Repairing a flagstone path (irregularly shaped slabs) requires good timing and quick response to the first signs of damage to avoid having to replace the entire surface in 2026.
1. When is the right time to repair?
Season: The best time is spring or early fall, when temperatures remain stable above 5-10°C and humidity is not extremely high.
Weather conditions: Avoid repairs during hot weather (the stone must not be heated in certain spots) and during periods of frost, which prevent adhesives and mortars from setting properly.
2. What to look for (signs of failure)?
Before calling a professional, check the condition of the path for these signs:
Slab movement: If the slabs move under body weight, this indicates loosening of the foundation or washing out of the bedding.
Cracked joints: Even small gaps in the joints are critical. In 2026, with variable freezing cycles, water penetrating these gaps will quickly break up the stone from the inside.
Efflorescence and deposits: White spots may indicate drainage problems under the slabs, leading to their chemical degradation.
3. When to call a professional?
When you notice parts of the path sinking – simply adding sand usually does not solve the problem of deeper soil destabilization.
When large slabs have broken in half, they need to be professionally glued with epoxy resins or replaced to maintain the aesthetics of the entire path.
When the grouting is falling out in patches, amateur filling with new mortar on top of the old usually does not last long; a professional must clean and prepare the substrate mechanically.
4. How to avoid higher costs in 2026?
The “small steps” principle: The cost of grout replacement is a fraction of the price you will pay for dismantling and re-laying slabs that have cracked due to ice.
We provide services in three cities: Mississauga, Oakville, Toronto.
