Patios have become a must-have feature for homes across the country as they help create a low-maintenance space that’s not dependent on the weather or season, and easily extends the living space of your home.
It’s a great place to relax with a good book, dine out, set up the barbecue, and chat with friends. Better still, a quality patio will improve the value of your home.
However, even the most perfectly-laid patio needs a little TLC to keep it looking its best.
With a little care, your patio will not only look as good as the day it was laid, but it will also last longer, too.
As experts who install patios and driveways day-in, day-out, we know exactly what it takes to keep a patio in top condition for decades.
Read on for some of our best tips to help you extend the lifespan of your patio.
How can I increase the lifespan of my patio?
Here are a few simple cleaning tips to help you increase your patio’s lifespan:
Most patios need more than a monthly bucket of water and some dish soap to keep them looking their best, so here are a few simple cleaning tips to help you increase your patio’s lifespan:
Thoroughly sweep your patio every other week or so.
This will remove all the dirt and debris while preventing moss and algae from building up.Sweeping the patio
Jet wash your patio on a low setting.
Ideally using patio cleaner attachment (if your patio has been sealed, check with sealant care information before you use a jet wash) to remove ingrained dirt.
If you’ve ever seen jet washing videos online, you’ll know just how satisfying this can be!
If you don’t own a jet wash and don’t want to invest in one, a local handyman (or woman) will be able to do this for you regularly.
Use a vinegar wash to get rid of stubborn patches.
Mix water and white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio, with more vinegar for stubborn stains.
Pour the mixture and let it work for 30 to 60 minutes before scrubbing at stubborn patches and rinsing to clear away debris.
Keep an eye out for weeds growing in the cracks of your paving and pull them out.
If you use a weedkiller, ensure that it has been specifically developed for this use to avoid your patio from becoming stained or discolored.
If you find plants growing up through cracks and joins, make sure you repair them so they cannot continue to do so.
You’d be surprised how tough weeds can be, and they can cause more damage over time.
Treat your patio with a specialist cleaner.
Depending on how quickly your patio gets dirty.
Move your furniture from time to time.
If you have furniture, pots, or anything else on your patio, move it around regularly or put it away in your shed or garage when it’s not in use, if possible.
This will ensure you don’t get algae build-up and other moisture issues under your furniture and decor.
Seal (or reseal) your paving.
Before you do this, check with your paving supplier and ensure you have the correct sealant as there are different sealants suitable for different types of paving.
You won’t need to do this often; an application of paver sealer should last you between three and five years.
You may also need to re-point the patio slabs if they come loose.
This involves removing residue of the jointing compound around the loose paver with a hammer and chisel, then refilling the gaps with fresh joining compound, grout or mortar.
It’s best to outsource this job as it takes knowledge of paving to do well.
Avoid using harsh de-icers and chemicals.
These can harm the sealant or even discolor your paving. If you need to de-ice your patio, salt is the safest way to do so.
If you have snow, avoid using a metal shovel to move it off your patio as you may accidentally scratch your paving stones.
Cleaning, washing, and sweeping your patio is an excellent way to prevent moss and weed growth and should be done three to four times a year at a minimum.
While these are all great ways to extend the lifespan of your patio, it’s worth noting that some of the best ways to ensure your patio lasts is to have it installed properly.
If your patio is past the point of repair, it may be time to think about having it replaced.
A new patio will ensure you can safely use your patio, increase your satisfaction with your home and garden, and increase the value of your home, so it’s well worth the investment.
We specialize in hardscaping and so we know the value of good preparation.
The best thing you can do to extend the lifespan of your patio is to ensure the right drainage is installed and quality, hard-wearing paving is used.
A quality sealant can seal the deal and ensure you don’t find yourself weeding your patio after just a few months of it being installed.
Patio Experts in Edina, MN
Whether you’ve just moved to Edina, MN and are ready to give your new garden a makeover or simply want to give your patio a new lease of life, Magic Construction Minnesota is here to help.
We install garden paving that will transform the appearance of your entire home.
Every patio we install is uniquely designed to match each client’s requirements and suit their garden’s surroundings.
Choose from slate, natural stone, block paving, brick paving, porcelain, Indian sandstone, York stone, concrete slabs/flags, cobbles, and many more.
Click here to find out more about our patio and paving services.
