Natural stone paving may be the part of your outdoor area you use the most. While this paving is extremely hardwearing, to look its best, it does require some degree of maintenance.
How often should you clean your paving? There is no hard and fast rule, but bear in mind that it’s easier to keep on top of cleaning by doing it regularly, rather than waiting until it becomes a more time-consuming task.
However, it is also true that natural stone paving requires less looking after than alternatives such as concrete. Therefore if you are looking to add a dimension to your outdoor space, natural stone paving could be the best option.
Looking After Your Paving
Natural stone paving is a good, long-term investment when it comes to your patio, garden or other outdoor space. You can order patio cleaning Solihull from time to time for your home maintenance.
It has a unique, organic beauty and each slab will have its own slight variations in pattern.
It ages well too, developing yet more character over time.
But in an outdoor environment, your paving will require a little cleaning and maintenance.
Over the wet winter months, there is likely to be a build-up of algae and moss, causing discolouration and making the surface of the paving slippery.
During the summer especially, you’re likely to see weeds sprouting in the spaces in between paving slabs.
Weeds and Paving
Keep your paved area weed-free. Where weeds have emerged, you can use a hoe or a similar garden tool to scrape them off.
If removing the weeds means they take some of the sand in the paving joint with them, then be sure to replace this as soon as you have cleaned the surface. You want to avoid partially filled or empty pavement joints.
You can help prevent further weed growth by regular brushing, which will disturb any new weeds before they can grow properly.
There are some weedkillers specially developed for use with paving in gardens which won’t then kill off any bedding plants or grass close by. However, this is more a reactive than proactive approach. Keep on top of your weeds and you shouldn’t have to resort to a weedkiller.
Cleaning Tips for Paving
Avoid acid cleaning products, as these can end up ruining your paving.
If you’re cleaning your paving more than annually, then you should be able to simply use soapy warm water to brush the surface down.
It is likely that there will be a more persistent build-up of algae or moss over winter, which is when a diluted mixture of bleach and water will come in handy.
Mix the bleach with water at about a 50:50 ratio. Apply it using a bucket or watering can. Leave it for a few minutes, then rinse it off with plenty of clean water.
An alternative for cleaning is a pressure washer, which you can add detergent to, then apply to your paving on a medium pressure setting.
How Clean is Your Paving?
Natural stone paving is durable, so it doesn’t require much cleaning, but you don’t want it to become slippery and dangerous, or to have weeds growing between the slabs. Regular cleaning every few months will mean your paving keeps looking good, and will help highlight its unique, natural beauty and character.
Will Paving Improve My Property Value?
With 84% of people insisting they wouldn’t consider a property that doesn’t have a driveway, adding paving to a property can increase the value of you home. If you are looking to sell your home, you want to sell it at the best possible price.
However, if you do not have paving in your home, it is something to consider.
Improving your property value with paving can be achieved by adding a driveway, patio or to enhance an outdoor space. However, you must ensure your paving is maintained to a great condition.
Thinking About Paving?
If you are considering having paving in your outdoor space, there are a few things you should consider. From choosing the correct paving to the most appropriate space to lay it, Real Homes provide a guide for beginners. You can also get in touch with paving specialists that will help you decide what paving is right for you.
Natural Stone Paving Specialists
Enlisting the help of a paving specialist is worthwhile when making changes to your outdoor space. It is no secret that paving is not cheap and therefore you want to make sure that you get it right.
To discover more about natural stone paving, talk to a specialist from The Premium Paving Company by calling 0800 689 5236 or completing the online contact form.
