Homeowners urged 'do one thing' to stop patio flooding and costing you thousands

As winter looms and the forecast predicts heavy rainfall, UK households are being warned to safeguard their gardens against potential flooding and the resultant expensive damage. With frequent downpours spoiling outdoor gatherings, the threat to infrastructure, including home garden patios, is a growing concern.

Georgina Read, Director at Paving Superstore, emphasised the importance of patio upkeep to evade exorbitant repair costs later. "Damage to your patio often occurs due to inadequate drainage or uneven ground, which can lead to flooding. In severe cases, water may seep through cracks or gaps in your patio surface, exacerbating the damage," she stated.

"This is why it's crucial to properly grout your patio – not only does it secure the pavers, but it also protects them from water damage."

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DIY enthusiasts looking to dodge steep repair bills might contemplate undertaking their own grouting work. According to current figures, professionally grouting an average 188-square-metre garden patio in the UK could cost roughly £2.73K.

Yet, homeowners opting to DIY could slash the expense to a mere £520, saving a substantial £2.21K just on labour. For a typical garden patio, which usually necessitates about three days of work, professional fees alone can pile up to £960, data from Check A Trade reveals, reports the Express.

Read suggests that those who are handy with DIY should consider tackling the grouting themselves to cut costs. "Regrouting costs about £15 per square meter for materials," Read said..

"The cost for grout for an average UK garden patio is around £520. So by doing it yourself, you're only spending about 19% of what you'd pay for a professional job."

Grouting on your own isn't as tough as it might seem. One of the top methods for DIY grouting is using a ready-mixed brush-in jointing compound, which is becoming increasingly popular due to its ease of use and all-weather suitability.

How to grout a patio

Start by prepping the Patio: Clean the surface thoroughly and make sure all gaps between pavers are clear of debris. Wet the Surface: Before applying the jointing compound, ensure the patio is well soaked.

Keep the area moist throughout the process to stop the compound from hardening too quickly. Apply the Jointing Compound: Sweep the compound into the gaps using a broom.

If the surface remains wet, the compound won't set right away, allowing time to make sure every joint is filled properly. Allow to Dry: After applying the compound, leave the patio to dry completely.

The compound will set after 24 hours, making your patio ready to face any weather.