If you want your patio to last you many years, then you need to not only know what to do to keep it well maintained, but you also need to know what not to do. Taking good care of your patio requires regular maintenance, but there are some things you should avoid doing, which cause more damage than anything.
Patio maintenance mistakes can range from anything starting with using the wrong patio cleaning tools and more. To ensure you conduct the correct type of regular patio maintenance, you should know all the common patio damage mistakes and how to avoid them.
Not sure where to even start?
In this guide below, there are several patio maintenance mistakes that you’ll want to avoid. Continue reading to learn more!
1. Allowing Spills to Set
If you eat and drink on your patio, then it’s important to always be on the lookout for spills. This is even more necessary for those who grill on their patios. Grease, food, and other spills can happen and should be cleaned immediately.
If you allow the spill to set into the patio, then it can quickly be absorbed by the stone. Once the stone absorbs the spill, it can then become stained with whatever it was that spilled on it. To clean spills, make sure you’re using a cleaning product that’s safe for the specific type of stone your patio’s made of.
Before using a cleaner, you can always try to remove the spill first with water to see if that corrects the problem.
2. Sealing the Patio
Sealing your patio isn’t something you must do. Although sealing wooden decks is important, you won’t necessarily need to seal your stone patio. If you want a glossy look all the time, then you can seal it.
Do keep in mind, however, that sealing your patio will create extra work and more maintenance for you down the road. Once you seal it, you’ll need to reseal it every two years to keep up with it. Fortunately, many natural stones will self-seal due to the foot traffic on top of them.
It may be best to research the type of stone your patio’s made from and only seal it if needed, or if you do want that glossy look. Otherwise, skip the sealing process altogether.
3. Over Washing a Stone Patio
Natural stone may flake over time. If you wash your patio too often, then it could cause even more flaking. When washed frequently over time, the surface of the patio can begin to wear away.
For this reason, you may not need to wash your patio on a regular schedule. Instead, consider washing it only as needed. You can use water and a mild/gentle dish soap to clean away dirt and grime. Any stubborn stains or mildew can be washed with a diluted mixture of muriatic acid and water.
You can find muriatic acid at your local home improvement store. Be sure to follow all instructions and dilute as instructed. You should also wear protective gear while using the mixture.
4. Power Washing Alone
Although power washing is a wonderful way to get a deep clean of your home’s exterior, you don’t want to be too forceful on your patio’s surface. Too much pressure from a power washer can cause damage to your patio. One common mistake homeowners make when maintaining their patio is pressure washing it alone.
If you don’t have experience using a power washer and washing the type of stone your patio’s made from with a power washer, then it’s best to contact the professionals. Hiring a licensed professional will reduce the risk of patio damage. They’ll know exactly how much pressure to use, which can be tricky to figure out on your own.
5. Using Bleach to Clean It
As tempting as it might be to clean your patio with bleach, avoid doing so. You may believe that cleaning with bleach will give it the ultimate clean, but it can actually ruin the color of your patio’s stone/surface. For this reason, it’s always best to start with plain water first.
If water alone won’t do the job, then you can try a mild dish soap. If that doesn’t get the patio clean, then begin working your way up a list of mild cleaners for the specific stone your patio’s made of. Only use a harsh cleaner if needed.
6. Forgetting to Add a Cover
Installing patio covers over patios is a great way to help reduce damage from the sun and other natural elements. Patio covers will not only preventing the sun’s harsh rays from altering the coloring of your patio, but they can also keep a good amount of debris off of the patio as well.
Over time, leaves, sticks, dirt, leaves, and other debris can build up on your patio. Rocks and even small bits of sand can damage the stone by scratching it. Leaves can cause damage by leaving stains on the stones after decomposing.
A pile of debris that sits on your patio for quite some time can also begin to grow mold or mildew under it. For these reasons, it’s best to install a cover and sweep on a regular basis.
Avoid These Patio Maintenance Mistakes
If you want your patio to last you several years, then be sure to avoid these patio maintenance mistakes. Use all of the helpful information listed in this guide above to ensure you know exactly what to do and what not to do when it comes to keeping a well-maintained patio.
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