7 Important Steps to Maintain Your Patio
A patio is the secret to enjoying life outside. You can instantly transform your backyard into an outdoor living space with a solid foundation. However, it’s essential to properly maintain your patio to ensure that it doesn’t get cracked or crumble as the years pass. Patio builders are experts at helping homeowners maintain patios. This article will tell you all the industry secrets to ensure your deck stays in top shape.
1. Resealing Patios
One of the main reasons that people call builders to re-do their patio is that they don’t know how to seal it. Wooden patios must be sealed with a waterproof sealer to ensure they don’t grow mold or algae that can compromise their integrity. According to Bob Vila, patio pavers must be resealed every two years. Many homeowners mistakenly believe the myth that you don’t have to reseal patio pavers, but these are susceptible to damage from the weather.
2. Clean Regularly
Regular cleaning is also necessary. Pressure wash patios to remove excessive amounts of dirt and debris. Make sure that you clean them with an appropriate cleaner, too. A mild detergent works well for most patios. However, it’s essential to ask your local patio builder what you should use to clean your patio after it is done with installation. Different materials often call for various cleaning agents, and you don’t want to damage your new patio accidentally.
3. Seasonal Cleaning
Every season comes with its own set of unique challenges. During fall, cleaning up old leaves before winter hits is essential. Old leaves will sit on top of your patio and slowly decay. This can cause mold growth. Once mold takes over your patio, you’ll have to call local patio builders to replace sections of the patio. Keep an eye out for weeds during summer, and always check for winter damage once spring hits.
4. Prompt Repairs
Most patio builders can also perform patio repairs. If you discover mold growing on your patio or cracks in your concrete pavers, contact patio builders as soon as possible. These problems become more significant as time passes, leading to costly repairs. Severe cases will require a new patio installation. Instead, make repairs as soon as you notice them, like a tiny crack, even if they seem minor.
5. Weed Control
Weeds will do their best to reach sunlight, including growing through your patio. It’s common to see weeds start to come through the wood planks on decks or through cracks on stone and concrete patios. Weeds will continue to spread, making gaps wider and impacting the structural integrity of your patio. Pull weeds as soon as you see them. If you have cracks in your concrete or stone patio, contact patio builders to make repairs to ensure weeds don’t come back.
6. Landscaping
It’s common to plant greenery around a patio or enjoy potted plants on patios. However, patio builders often see problems because of the landscaping. Gardens not adequately protected from weeds can encourage weed growth in the area, leading to weeds on the patio. Ensure water doesn’t leak on the patio when watering plants because pools of sitting water can weaken the patio. Clean around plants and other decor on outdoor patios to help keep the patio clean and free from mildew.
7. Other Ideas
Remember several other things to ensure your patio stays in fantastic shape. Contact patio builders to replace broken pavers as soon as possible. This prevents accidents and keeps your patio in excellent condition. Spot treat stains as soon as you see them to ensure they don’t have time to absorb fully, making them impossible to remove. When you stain a wooden deck, don’t sand it unless you must. Sanding the wood eliminates the stain and top layers, so you'll have to stain it a few times instead of just applying a single coat.
We understand that you want your patio and backyard to be gorgeous. As patio builders, we can help you achieve that goal. Our experienced team can help with your new deck, and we’ll help you learn how to properly maintain it. We also specialize in pergolas, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, pool installation, and more. Contact us at Dodson Designs today for your free estimate!
