Time Savers In Patio Care And Maintenance

The backyard patio is a great place to gather with family and friends. During the spring and fall, most homeowners must clean the patio to remove dirt and grime from the last season. If you have patio stones, then there will be weeds that grow in between the pavers. Patio care and maintenance tasks will depend on the type of pavers you have in your backyard. Wood, stone and concrete patios need regular cleaning to look their best.

Stone Patio Care

The first step in reducing the amount of time it takes to kill weeds in between the pavers is to spread polymeric sand between the stones. This will also keep bugs from building their nest in the same spot and kill weeds. You will need to clean the stones with a pressure washer before applying the sand. Sweep the sand between the pavers with a broom. A rubber mallet should be used to distribute the sand evenly over the pavers. A leaf blower can be used when you finish spreading the sand. Use a garden sprayer to apply a fine mist over the sand. Do not add too much water or you will lose some of the sand.

Concrete Patio Care

Stamped and colored concrete needs regular care to keep it looking its best. Use a pressure washer twice a year to get rid of debris and dirt. Liquid dish soap makes a great cleaning agent with a scrub brush or broom. Rinse the patio off with a garden hose or pressure washer when finished cleaning. Let the area dry for at least 24 hours before applying a sealer. Brush the sealer on using a paint roller and let dry for 24 hours before applying a second coat.

Stone and concrete patios last a long time with regular maintenance. A good sealer will prevent stains and dirt and reduce the amount of time you spend on cleaning. Choose patio furniture that is made out of durable materials that can stand up to harsh weather conditions. Stone pavers should be replaced when they are cracked to keep your patio looking its best.