How to fix minor cracks in sand and cement between pavers?

Question

Hi,

I have 1-2mm cracks between pavers on my outdoor patio. Patio is on concrete slab with clay pavers over sand on top of concrete slab. Pavers are sitting on sand with sand and cement in between the pavers. There are cracks in sand and cement. I have used Gripset Betta Concrete Gap Filler for 3-5mm gaps.

For 1-2mm can I use Bondall Bondcrete or some other gap filler.

Anil

MitchellMc · Answer

I don't think grout and water would have any issues with bonding within the cracks, @Anil51. Bondcrete is used as an additive, and you could potentially add a small amount to your grout mix.

Mitchell

Anil51 · Answer

Thanks Mitchell for quick response.

Is it possible to mix coloured fine grout instead of Sand and Cement with Bondcrete to match sand and cement.

Regards

Anil

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @Anil51,

The reason the grout between your pavers is cracking is due to the way the system is built.

You’ve got a solid concrete slab at the bottom, then a flexible sand layer, then solid pavers with a rigid sand-and-cement grout between them. The issue is that pavers sitting on sand will always move slightly, even if it’s only at a microscopic level, due to temperature changes and normal settlement.

Rigid sand-and-cement grout can’t accommodate that movement, so it cracks. That’s why, in most paving installations, joints are filled with paving sand rather than cement grout. Grout is typically used for tiles that are adhered to a solid substrate with tile adhesive, where there’s minimal movement.

For your 1–2 mm cracks, you could mix a small amount of Bondcrete with sand and cement and use that to refill the joints. Alternatively, you could brush Bondcrete into the cracks, but that likely won’t disguise them very well.

Just keep in mind that because the underlying issue is movement, the cracks are likely to continue appearing over time.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell