3 Patio Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Patios are the heart of outdoor living, providing a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy nature. Whether you dream of something cozy, modern, or an extension of your home, your patio will need a little maintenance. Implement the tips below to maintain a patio that lasts for years to come. Patio Cleaning & Sealing When going for a deep clean, removing any furniture, decor, or other objects is important so you can access the entire patio floor. You can use a broom, leaf blower, or power washer to remove organic debris and loose dirt from there. Stains can usually be resolved with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent, but specialized cleaners are available if that doesn’t do the trick. If you plan to seal your patio, ensure it’s completely dry before sealing. You can then apply the sealant using a roller or a sprayer. Following the manufacturer's instructions is important because some sealants may require a slow, roll-on application for even coverage. You don’t have to seal your patio, but it can make it easier to clean, improve its appearance, and extend its life. When you clean your patio doesn’t matter too much; however, autumn or spring tend to be optimal times due to their moderate temperatures. It’s recommended to clean your patio twice per season, power-washing only once a year, and seal only once every 3-5 years. NOTE: Concrete pavers require you to wait 60-90 days after installation to clean and seal them so the joints have time to stabilize. Preventing Moss and Weed Growth on Your Patio When preventing moss growth on your patio, you should do three things: keep it clean, remove new moss quickly, and use a preventative spray. Make sure to sweep away debris weekly and remove standing water or fix low areas quickly so as not to encourage moss growth. You also want to remove new moss as soon as possible so it doesn’t take root and become harder to move, and you can use a preventative spray to discourage more. If you already have oss growth on your patio, you can try applying a vinegar and water solution, a layer of baking soda, boiling water (at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit), a dish soap and water solution, or a pressure washer. Weeds are a similar story; however, you should also consider the location of your patio before building it for weed prevention. If you’re on a slope, you want to ensure the patio slopes away from the house to prevent stagnant water. Additionally, you want to ensure your pavers are installed correctly with a compacted sand bed foundation and that any gapping is filled with polymeric sand. If you already have weeds, you can try the same vinegar, baking soda, and boiling water methods from the moss prevention section. You can also pull weeds from the root, burn them, or apply landscaping fabric. Seasonal Patio Maintenance Your patio will need maintenance every season, whether or not it’s currently in use. That said, patios tend to be low-maintenance, and if you can keep up with the occasional cleaning, it will reduce the risk of larger issues like cracking or other expensive damage. Spring Spring is a great time to do a deep clean of your patio to remove any buildup of winter debris. You’ll also want to inspect it for any damage or gapping so you can go in and make the small repairs before they turn into big ones. Fall The fall is a great time to clean and seal your patio because the temperatures are mild. Fall sealing provides an extra layer of protection so your patio can withstand the winter. This is also a good time to check for rot on posts and joints and repair any loose or missing grout or hardware. Summer The summer should mainly be for regular cleaning, just enough for guests and outdoor activities. You should also clean your patio furniture several times yearly, twice in the summer, at the beginning and the end. Winter The winter months don’t require much maintenance, but if it snows in your area, you want to be mindful of how much snow is piling up. Salts may damage certain patio materials, but check with the manufacturer to confirm. Conclusion With just a little maintenance, your patio can look and feel as good as new and last for years. The great thing about patio maintenance is that you can usually see when it requires cleaning, sealing, or fixing, so repairs and preventative maintenance are a breeze. Plus, hardscaping materials are often made with maintenance in mind, so you can’t go wrong.