This article looks at the ways in which you can keep paths and patios clear of debris during the winter months. At Lumberjacks, we stock both natural stone and porcelain paving, and here we give you separate tips for both types of slabs.
This article is a three-minute read.
Although you may not be using your patio or pathway as much during the winter months, it’s important to keep them in good condition. Failing to carry out regular maintenance means they will deteriorate (and possibly need replacing) much more quickly.
Patio Slabs in Ipswich from Lumberjacks
At Lumberjacks, we stock natural stone and porcelain paving at our base in Ipswich. We also have a range of cleaning accessories, along with specific sealants which should ensure your slabs stay in good condition, whatever the weather.
Sweep Dirt and Leaves Away…
If left unattended, decaying leaves can release tannins, which may stain the surface and make it harder to clean later. Regularly sweeping your paving can help prevent these stains from forming and keep the surface looking neat. It is particularly important to do this after heavy rain because the moisture can lead to a build-up of moss or algae.
It is best to make it a habit of doing this after strong winds or rain. A broom or brush should do the job and will also avoid any scratches from rakes. Equally, you could use a leaf blower (although it’s best to put any piles of leaves in the garden waste bin, as they could always blow back).
You can shift stubborn dirt with a hose or pressure washer but remember it’s important that moisture doesn’t build up at any stage, so make sure drains are clear so rainfall or any other water doesn’t gather in pools and can run off somewhere. At the same time, move pots and anything else on the patio regularly, because these can also cause moisture problems and stains.
…and Snow and Ice as Well
The same applies during cold snaps as well, where you also must be very careful with the tools you decide to use. You should shovel away snow as soon as possible, as it increases the risks of slips, falls and other accidents, and the freeze/thaw cycle can damage the slabs (once the water gets into any cracks, it can freeze and expand, putting the slab under pressure until it cracks).
However, don’t shovel any snow or ice away with a metal tool. Plastic ones won’t scratch the surface of your tiles. Salt should also be avoided because this can also damage the surface; laying down sharp sand is much safer.
Porcelain or Natural Stone?
The two types of stone, whether you use them for your patio or pathway, will both make stylish additions to your garden. However, they do have some different properties, which mean the cleaning advice is different:
- Natural stone is porous, so it is more vulnerable to the freeze-thaw cycle. This is why it’s worth applying a high-quality sealant into any cracks before the winter months.
- Porcelain is naturally resistant to water absorption and frost, making it a much more low-maintenance option for winter (although we do stock porcelain sealant as well).
We stock porcelain and natural stone paving from our Ipswich base.
Artificial Helping Hands
At Lumberjacks, we stock a range of cleaning products to help you keep your patios and pathways clean and clear this winter. These include Everbuild brick and patio cleaner and porcelain cleaner and sanitiser.
We also stock bespoke products for specific tasks such as algae cleaner and Blackspot remover for particularly stubborn stains. If you aren’t sure which one to use, or need any advice, then feel free to call us on 01473 461394 or click here and leave a message.
FAQS:
Q: Does natural stone paving have any advantages over porcelain?
A: Although natural stone can be slightly more high maintenance than its porcelain counterparts, many people prefer the more rustic look that it offers (and the fact that its colour can change in line with the seasons). For more information on the advantages of both types, check out our previous blog post here.
Q: Have you got any helpful tips if your patio needs replacing?
A: If your patio is old, or has been damaged by particularly harsh weather, then it may be better to replace it rather than repair it. We have compiled this ‘How-To’ guide here.
Q: If you do need any new slabs, can Lumberjacks deliver them?
A: Yes, we can. We appreciate that slabs can be heavy and difficult to fit in a car. The cost of delivery varies depending on where you live and the size of your order (although it can be free!). For more details, check out our deliveries page here.
