Patio Maintenance Tips

• Concrete is commonly used as a patio surface. It is affordable and lasts a long time as long as it is maintained properly. Freezing and thawing cycles can cause cracks and crumbling to form in concrete slabs and even weaken the overall surface.
• Bricks give a patio area a classic appearance. They can be arranged in any desired pattern on a hardened bed of sand or joined with mortar.
• Flagstones are commonly used for patios, walkways and pool decks. Flagstones are often professionally installed and proper sealing and cleaning helps protect your investment.
• Tile is a sought-after patio surface because it is easy to clean and a cost-effective way to get the outdoor look you want. It is commonly installed on a concrete slab that serves as a base.

Your patio is exposed to the elements year around. Applying sealant to a concrete patio extends its life and preserves any color or wash. It prevents cracking in winter, while guarding the surface against UV exposure and stains.

• Choose a three-day stretch of dry weather to prepare your patio and apply sealant product. The day should be preferably overcast because direct sun beating down on the surface will dry the sealant too quickly while you’re blending it.
• Choose a sealer. Tinted sealers enhance color, and there are glossy and matte finishes available. Select a slip-resistant sealer for high-traffic areas. Talk to a garden center associate for help in choosing the best sealer for your patio.
• Prepare the surface. Clean surface with water and a stiff brush. Scrub stains using trisodium phosphate. Rinse with garden hose or use a pressure washer. Allow the patio to dry completely.
• Apply sealer. You can pour sealer in a paint tray and use a paint roller or use an airless sprayer, available to rent, to apply sealer. Apply an even, thin coat. Work in sections, blending strokes together. Allow the sealant to dry for 48 hours, then apply a second coat.
• Hose and cure. After the sealant dries, rinse off. Avoid the area and allow the sealant to cure for about 10 days.

Tip: To extend the longevity of your patio, you should seal the concrete every few years.

Pressure washing the patio should also be a part of your regular patio maintenance. A high-pressure stream of water is effective at quickly removing dirt, stains, grime and organic matter like algae.

Pressure washers produce water at a higher output than your garden hose. The gas engine or electric motor can generate from 1,500 to 4,000 pounds per square inch (psi).
Choose a pressure washer for patio maintenance that generates 1,900 to 2,700 psi, about 1 to 3 gallons per minute (gpm) with a nozzle setting of no less than 15 degrees.

Use a pressure washer at low setting to prevent too much water pressure from damaging concrete, brick or stone. Start with the mildest cleaning solution, or even plain water, to clean the patio.

Tip: The powerful spray of a pressure washer can cause injury, so wear safety goggles, long pants and sturdy footwear to protect yourself when using one.