I have been recementing my flagstones steps at least once a year I have tried latex bonding material which is brushed on prior to cementing, but even that does not help. Is there anything else I could use to recement and hold the cement to the flagstone? I have been using mortar mix.

 

Other than the mortar there must be other contributing causes (the base, your setting technique, care afterward, service conditions). Anyway, mortar for stone is 1 part portland cement and 3 parts sand and it's mixed stiffer than other mortars. Sometimes 1/2 part fireclay is added for bulking and to improve workability.

If you feel that bond strength is the only problem, use stone mortar. If you want greater bond strength add an epoxy admixture or use an epoxy repair mortar.

 

When bonding flagstone to concrete make sure both surfaces are clean and dust and rubble free before you mortar the stone down. If you are replacing individual stones you must chip out the old mortar to make room for the new mortar.

This means you have to remove at least 1/2 inch of old mortar on the "bed" joint, and on the sides. Use a mortar chisel and hammer to remove the old mortar and be carefull of your hands.

Standard mortar as descibed above will bond your stone just fine, don't use bonders if you are just bonding the stone to concrete.

Good Luck!

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Plumb & Level Masonry

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