Getting the Best Out of Your Concrete Paving

When kept in great condition, garden paving can be a real feature. The contrast of the cool stone against the grass and the flora can create something really special. Neglect your paving, however, and it will soon start to deteriorate and that stunning garden you’ve worked so hard to create will quickly become an eyesore. From sealer to weedkiller, by the end of this you will know exactly how to keep your paving looking fabulous.

We rank this right at the top as if you apply a sealer it will protect your paving and patio against the ravages of the weather. Their main aim is to prevent water from creeping in and permeating throughout the stone or concrete. When it comes to buying your paver sealer please read the labels very carefully. There are a vast array of sealers on the market and it’s easy to pick one and discover too late that it has damaged your stone rather than protect it.

Even with a sealer in place you should be committed to keeping the surfaces clean. Regular brushing will clear away dirt, dust and debris and will soon have those paved areas looking like new again. Particular attention should be given to the crevices between the stones. If small weeds do start to rear their heads, hard brushing will break them and stop them from both growing and spreading. By keeping the paving clean you will also be able to see immediately if the sealer is starting to wear away. This gives you the chance to get it resealed before the water gets a chance to seep in.

Using a power washer is an excellent way of giving your garden paving a really thorough clean. However, if you are in any doubt at all that your sealer is starting to wear away, proceed with caution. If you soak your paving and the sealer has broken down then all that water is going to flood into your stones or concrete. Within the first year of sealing you should be fine, then start checking for signs of wear. When you use a power washer read the labels of the cleaner and only use one that is acid-free. Anything acidic can cause damage to concrete and stone paving.

Depending on how your garden is laid out, you may have wider spaces between your paving stones. If you weren’t living in the house when the paving was laid, the only way you will know if a weed control membrane or landscape fabric was laid is if weeds appear all over the place. Regular weeding ensuring they are pulled out by the roots will help to prevent them from reappearing.

In some cases, the weeds may have really got a good hold and the use of a weedkiller may be needed to keep them under control. Once the weeds have been fully eradicated it may be worth looking into getting the gaps between the stones filled in to prevent this problem reoccurring in the future. It will also protect the stones in the long run and down the sides are vulnerable spots for stones as it’s difficult to thoroughly seal them.

Published in: Outdoors | Author: Jennie