Repair of concrete patio area

Jim_Hodge

Firstly, I'm not a DIY person and know nothing.

I have an elderly neighbour with an old concrete 'patio' or seating area outside her back door. It has many potholes (mostly from the big freeze around 2009). The holes vary but can be six inches wide and half to an inch deep. Besides the appearance and making it hard to get an even surface for her table and chairs, it is now a tripping hazard for this 80 year old.

I'm just wondering if something like this would do to fill the holes.
https://www.woodies.ie/sand-cement-mix-5kg-100121?refSrc=29229&nosto=nosto-page-product1

As I said I'm not of a DIY bent but should be able to use this. Would it hold or just pop out in the next frost. It would get no traffic other than walking on it.

Thanks.

Calahonda52

Nice to read of your concern in these tough times.
I would use the above and then maybe laying some non slip rubber matting over it, available from most Agri co-ops

Dr_Colossus

Jim_Hodge wrote: »

https://www.woodies.ie/sand-cement-mix-5kg-100121?refSrc=29229&nosto=nosto-page-product1

€7.50 for a 5kg bag of sand/cement is very expensive (typical Woodies) and you wouldn't see much result from 3 or 4 bags based on those size holes. You'll get 25kg bags of same for not much more in most builder providers:
https://www.goodwins.ie/products/K-Mix-Instant-Mortar-Render-25Kg-Just-add-water-.html?filter_set[]=1,130

Rubber matting suggestion above is very good, would cover the patchwork and provide a nice grippy surface.

CJhaughey

I'd clean the holes out thoroughly, powerwash if necessary and then use postcrete in small batches to fill individual holes.
Sets fast and is stronger than sand and cement which is really a plastering medium.

Jim_Hodge

CJhaughey wrote: »

I'd clean the holes out thoroughly, powerwash if necessary and then use postcrete in small batches to fill individual holes.
Sets fast and is stronger than sand and cement which is really a plastering medium.

Would Kilsaran Post 10 do this? I'm limited in where I can shop. And what consistency would you mix it to?
Thanks.

CJhaughey

I think that would work, half fill the hole with water and pour the mix in, and tamp it down with a trowel to level.
Sprinkle any dry spots with water.

10-10-20

Jim, if the repairs are shallow, the cement-sand mix will dry out too quickly and, well, remain as cement-sand.
It would be best to wet the patches and cover them with a tarp or sheet. Wet them frequently for a number of days.

Also, before applying the patches, create a loose soup of 1:1 water-cement and paint this into the holes about 5 mins before starting to patch. This will help bond the new concrete with the old and will stop the older concrete from wicking out the loose water from the mix.

If you have PVA glue, you can add a small squeeze to the mix and this will help to "plasticise" the cement, meaning that it is easier to spread and won't slop as much.

Finally, make the mix to the point where it will stand up when 'poured' off the shovel. It should slump only slightly, and hold its shape when poked with a finger.
I hope this helps.