How to Maintain a Paved Patio

Patios made from paving stones look very attractive when they have been installed. You can maintain that attractive appearance by performing some minimal maintenance tasks on that patio. This article discusses some helpful maintenance tips.

Blow Off the Patio

It is advisable to use a leaf blower on your paving stone patio at least twice each season. Spores and dirt can accumulate within the gaps between the paving stones if you do not clean the patio regularly. Such dirt can create conditions that favour the growth of weeds and grass within those gaps. The spores can also cause the paving stones to become discoloured when mould starts growing within the gaps. Regular blowing or sweeping will prevent these blemishes from developing on your patio.

Don't Forget to Water the Patio

The ground under the patio can dry out when there is a prolonged drought. This drying out can cause the soil under the patio to contract and shrink resulting in some damage to the paved area. This damage can be averted by watering the patio each time you are watering your lawn when it is dry. This will ensure that there is moisture underneath the patio and the soil will not shrink as much as it would have shrunk if you hadn't watered the patio.

Seal the Patio

Many homeowners do not like sealing the paved sections of their property because they may find it difficult to get a day when weather conditions are ideal for performing that task. Some may also find it hard to avoid applying too little or too much sealant on the surface. However, the benefits of applying the sealant make the effort worthwhile. The sealant will prevent dirt from getting into the gaps between the paving stones. The sealant will also slow down the effect of UV radiation on the appearance of the paving stones. Invest some time and learn how to apply a seal coat on your patio so that you can enjoy the benefits of performing that maintenance activity.

Some of the maintenance activities above, such as applying a seal coat, may be outside your skill set. In such a case, hire patio builders (like Allweather Shelters) to take care of those tasks. Those professionals will also assess the condition of your patio and give you helpful advice on how you can improve it. For example, you may be advised to use polymeric sand to fill all the joints where the fill material that you used has been blown away the wind.