Over winter, paving tends to discolour and moss, and weeds find their way into any gaps. Grouting can be compromised, resulting in an uneven surface and yet more spaces for plant life to inhabit. The good news is that early restoration should resolve these issues and give you the clean, level, attractive patio your garden deserves.
Level any uneven sections and regrout
First, you’ll want to lift any unbalanced slabs, resettle and bolster the base layer with sand using a spirit level, and replace the paving stones. If you’re planning to regrout a larger area, a dry mix that’s brushed into the gaps and then watered in to achieve a hardened joint is the easiest option. These pre-mixed products are readily available and cost-effective. Epoxy resin produces a sharp, long-lasting grout, but does require two people for application, as the patio area needs to be kept moist for the hardening process to work.
Step away from the jet washer
If your patio just needs sprucing up, it may seem that jet washing is the best solution. The truth is, however, that you’ll only dislodge more of the grouting and further weaken the integrity of your paving. The best results come from an initial sweep, an application of a specialised patio cleaning agent and a determined scrub with a wire brush. Wait for the paving to dry before deciding if you need a second full application or whether you just need to focus on any remaining areas of discolouration.
Just a few hours work should give you a sharply pointed, clean and fresh-looking patio – the ideal setting for your rattan garden furniture.
