Gardeners may be concerned for their outdoor areas during the cold winter months, such as the patio. And there are several things to consider when it comes to look after your patio. Now Jonathan Kirby, garden expert with outdoor supplies brand Roxil, has spoken about how to keep your outdoor space in good working order.
He warned that your patio is susceptible to mould, algae, lichen or weed growth during the winter months, which can make it look unkempt. If you are thinking of giving your patio a blast with a pressure washer, you may want to try a different technique.
Mr Kirby said: “You might be tempted to tackle the patio with a pressure washer but beware. While they can produce impressive results in the short-term, frequent use can cause long-term problems such as surface erosion, damage, weak points in the slab and can destroy mortar joints.
“And this leaves the surface more likely to suffer from biological and weed growth issues in the future.” He suggested a two-step process to try instead. Mr Kirby said: “Start by pulling out larger weeds and then leaving a patio cleaner on the surface for 24 hours. Then, use a wet stiff brush to loosen any stubborn patches of mould, algae and dirt, before washing away the debris.”
There are some other things you can do to protect your patio going forward. Mr Kirby said: “To make your life easier in the future, you should waterproof the surface since weeds and biological growth need moisture to grow, and it’s a simple step maintenance step. Use a patio weatherproofing cream to create a waterproof barrier without changing its appearance. By keeping the surface dry, we help to prevent growth.”
Fix your fence
Winter rain can also cause issues for your fence. The damp weather can cause algae, mould and black spot lichen to take root in the pores of your fence’s wood grain, leaving it looking discoloured.
But again it’s worth avoiding using your pressure washer as this can damage the wood. Mr Kirby said: “Brush off the worst of the grime with a stiff brush and leave a soft, non-destructive cleaner for between 1 to 24 hours to kill and loosen biological growth and dirt, washing away with a hose afterwards. Once washed away, the surface will be safe and pet friendly.”
You may also want to give your fence some further treatment. The expert said: “Once clean and dry, protect your fence with a protective sealer. Apply this directly to the surface using a brush or roller, and leave it to absorb into the surface for 24 hours.”
Revamp your shed
Wooden sheds exposed to the elements can also attract dirt, grime, algae and mould. Another risk is that heavy rain and falling temperatures can affect the durability of the wood, which can be expensive to repair, or you may have to even buy a new shed.
The outdoor expert said: “Refresh the surface by applying biocidal cleaner with a pump-action pressure sprayer for even coverage. Then smooth over any textured surfaces using fine sandpaper or a denibbing pad by gently rubbing in the direction of the grain.”
You can also improve your shed’s look by protecting it with a coloured wood preserver This can be sprayed on for an even finish. You can also use waterproofing cream to reduce warping and prevent rot.
Restore your furniture
Another risk with the wet weather is that mould could grow on your garden chairs or other furniture. This is prone to cracking and warping, as well as being unsightly.
Mr Kirby said: “To rejuvenate your weathered patio set and reset it to day one condition, apply an oxalic acid treatment to remove the outer damaged layer and reveal the untouched timber beneath. Once clean, apply a wood preserver and a waterproofing cream to future-proof your furniture against even the worst downpours.”
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