can't stand being on my knees all day! 41 ex infantry solider

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Thank you for your service

[@rad1sh480]

Thanks for sharing your expertise. I need to repoint a stone circle in the garden, so don't imagine I'll need a 25kg bag of lime. Would a liquid plasticiser do a similar job? If so, would you recommend one? Thank you.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

I dont use them I always use lime ask if the builders merchants have a split bag they will sell you cheap Or ask a local pointer if they use lime if you could have a couple of cup fulls I do it all the time half the time I mix it for them

[@rad1sh480]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Thank you. I'm getting in a pickle trying to get 3.5 hydrated lime. Nearly all 3.5 limes that I have found online are described as hydraulic. Most of the hydrated limes don't state whether they are 3.5 or 5, so I'm not sure what I should be looking for. Another poster said they are using St Astier NHL 3.5, but it is described as hydraulic. So should I go for 3.5 NHL (presumably stands for natural hydraulic lime?), or risk (if that's the right word) 5 hydrated lime? Thanks again.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@rad1sh480 hydrated lime is a plasticiser. You mix with cement it weakens the mix makes it flex and allows movement in the heat or cold Nhl 2 3.5 or 5 you do not add cement to

[@rad1sh480]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Ah, OK, got it. Thanks for taking the time to clarify for me, very good of you. Cheers.

[@finchy3394]

If your pointing with cement and lime. Should you always use hydrated lime or can you use hydrolic lime with cement? The lime part has always got me when using with cement. Thankyou.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

NHL natural hydraulic lime you use sharp sand with never add cement Hydrated lime is used as a powdered plasticiser used with cement I used it only on modern flags or modern houses Hope that helps

[@finchy3394]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd it does. Thankyou.

[@rtyrtyrtyus]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd I don't want to spend a load of money on 25kg of hydrated lime. Does a liquid plasticiser work as a good substitute?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@rtyrtyrtyus it's cheaper to buy the hydrated lime I never use febmix

[@brikfiend]

Nice Job . Did you get that glove from Michael Jackson ?🤨

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

No I got it from my van If your working with lime is best to use gloves

[@PaddyDixieTheMinerva82]

How much water did you add to that mix to get the correct consistency, please?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

It depends how dry or damp your sand is and how big a mix you do

[@PaddyDixieTheMinerva82]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Thanks. Its just that I've seen other videos where the mix is quite dry but presses into a ball in your hand then they mist spray afterwards to get the moisture in to the pointing. So I suppose the thing I want to know is what is the best consistently? Plus in order to lessen staining when bits get on the paving

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@PaddyDixieTheMinerva82 that depends on the time of year I did this in the summer so you need a damper mix so it doesn't go of to quick Dryer the better Staining only happens if you leave the over spill to dry out use a damp sponge to wipe of any over spill wilh a clean damp sponge

[@PaddyDixieTheMinerva82]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd That's brilliant. Thank you so much for the advice and best of luck to you mate👍

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@PaddyDixieTheMinerva82 no problem Just ask if you need anything else I've done another video on showing you how to remove any mortar with a sponge on flags