Path repair in Exeter
Professional path repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-210
Typical Duration
2-4 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Path repairs that sort the problem properly - I lift wobbly slabs, fix what's underneath, and re-lay everything level and solid. Also replace cracked slabs and renew worn pointing.
Stop Living With That Wobbly Path
You know the one - there's that slab that rocks when you step on it, or the section that's sunk lower than the rest, or the crack that's getting bigger every winter.
These aren't just annoying. They're trip hazards, especially in wet weather. And they get worse if you ignore them.
💡 Pro tip: Wobbly slabs usually mean the foundation underneath has washed away or settled. Just grouting round the edges won't fix it - you need to lift the slab and sort the base.
Why Proper Repairs Matter
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Slabs lifted, base repaired, re-laid level | Just grout round the edges |
| Matches surrounding path perfectly | Obviously patched, different level |
| Solid and stable underfoot | Still wobbles, problem returns |
| Lasts for years | Temporary fix, fails within months |
Common Path Problems I Fix
🔧 The Usual Suspects
| Problem | What's Wrong | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Wobbly slabs | Sand/base washed away underneath | Lift slab, add new base material, re-lay level |
| Sunken sections | Ground settled, inadequate foundation | Lift affected area, build up base, re-lay |
| Cracked slabs | Frost damage or poor support | Replace with matching slab |
| Loose pointing | Old mortar crumbled away | Rake out and repoint properly |
| Uneven surface | Poor original installation | Lift and relay to proper level |
Pricing Guide
| Repair Job | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 wobbly slabs | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Small sunken section (3-5 slabs) | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
| Larger repair (6-10 slabs) | 3-4 hrs | £160-£210 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Price includes base materials. Replacement slabs charged separately if needed.
What You Get
📦 Complete Path Repair
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Check what's caused the problem |
| Lift | Carefully remove affected slabs |
| Base repair | Add hardcore/sand, compact properly |
| Re-lay | Set slabs back level with rest of path |
| Point | Fill joints, clean off, job done |
You're Left With:
- Solid, level path surface
- No more trip hazards
- Repair invisible from rest of path
- Problem actually fixed, not bodged
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Trip hazard - wobbly or sunken slabs near your door
✅ Getting worse - small problem now, bigger problem soon
✅ Selling up - path damage puts buyers off
✅ Safety concern - elderly relatives or young kids using the path
Why Choose Us for Path repair in Exeter?
Wobbly slabs lifted and re-laid properly
Sunken areas raised back to level
Cracked or damaged slabs replaced
Loose pointing renewed for stability
What to Expect
Step 1: Quick Assessment
I look at the problem area, check how many slabs are affected and what's going on underneath. Give you a price there and then.
Step 2: Lift & Repair Base
Carefully lift the problem slabs (keeping them safe if we're re-using). Sort out what's underneath - add hardcore, sand, compact it properly.
Step 3: Re-Lay & Point
Put the slabs back down level with the rest of the path. Point the joints. Clean up. You'd never know there was a problem.
🔧 DIY Tips
Path repairs are actually quite doable if you're practical. Here's how:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Spade and pointing trowel
- Bolster chisel and club hammer
- Pry bar or old spade for lifting slabs
- Spirit level
- Rubber mallet
- Sharp sand and cement for pointing
- Hardcore or sand for base (depending on problem)
📐 Fixing wobbly slabs
- Use bolster chisel to carefully rake out pointing around slab
- Lever up slab with pry bar - work from corner, don't crack it
- Check what's underneath - likely the sand has washed away
- Add new sharp sand or hardcore, tamp down firmly
- Lower slab back in, tap level with mallet
- Check it's level with surrounding slabs all directions
- Re-point joints with 4:1 sand/cement mix
🪨 Replacing a cracked slab
- Take the broken slab to a builders' merchant for matching
- Indian sandstone is easier to match than specific concrete styles
- Reclaim yards sometimes have discontinued patterns
- Slightly different colour often blends in better than you'd think
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Trying to lift slabs without removing pointing first - you'll crack them
- Not putting enough base material back - problem returns
- Rushing the job - check levels from all directions
- Forgetting to compact new base material
- Wet mortar in joints when rain's forecast - washes straight out
💡 Pro trick: When lifting slabs, slide them sideways onto grass or boards - don't try to lift them vertically. They're heavier than you think and awkward to grip. One wrong move and you've cracked a perfectly good slab.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
⚠️ Act sooner rather than later: Small path problems become big ones. One wobbly slab lets water in, which washes more sand away, which makes adjacent slabs wobble. Fix it early and you'll save money.
Can't find matching slabs? Sometimes we can swap a damaged slab from a visible area with one from a less obvious spot (like right at the back). Then the mismatch is hidden. Sneaky but effective.
Tree root damage? If roots have lifted your path, we need to talk about either removing the root (might affect tree stability) or accepting the path will need occasional maintenance. I'll give you honest advice on what makes sense.
Old Exeter paths? Many of the older properties round here have lovely original York stone or reclaimed slabs. These are worth repairing rather than replacing - I take extra care with period paving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes paths to sink and become wobbly?
Usually it's the base underneath that's failed - either not enough hardcore when it was laid, or water's washed the sand away. Tree roots don't help either. Once the support goes, slabs rock and sink. Good news is it's usually fixable without replacing the whole path.
Can you just fix the dodgy bits or do you need to redo everything?
I can usually just fix the problem areas. Lift the wobbly slabs, sort out what's underneath, re-lay them level with the rest of the path. Much cheaper than starting from scratch and you can't tell which bits were repaired.
How much does path repair cost?
For typical repairs - a few wobbly slabs or a small sunken section - you're looking at £110-210 depending on how many slabs need lifting and how much base work is needed. If it's extensive damage across the whole path, I'll be honest and tell you if replacement makes more sense.
Will the repaired slabs match the rest of the path?
If I'm re-laying your existing slabs, they'll match perfectly because they're the same ones. If I need to replace broken slabs, I do my best to find a match - sometimes involves checking local reclaim yards for older styles. I'll show you options before buying.
How long before I can walk on repaired path sections?
You can walk carefully on re-laid slabs after 24 hours. Full heavy use, give it 2-3 days to let everything settle and the pointing to cure properly. I'll let you know the exact timing when I'm done.
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