Having a patio in the home adds value to the property and promotes outdoor living. The area is a great spot for families and friends to enjoy barbecues and fun conversation notably during summertime.
But along with this comes great responsibility particularly in the maintenance aspect. Any patio requires tender loving care moving forward to ensure that it stays in good condition regardless of the weather.
Some people may think that patios made of natural stones are maintenance free but they’re not. They need to be cleaned on a regular basis to get rid of moss, dust and dirt buildup and to prevent water from getting stagnant on the surface for a long time. The stones also need to be properly sealed to prevent damage such as cracks and chips.
Steps in Caring for Patios
Natural stone patios including those that use flagstones boast of a natural look that’s pleasing to the eyes. Whether they have the plain or patterned design, they never fail to offer homeowners a beauty of their own that can last a lifetime.
But in order to maintain their beauty, they have to be cared for properly. The surfaces, in particular, need to be cleaned and sealed.
Regular cleaning of your stone paving is very important. Sweep the loose dirt and plant debris to prevent stains. Spot clean the paving as well using bleach or muriatic acid diluted with water. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards to prevent possible damage.
Unless you want grasses to grow in between the stone surface of your patio, you will need to seal the gaps. Sealing the gaps will prevent damage and bugs that can hide and live there. Did you know that ants and bugs can use cracks between your stones to find their way into your home?
Water, notably the alkaline type, is also an enemy of stone patios. Water that contains minerals may also contribute to the stone’s erosion.
What a sealer does is fill the gaps and pores in the flagstone and repels spills. It maintains the condition and appearance of your patio so you can enjoy the area with your family onwards.
For sealing purposes, you can use polymeric sand or if you don’t have time to do that, you can always hire a professional. You can buy polymeric sand from any home store particularly in the landscaping section.
Another option is to use acrylic sealer with a matte finish. Avoid the glossy finish as it can affect the stone’s natural beauty. This material not only protects the stone but also retain its color overtime.
Make sure to remove weeds or moss that have grown between your patio stones before applying the sand. You also need to clean the flagstones before starting your sealing work as the sand can dislodge if you do the power washing afterwards.
These are the basic steps that you have to keep in mind and follow to ensure that your stone patio stays the way you want it to be – beautiful and durable.
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