Shallow Joint Raking
New jointing compound applied over old material sits on the surface and fails within one season.
Consistent Raking Depth
Joints are raked to 20-25 mm so new compound bonds to clean, stable edges and lasts.
Restore Your Patio
Patio Cleaning, Repointing & Repair in Cambridge
Stop crumbling joints and green slabs becoming a full replacement, restore what you have.
- Local Installer Arranged
- Survey & Quote
- Stone, Concrete & Block
Common Mistakes
Where patio restoration goes wrong, and how to avoid it
Wrong Pressure Angle
Pressure washing at the wrong angle drives water into joints, accelerating mortar loss and loosening slabs.
Angle Matched to Slab
Pressure and angle are adjusted to the slab material before washing begins, protecting the joints.
Mismatched Compound
Using a sand-cement mix on porcelain or natural stone causes cracking as the slab flexes with temperature.
Compound by Slab Type
Flexible compound for stone and porcelain, sand-cement for concrete, kiln-dried sand for block paving.
Skipping the Slab Check
Repointing over rocking slabs locks movement in, the joints crack again within weeks and the problem spreads.
Inspect Before Repointing
Loose slabs are identified and marked before any cleaning or jointing work starts on the surface.
What’s Covered
Cleaning, repointing and repair in a single visit
One survey covers the full sequence, so there is no need to manage separate trades for each stage.
Pressure Washing & Moss Removal
Surface pressure washing removes moss, algae and green staining from stone, concrete and block paving.
Weed Clearance from Joints
Weeds and root growth are cleared from paving joints before raking and new compound is applied.
Joint Raking & Repointing
Old mortar or jointing sand is raked to depth and replaced with a compound matched to the slab material.
Loose Slab Re-bedding
Rocking or sunken slabs are lifted, the bedding mortar assessed, and slabs reset on a stable base.
Surface Drainage Check
Falls are checked once the surface is back together to confirm water still runs away from the house.
Stone & Slate Patios
Cleaning and repointing for natural stone and slate surfaces.
Concrete Slab Patios
Sand-cement repointing and slab re-bedding for concrete paving.
Block Paving Repair
Kiln-dried sand jointing and block resetting.
Post-Winter Restoration
Full clean and joint repair after damp-season moss growth.
Why Choose Us
Why choose Cambridge Patios for patio cleaning, repointing & repair?
Local knowledge, a clear quote and accountability from first contact to finished surface.
One Installer, Full Sequence
Cleaning, repointing and slab repair covered in one survey and quote, with no separate trades to coordinate.
Site Survey Before Any Work
A site visit assesses the surface, joints and drainage before quoting anything.
Itemised Quote, No Surprises
Cleaning, raking, repointing and re-bedding are quoted as separate lines so costs are clear upfront.
Matched to Your Slab Material
Porcelain, sandstone, limestone and block paving each get the correct jointing compound and method.
Cambridge-Specific Experience
Surveys that account for Cambridge gardens and the post-winter moss and algae conditions common here.
Pricing Estimates
Typical Patio Cleaning, Repointing & Repair Prices
| Job | Typical cost | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|
| Patio cleaning | £150-£400 | Typical domestic patio |
| Repointing or regrouting | £250-£800 | Small to medium area |
| Minor repair or relaying | £300-£1,500 | Localised damage |
| Larger repair or partial relay | £1,500-£3,500 | Wider problem area |
Common Questions
Questions about patio cleaning, repointing & repair
Can a pressure wash damage my patio slabs?
Yes, if the pressure is too high or the lance held too close. Soft stone such as sandstone can be etched or pitted, and high-pressure water blasts out existing joint mortar, leaving gaps that let weeds in. The correct approach uses controlled pressure matched to the slab material.
Do I need repointing if the patio only looks dirty?
Not necessarily. If the joints are solid and intact, a thorough clean may be all that is needed. Check by pressing the mortar with a key, if it crumbles or feels hollow, repointing is worth doing at the same time rather than returning to the job later.
How do I know if my patio joints need repointing as well as cleaning?
Look for mortar that is crumbling, recessed more than 5 mm below the slab edge, or missing entirely. Weeds growing in joints and slabs that rock underfoot are also clear signs. If the joints are firm and flush after cleaning, repointing can wait.
Can patio cleaning, repointing and repairs all be done in one visit?
Usually yes, for a standard-sized patio. The sequence is clean, inspect, rake out failed joints, relay any lifted slabs, then repoint. Larger areas or extensive slab relay may need a second visit, confirmed after the site is assessed.
Will repointing stop the same problem coming back soon?
Repointing with a flexible, polymer-modified mortar significantly slows joint breakdown compared with standard sand and cement. It will not last indefinitely, foot traffic, freeze-thaw cycles and tree roots all cause wear over time, but correctly done joints should remain sound for several years.
How much should I expect to pay for patio cleaning?
Most patio cleaning jobs in Cambridge come in at £150-£400, depending on the area in square metres, the surface material and how heavily soiled it is. Repointing or slab repairs added to the same visit will increase the total.
What affects the cost of patio repointing or repair?
The main factors are the total joint length to be raked and refilled, the jointing product specified, the number of slabs to be relaid, and access to the site. Heavily degraded mortar that needs deeper raking takes longer and adds to the overall cost.
Which is better for my patio, a deep clean or repointing?
They solve different problems. A deep clean removes surface contamination; repointing restores structural integrity to the joints. If the joints are crumbling, cleaning alone leaves the underlying weakness in place. Most patios in poor condition benefit from both carried out together.
Tell Us About Your Patio
Describe the slab type, what you can see and how it drains. We will schedule a survey and quote the cleaning, repointing and any repair work as separate lines.