Chris Fletcher, Technical Services Chemist at Thompson’s explores the products that tradespeople need to keep close at hand on hard landscaping projects
A new patio, driveway or paved area can look great when it is first laid but the effects of weather, algae growth and general use can leave it looking less than its best. In addition, water ingress can soon cause issues and may even make it appear as if it was not laid correctly in the first place. This is because as water seeps into the substrate it can soften it and over time the surface can become uneven. Therefore, treating and protecting the surface is important, not only for maintaining the like-new appearance for longer but also for extending the life of the paving materials.
To achieve this, professionals should use specially formulated patio and block paving seal, which is designed to enhance and protect paved areas, with a choice of finishes available including one coat clear, satin and wet look. The solvent-based acrylic resin solution protects the surface from weathering, resists moss and algae growth, prevents dirt staining and makes the area easier to clean. This type of product can be used to protect a wide range of materials including block paving, flag stones, sandstone, limestone and granite. For areas where vehicles will be parked it is also important to look for a product that will protect the paving from oil and fuel spills.
Patio and block paving seal is simple to apply, however newly laid patios should be left for one month before applying a seal. Simply clean the surface using a stiff wire brush or jet washer to remove dust dirt and contaminants. Once fully dry, the paving seal can be applied using a brush or long pile roller.
For speed of application and convenience for the customer, it is worth selecting a product with short drying times. For example, Thompson’s Patio & Block Paving Seal will be touch dry in approximately one hour and can be recoated after four hours. The surface can be walked on four hours after the topcoat has dried and can accept heavy traffic after just 24 hours. There are also one coat products available that speed up the application further and allow the job to be completed in as little as a day.
While the solvent-based formulation also gives products such as Thompson’s Patio & Block Paving Seal excellent slip resistance, some customers may require additional protection to ensure safety. To achieve this an anti-slip additive, typically supplied in granular form, can be mixed into the block paving seal before it is applied.
However, paving seal is not just for newly laid surfaces. Older patios and paving that are still in generally good condition can be renovated using a combination of specially formulated cleaner and paving seal. A high quality cleaner, such as Thompson’s Advanced Patio and Block Paving Cleaner, can be used to remove ingrained dirt, mould and algae. There are also specially formulated cleaners for removing oil, grease and fuel staining from paving.
Using the cleaner is simple. The first step is to scrub the surface with a stiff bristle brush to remove any dust or dirt. The cleaner can then be poured onto the surface and the area scrubbed with the bristle brush. Once it has been left to work for 15 minutes and then given a final scrub, the area can be hosed down to wash away the suds and left to dry.
Similarly, the Thompson’s Oil & Drive Cleaner can be applied directly onto stubborn stains caused by oil, grease and fuel. It should be worked into the stain with a brush and left for 20 minutes on concrete and stone or five minutes when used on tarmac. The area can then be washed down with water and a brush. Once the cleaning is completed, and the surface is completely dry, the paving seal can then be applied to provide long-lasting protection.
Another product that is useful to have in the van for renovation projects is a cleaner for brick and garden walls. Products such as Thompson’s Advanced Brick & Mortar Cleaner effectively remove mortar stains, limescale and efflorescence to restore the appearance of walls. It can be used at different concentrations depending on the degree of stain removal required. For example, for light staining the cleaner can be diluted in 10 parts water while to treat heavy staining it can be used as equal parts water and cleaner.
To find out more about Thompson’s and its wide range of cleaning and waterproofing products visit: www.thompsonsweatherproofing.co.uk
