looking after your patioYour new garden paths and patios will require a certain amount of care and regular cleaning will help keep your garden to look neat and tidy, and reduce the danger of slipping on moss or algae.
Although there are many variations of advice and products available, the effort taken to keeping it looking it’s best for many years is really worthwhile. It is amazing the effect of simply raking gravel paths has on the overall tidiness of a garden!
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garden paving will need periodic cleaningGarden paving will need periodic cleaning to keep it looking its best. Generally a regular sweep with a stiff broom and water will be adequate to avoid any build up of dirt. However, you may wish to clean your patio using a proprietary cleaner.
This can enhance its appearance but it may affect long term durability and should only be used sparingly. We recommend you consult your supplier for advice and a suitable cleaning product.
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If you own a pressure washer, this can be used to spruce up your patio, if looking dull after the winter. Be careful not to pressure wash your patio too strongly or too often as you may damage the surface of concrete paving.
Every three months it is worth checking for loose or damaged pavers, and check all jointing material is intact. Look for any stains such as alcohol, barbeque fat, chewing gum or bird droppings and give these an intensive cleaning treatment.
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white bloom on garden paving
Manufactured paving, may occasionally develop white patches on the surface. This is known as efflorescence (or white bloom). This occurs naturally with all cement based products. It may appear randomly and will possibly appear more pronounced on coloured paving.
The white bloom may give the impression that the colour of the paving is fading but, when wet, you will find that the efflorescence vanishes and returns to its original shade. The white bloom will disappear with time. Once it has disappeared it does not usually reappear and there is no need to replace any paving affected, it will disappear naturally through traffic and weathering.
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Gravel paths with landscaping fabricGravel paths also need little in the way of maintenance. Gravel or chippings will always tend to travel to the edges of a path, where there is least traffic. A quick rake to evenly spread the gravel is all that is needed, remove any debris such as leaves and twigs and keep an eye for weeds.
Even if landscaping fabric is used, some weeds will still manage to survive in gravel paths. Either hand weed these, or use a weedkiller such as glyphosate. |
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