NATURAL STONE & PORCELAIN MAINTENANCE
If you've recently installed new paving or rejuvenated an existing patio, now is the opportune moment to apply a protective seal. Natural Stone, being porous, can absorb liquids from various sources like muddy paw prints, BBQ grease stains, wet leaves, bird droppings, and moss. These elements have the potential to leave lasting stains, and once embedded in the stone, removal becomes more challenging. Sealing the paving serves as a preventative measure, guarding against staining, excess moisture buildup, and frost damage.
While Porcelain Paving is inherently non-porous, there are still considerable advantages to safeguarding man-made slabs. A porcelain tile protector facilitates the easy removal of dirt and residue lodged within the textured surface, ensuring that your patio remains low-maintenance and maintains its aesthetic appeal throughout the year.
CLEANING
Maintaining Pavers Irrespective of their composition, all pavers require consistent and effective cleaning. The question arises: what's the optimal method and product for this task?
​
Natural stone, renowned for its enduring strength across millennia, may accumulate dirt or stains over time, but fret not—there's always a solution. Once a slab finds its place, it might take some time to acclimate to its new surroundings. Any persistent marks may stem from the laying technique, mineral content, or aftercare products employed. Armed with a bit of research and the appropriate products and techniques, most issues can be efficiently addressed.
EVERYDAY MAINTENANCE
Routine upkeep is as straightforward as giving your paving a thorough sweep using a stiff brush, eliminating any accumulation of dirt, debris, leaves, and residual matter. It's also prudent to stay vigilant against weeds, ensuring the removal of as much of the root as possible to deter regrowth.
​
For optimal maintenance, a thorough cleaning every few months is highly beneficial—ideally, three times in spring and summer, and twice during the winter. Pavers that undergo regular cleaning are notably easier to keep in pristine condition. If your paving extends from the house to the garden, perhaps through bi-fold doors, consistent cleaning contributes to maintaining a seamless and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
​
To address stains and embedded dirt, we recommend using a specialized paving cleaner diluted in warm water. Before commencing the cleaning process, clear the area of furniture, pots, and other objects, and give it a good sweep. Subsequently, test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area, strictly adhering to the manufacturer's instructions. Following the cleaning process, thoroughly rinse the area with clean water.
PRESSURE WASHING
While using a jet wash might appear to be a fast and convenient method for cleaning pavers, it only addresses surface-level dirt.
​
Excessive water usage during this process can exacerbate staining and slip concerns. Additionally, jet washing has the potential to loosen grout, erode stone surfaces, and compromise any protective sealant previously applied.
​
On the contrary, a specialized treatment is designed to interact with embedded dirt and organic matter, effectively extracting them from the stone or textured surface. Moreover, it plays a proactive role in preventing the regrowth of algae and other organic materials.
RUST AND OXIDATION
Oxidation is a natural process that unfolds when iron minerals within the stone migrate to the surface and encounter moisture and air. This interaction prompts the minerals to undergo rusting, imparting a reddish-brown or orange hue to the stone. The resulting marks on the paving vary, influenced by the stone's porosity and its mineral composition. Some natural stone varieties, like Granite and Kandla Grey Sandstone, possess elevated iron content, rendering them more prone to such oxidation.
​
Mineral oxidation, though a completely natural phenomenon, has no bearing on the functionality of your paving. The visible effects will gradually fade over time. Should you prefer to expedite this process, numerous available products can assist in removing these marks.
​
Rust stains and non-mineral oxidation may also occur when water flows over metal fixtures or fittings, subsequently trickling onto the paving and depositing iron particles on the slabs. These orange markings are commonly observed on driveways, where rust from vehicles is more prevalent, and on patios, arising from metal garden furniture, barbecues, and fire pits.
PREVENTING STAINS
After addressing oxidation or rust stains on your stone, it's advisable to conduct regular patio cleanings throughout the year to proactively prevent the accumulation of other types of oxidation or rust stains. Employ these preventative methods to keep rust stains at bay:
​
Seal Your Paving:
-
Consider sealing your paving to curb excess moisture absorption by the stone. This precautionary measure hinders the deposition of iron content on the surface once the moisture within the slabs evaporates. For more insights on sealing, refer to the subsequent sections in this article.
Use A Priming Slurry:
-
Applying a slurry primer on the underside of your slabs when fitting can diminish moisture absorption into the stone, reducing the likelihood of iron particles being lifted and deposited on the surface.
​
Acid and Bleach:
-
Avoid utilizing products containing harsh chemicals like bleach or brick acid, as these can damage your stone and actively contribute to rusting the iron particles within the slabs.
​
Careful With Weedkillers:
-
Exercise caution with weed killers, as many contain ferric sulphate, a potential culprit for rust stains. Keep them away from your paving or opt for products without ferric sulphate to mitigate any issues.
​
BBQs and Garden Furniture:
-
A highly effective strategy to prevent non-mineral rust stains involves relocating barbecues and similar items from paving during wet weather. Additionally, store metal furniture away during the winter season to minimize the risk of stains.
EFFLORESCENCE
Efflorescence, a powdery white or grey substance, may manifest on the surface of natural stone, particularly in humid or damp conditions. This occurs as salts migrate to the stone's surface and subsequent water evaporation takes place. While it may be visually unappealing, it doesn't compromise the structural integrity of the stone.
​
Commonly referred to as a 'bloom,' efflorescence is not exclusive to brick walls; it can also emerge through grout joints, leaving undesirable stains on tiles and pavers. Removal is feasible, but it's crucial to use the appropriate product to avoid damaging the tile surface.
​
It's essential to recognize that efflorescence is a natural process, not a flaw in the stone. Its intensity can vary from one slab to another and depends on the mineral content of the stone.
This phenomenon may occur after periods of wet or cold weather or accumulate gradually, often presenting itself as a seasonal issue. Standard cleaning products are generally ineffective for its removal.
MOSS AND ALGAE
Algae and other organic growths tend to flourish in damp environments where moisture is abundant. Areas in your garden that are dark, and damp are particularly susceptible to algae; Natural Stone Paving can absorb water over time, providing an ideal environment for these growths.
​
Algae commonly manifests as a green film or powdery deposit and may leave a residue on your hands if touched. Lichen, on the other hand, presents itself as grey, yellow, and orange crust-like patches often found on benches and sheds. Moss, a more favoured but still detrimental growth, appears as a thick, soft green cushion on hard surfaces.
​
Non-Chemical Approach to Algae Removal:
To mitigate damage caused by algae and other growths, a prompt dislodgment is often the most effective method.
​
For moss removal, carefully run a knife along the edges of your pavers, ensuring to avoid scratching the stone surface. Alternatively, use a hard-bristled brush to gently remove the growth. After dislodging the growths, a simple wash will suffice to eliminate any residual traces.
​
Chemical Algae Removal:
Various algae removal products and natural stone cleaners are available to effectively eliminate algae from stone patios, pathways, and driveways. It's crucial to exercise caution when choosing a treatment to avoid potential damage. Acidic solutions can harm acid-sensitive materials and erode grout joints.
​
For a safe and efficient option, consider using an algae remover suitable for all types of natural stone, concrete, brick, and porcelain. This treatment not only removes organic residue, slippery matter, and stains but also breaks down hyphae below the surface, preventing regrowth. When applying the remover, ensure comprehensive coverage of the entire paving area for a uniform appearance.
​
Before initiating the washing process, it's advisable to remove any sizable mossy deposits, a task efficiently handled by a long-handled block paving brush. Subsequently, sweep the entire area clean to eliminate additional residues, dirt, and leaves.
​
Preventing Moss and Algae Accumulation:
Enhance drainage in the surrounding area to facilitate the efficient flow of water, ensuring the space dries out over time. Opting for permeable paving materials on paths and hard surfaces promotes better drainage.
​
When constructing patios, consider incorporating a subtle slope or 'fall' to the surface. This slight incline prevents the formation of standing water, effectively curbing excess algae growth.
TO CONCLUDE…
Given the diverse factors influencing each project, there isn't a one-size-fits-all cleaning and sealing method. However, by adhering to the specific instructions for each product, you can maintain the aesthetic appeal of your pavers throughout the year.
​
Post-installation, various patches and discolorations may emerge, often attributed to the stone absorbing moisture from its new bed. This occurrence is generally temporary and tends to subside or can be easily treated.
​
It's crucial to bear in mind that these manifestations are not defects inherent in the slabs. Predicting their likelihood is challenging, as the intensity of such occurrences varies based on factors like the mineral content of the stone, laying method, and the use of specific products on the pavers.
Should you encounter any issues with the stone itself, such as breakages or improperly cut pavers, these concerns should be apparent before use. In such cases, it is advisable to promptly report them to your supplier before utilizing the product.
