Spring Cleaning for Your Brick Patio

We are almost a full week into spring, and it looks like Mother Nature finally got the memo. The warmer weather might have you daydreaming of spending all day lounging on your backyard patio, but you have a little bit of work to do first.

If you have looked at your patio recently, you may have noticed that it doesn't look the same as it did last autumn. That's because over the winter it collected unsightly stains from grime, decaying leaves and moss – but don't worry. With a little bit of work, you can restore your patio to looking like new, so you can rest easy and enjoy it all summer long.

Here is a good spring cleaning routine for your patio:

• Remove all tables, chairs, umbrellas, and other furniture or fixtures from your patio.
• Closely examine the surface for weeds. Pull them out from the root to ensure they don't grow back quickly, or use a weed-killer if you can't get to the base of the plant.
• Sweep the patio with a push broom. Debris such as soil or leaves may not only stain the surface, but they can cause uneven fading by blocking sunlight.
• Thoroughly wash the patio to remove the tough stains and dirt that sweeping can't get out. You can either scrub the surface with a bleach solution using a stiff-bristled brush, or rent a power washer for the day.
• If you decide to use a power washer, try not to spray high pressure water directly into the space between the stone work or bricks (known as the “joint”). Doing so may remove the filler, which could lead to a loosening of the surface.
• After washing, if there are still undesirable spots, look to purchase stain removers specifically made for masonry clean up.  
• If the joint is still holding moss use a small screw driver to remove the organic matter and replace any lost filler with sand or stone dust.
• Consider applying a masonry grade sealcoat to your patio to preserve its look for years to come. Make sure the sealer you purchase is correct for your patio’s type of surface: i.e. stone, brick, flagstone, concrete pavers.

Since 1956, Connecticut residents have trusted Roccie's for all of their paving and masonry needs. Whether you need an asphalt driveway, patio, or drainage solutions call us today for a free quote at 1-888-88ROCCIES.

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