Patio repair in Exeter
Professional patio repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-260
Typical Duration
2-5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Patio repairs that fix the actual problem - lift sunken or wobbly slabs, repair the foundation underneath, re-lay everything level. Also replace cracked slabs and renew failed pointing.
Don't Live With a Dodgy Patio
You know the problem - that corner that's sunk down, the slabs that rock when you walk on them, the puddle that forms after every rain, the cracks getting bigger each winter.
These aren't just annoying. They're trip hazards, they get worse over time, and they make your whole patio look neglected.
Good news: most patio problems are fixable without ripping everything out and starting again.
💡 Pro tip: Wobbly or sunken slabs mean the foundation has failed underneath. Just filling the gaps with mortar won't fix it - you need to lift the slabs and sort the base properly.
Why Proper Repairs Matter
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Slabs lifted, base properly repaired | Just grout around edges |
| Re-laid level with rest of patio | Obviously patched, still uneven |
| Solid and stable underfoot | Still wobbles, problem returns |
| Repair invisible when finished | Clearly bodged |
| Lasts for years | Temporary fix, fails in months |
Common Patio Problems I Fix
🔧 The Usual Suspects
| Problem | What's Happening | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sunken slabs | Foundation settled or washed away | Lift slabs, build up base, re-lay level |
| Wobbly paving | Sand bedding disappeared | Lift, add new bedding, compact, re-lay |
| Cracked slabs | Frost damage or poor support | Replace with matching slab |
| Puddles forming | No falls for drainage | Re-lay affected area with proper gradient |
| Loose pointing | Old mortar crumbled away | Rake out and repoint entire patio |
| Lifted edges | Tree roots or poor edge restraint | Address root, rebuild edge properly |
Pricing Guide
| Repair Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small (2-4 slabs) | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Medium (5-8 slabs, one area) | 3 hrs | £160 |
| Large (10-15 slabs, section) | 4 hrs | £210 |
| Extensive (major section) | 5 hrs | £260 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Includes base materials. Replacement slabs (if needed) charged separately.
What You Get
📦 Complete Patio Repair
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Work out what's caused the problem |
| Lifting | Carefully remove affected slabs (keep for re-use) |
| Base repair | Add hardcore/sand, compact properly |
| Re-laying | Set slabs back perfectly level |
| Pointing | Fill all joints, clean off |
You're Left With:
- Level, solid patio surface
- Problem actually fixed, not bodged
- Repair blends invisibly with rest of patio
- Safe to use, no trip hazards
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Trip hazard - sunken or wobbly slabs near door
✅ Getting worse - small problem now, bigger one soon
✅ Selling house - patio damage puts buyers off
✅ Pride in garden - want it looking good again
Why Choose Us for Patio repair in Exeter?
Sunken slabs lifted and re-laid level
Wobbly paving fixed properly underneath
Cracked or broken slabs replaced
Loose pointing renewed throughout
What to Expect
Step 1: Quick Assessment
I look at the problem areas, check what's going on underneath (usually obvious once you know what to look for). Give you a price on the spot.
Step 2: Lift & Repair
Carefully lift the affected slabs - we're usually re-using them so no breaking. Sort out the base underneath, adding hardcore or sand as needed and compacting properly.
Step 3: Re-Lay & Point
Put slabs back down level with the rest of your patio. Check all the levels. Point the joints. Clean up. Job done - you'd never know there was a problem.
🔧 DIY Tips
Patio repairs are very doable if you're handy. Here's how to get good results:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Pointing trowel and raking tool
- Bolster chisel and club hammer
- Pry bar or old spade for lifting
- Spirit level (long one helps)
- Rubber mallet
- Sharp sand and cement
- Hardcore or sand for base (depending on issue)
- Wheelbarrow and bucket
📐 Fixing sunken slabs
- Rake out pointing around affected slabs completely
- Use pry bar to lever up slabs from corner (don't crack them!)
- Check what's underneath - usually sand has washed away
- Add new base material (hardcore if really sunken, sand if slight)
- Tamp/compact the new material thoroughly
- Lower slab back in, tap level with rubber mallet
- Check levels with surrounding slabs - all directions
- Repoint joints with 4:1 sand/cement mix
🪨 Replacing cracked slabs
- Take broken slab to merchant for matching (or photo of patio)
- Indian sandstone easier to match than specific concrete patterns
- Check reclaim yards for discontinued styles
- Near-match often blends better than you'd think once pointed
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Trying to lift without removing pointing - you'll crack the slab
- Not putting enough base material back - problem returns
- Failing to compact new base properly
- Rushing the levels - check from all directions
- Wet pointing when rain forecast - washes straight out
- Not cleaning slabs afterwards - cement stains permanently
💡 Pro trick: When lifting slabs, slide them sideways onto grass rather than trying to lift straight up. They're heavy (25kg+) and awkward to grip. One slip and you've broken a good slab. Also, work in morning when it's cool - you'll thank me after lifting 15 slabs in July heat.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
⚠️ Fix problems early: Small patio issues become big ones. One sunken slab lets water pool, which washes away more sand, which makes adjacent slabs sink. Catch it early and you'll save money.
Whole patio wobbly? If the entire patio is moving and sinking, it probably wasn't laid with proper foundations. At that point, you're better off replacing it properly rather than endless repairs. I'll give you honest advice on what makes sense.
Tree root damage? If roots have lifted sections, we need to talk about either removing the offending root (carefully - might affect tree stability) or accepting the patio needs regular maintenance. I'll advise on the sensible option.
Old Exeter patios? Many period properties round here have lovely original York stone, reclaimed slabs, or Victorian tiles. These are definitely worth repairing rather than replacing. I take extra care with older paving - it's often better quality than modern stuff.
Multiple repairs? If you're getting several areas fixed, the price per slab comes down because I'm already set up, tools are out, cement's mixed. Worth doing it all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my patio sunk in places?
Usually the foundation underneath has failed - either inadequate base when it was laid, or water's washed the sand away over time. Sometimes tree roots are the culprit. Once the support goes, slabs sink and wobble. Good news is most patio repairs are fixable without replacing everything.
Can you just fix the dodgy areas or does the whole patio need replacing?
Most of the time I can just repair the problem areas. Lift the affected slabs, sort out the base underneath, re-lay them level with the rest. Much cheaper than starting from scratch and you genuinely can't tell which bits were repaired once it's done.
How much do patio repairs cost?
Small repairs (few wobbly slabs) typically £110-160. Medium jobs (sunken section, several slabs) £160-210. Larger repairs £210-260. If damage is really extensive across the whole patio, I'll be honest and tell you if replacement makes more financial sense.
Will repaired slabs match the rest of my patio?
If I'm re-laying your existing slabs, perfect match because they're the same ones. If slabs are cracked and need replacing, I do my best to find matches - sometimes involves reclaim yards for older styles. I'll show you options before buying anything.
How long until I can use the patio again?
Light walking after 24 hours. Full use including furniture, give it 2-3 days to let everything settle and pointing cure properly. I'll give you exact guidance based on what work I've done.
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