Just as our homes and appliances require maintenance to look good and last longer, all hardscape construction needs regular attention.
Hardscape structures face excessive sun exposure, and they also battle terrible weather and various animals. Although it’s normal to expect things to wear out over time, there is still so much you can do to help extend the life of your outdoor constructions.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of hardscape landscaping to help you clean and maintain your outdoor structures.
Over the year, your patio, paving stones, and driveway have been exposed to various weather conditions. They’ve expanded and contracted many times due to hot and cold temperatures, and they’ve battled the sun, rain, and wind on many occasions.
Let’s not forget about the sneaky insects and weeds that keep attacking the joints of your stunning hardscape.
Here are six easy steps to follow to give your outdoors the beauty treatment it deserves:
Once you install your landscape, you should always use a sealer to ensure stain protection. Sealers with a high gloss finish will not only protect your pavers but will also enhance their color.
On the other hand, a matte finish will reduce maintenance and protect your hardscape, so keep all options in mind when making your choice. No matter how long-lasting the surface is, using a sealer for additional protection is always a good idea.
To keep your outdoor surfaces free from debris and leaves, you need to sweep regularly. Moreover, you’ll need to clean more often during the fall months when there is excessive yard waste along with fallen leaves all over the place.
If you don’t sweep regularly, the leaves and waste may decompose on your pavement and leave stains or produce mold. Don’t forget to use a hose to wash off any debris that may get stuck after sweeping.
Make sure to check your outdoor surfaces for stains regularly. You can remove surface stains with a firm pressure wash. However, for more severe stains, you will need to use some hardscape cleaning solution.
Jointing sand can get loose, and if you notice it on time, you can prevent weed growth and erosion. Check the joints regularly, and if there’s loose sand, the best solution may be to re-sand the area and add a sealant.
Sometimes, the joints between the stones and pavers start getting more prominent. Commonly referred to as “creep,” the situation is usually a result of several factors, including heavy environmental stress, edge restraint failure, and heavy traffic.
You need to address the creeps as soon as you notice them before they start deforming your entire landscape.
Sneezy weeds love making themselves comfortable in between tiles. Make sure to pull them all out and prevent regrowth by removing the roots. Use a tool like a screwdriver to reach further down and remove the roots if you find it challenging to get them by hand.
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Stains are the most common problem for concrete patio owners. While a solid pressure wash may help clean the surface, some spills and stains are much more prominent and require other cleaning methods.
Luckily, there are numerous ways to keep your concrete looking fabulous, and the most common ones include using cleaning products most of all already have in our homes.
So, what is the best chemical to clean concrete?
The best way to get rid of small grease spills is to use a strong detergent. Pair it with water, pick a sponge and a scrub brush, and get ready for some good old hardcore scrapping. It may require some energy, but it will help you get rid of those ugly stains.
If you have a big area of concrete that needs a thorough cleaning, using bleach is often the best solution. Add ¾ cup of bleach to a full bucket of warm water and mop the entire area. Let the solution do its work for several minutes while you empty the bucket and fill it with clean water.
Mop out the bleach solution and enjoy the results. However, keep in mind to always wear gloves when using bleach to protect your hands, and never mix it with other cleaners.
While bleach and detergent may be extremely useful in cleaning concrete, they are still harmful to plants. If you’re looking for a natural, non-invasive, yet very efficient cleaner, cleaning concrete with vinegar may be a perfect solution. Add baking soda for a more thorough clean, and you’ll love the result.
Maintaining your hardscape structures will save you a lot of money in the long run. It will delay costly replacements and make every next cleaning session easier. If you maintain your outdoor constructions, you will be able to enjoy them for years to come.
