I have a 40 year old flagstone walk/patio – approximately 400 sq. ft. The concrete base apparently is in good shape – no heaving, visible cracking. However, the cement between the stones has chipped out due to the harsh winter. These joints have been pointed several times in the past and one contractor has told us the only way to really fix the problem is to take up all the flagstones and bed them all down in new mortar – assuming the base is in good shape once it is exposed. This would also supply mortar for the joints which would be struck and smothed out.
However, the flagstones are very secure to the concrete base – none are loose so I’m not convinced this is the best approach. With all the new mortars/cements out there as well as bonding agents, has anyone successfully pointed up a flat flagstone area? Of course I recognize that all the old joints need to be thoroughly cleaned of the old mortar, wet down, etc.
Anybody with experience with this?
Thanks!