Bostik provides some top tips for a perfect patio
People are placing an increasing value on their outdoor areas as they look to create additional living space, but even the best patios can start to look old and tired after being exposed to the elements. A filthy patio will blight a home’s outdoor space, while the build-up of dirt, grime and stains means it can become slippery and dangerous during poor weather.
Thoroughly cleaning a patio will transform an outdoor area, but for the best results and to avoid any damage to a client’s exterior, you need to know how to clean the patio effectively. Whether the patio is new or old, it will also benefit from the application of a patio sealer. Properly protecting a patio will ensure the surface’s newly restored finish lasts as long as possible.
Prepare the patio’s surface
Start by removing any weeds from the patio area, then use a stiff brush to clear any leaves and loose surface debris, such as moss, soil and cement. Avoid using wire brushes as these may damage the patio’s surface and spoil the finish.
Check that the patio is suitable for cleaning with a patio cleaner – natural stones, for example limestone, sandstone and marble, may dissolve or discolour. You should also ensure you protect areas close to the patio that could be damaged by the patio cleaner: plants, grass, metal and glass – you can easily mask them with polythene.
Thoroughly wet the area to be cleaned. This will prevent the patio cleaner from soaking straight into the surface and it will work far more effectively. You don’t want to flood the patio as this will dilute the cleaner, but it should be generous enough to keep the area damp.
Apply your patio cleaner
Ensure you wear protective clothing, including gloves and safety glasses. Use a plastic container to mix a solution like Bostik Brick & Patio Cleaner, diluting it as two parts cleaner to one part water. Test it on a small, concealed area first and check it after 24 hours. If you’re happy with the results, you can proceed to the whole area.
Apply the cleaner with a soft brush, carefully scrubbing it into the surface. The diluted mixture should provide coverage of around 6m² per litre.
Rinse off the cleaner with plenty of water before it has had time to dry. This will help prevent any white discolouration developing. Avoid using a power washer as this could damage the patio’s surface.
Some patios may need a second application. For removing particularly tough cement and mortar stains or stubborn limescale, you can apply the cleaner neat – be sure to only use it where needed and, again, test it in a small area before a full application.
After cleaning the patio, you can protect it from future staining and grime with a good quality patio sealer. This will provide protection from the elements, enhance and preserve the colour, safeguard against oil and grease staining, and help prevent the development of dirt, moss and algae. You must have thoroughly cleaned the patio first: once you have applied the sealer it cannot be removed and anything left on the patio will be sealed in.
When to seal a patio
You must apply your patio sealer to porous external paving in dry weather. If you are sealing a new patio, you should wait at least a month after it has been laid or you risk trapping efflorescence on the slabs. While efflorescence is a natural chemical reaction, its white-ish discolouration can ruin the patio’s appearance.
Preparing and sealing the patio
Protect any nearby windows, window frames, ponds or plants with plastic sheeting. Ensure the patio surface is clean and completely dry. Shake Bostik Pave Seal well before use, then test it on a small inconspicuous area and check after 24 hours to ensure there are no unwanted changes in appearance.
To apply the sealer, use a soft brush, roller or spray to apply it evenly. A soft brush is best to enable you to work the patio sealer into the surface. Don’t allow it to pool. Depending on how porous the surface is, Bostik Pave Seal will provide coverage of around 5m² to 8m² per litre per coat. Leave the patio sealer for two to three hours, then apply a second coat. A third coat may be needed on very porous surfaces.
Leave the sealer to dry completely. This will be approximately four hours for foot traffic and 24 hours for vehicles. You will need to protect the freshly applied patio sealer from rain and frost until it is dry and should clean any tools used with white spirit immediately after use.
By effectively cleaning and protecting a patio you will produce a polished outdoor area that clients can value every single day for years to come.
For more info on specially formulated Bostik solutions for outdoor areas visit https://www.bostik.com/
