Problem Solvers

How to Patch and Repair Patios and Walkways (page 2 of 2)

Find out how to replace broken patio pavers, fix a sagging brick walkway, patch asphalt, re-lay a gravel path and repair concrete.

Excerpted from Do It Yourself Home Improvement

Learn How To:

Reseat a Capping Stone

Capping stones can loosen over time. Reseat them so that rain cannot penetrate the top part of the wall.

Remove the loose stone from the top of the wall (Image 1).

Chip out old mortar with a sledge hammer and chisel. Mix up some mortar. Lay it across the top of the brick course (Image 2).

Reposition the capping stone using a level to check position. Repoint the joints (Image 3).

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Re-Lay a Gravel Path

The main problem with a gravel path is weeds. They can be controlled by weedkillers, but a longer-lasting solution is to use a weedproof membrane (geotextile fabric).

Move the gravel out of the path. Pile it up alongside the path, ideally on polythene sheets (Image 1).

Roll out a weedproof membrane along the path base, cutting as required (Image 2). Overlap joints by at least 4 in (100 mm).

Move the gravel back onto the membrane, and distribute evenly using a rake (Image 3).

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Repair Concrete

Hairline cracks in concrete pads are no problem, but larger cracks should be filled. Excavate the crack to a good depth, to give the repair more surface area to stick to. Repairs to the edge of a slab are shown here.

Remove loose debris and dust out the hole as necessary (Image 1).

Use two bricks to support a section of plank that will hold the concrete in place while it dries (Image 2).

Fill the crack with concrete until it is level with the surrounding area (Image 3). Allow the concrete to dry before removing the bricks and plank.