As Brits brace themselves against the chilly embrace of winter, thoughts of outdoor gatherings under the sun are put on hold. Yet, for those keen to welcome summer with open arms and a garden fit for festivities, now is the time to roll up your sleeves.
The persistent wintertime showers play havoc in our gardens, encouraging the unwelcome spread of weeds and moss in the nooks of patios and driveways, leading to hazardous slips or unsettling the paving stones. Attending to your patio and its stones is an essential bit of groundwork, avoiding expensive future repair costs.
Local business owner of Armstrong Cheshire patio supplies, Simon Wardle, advises: “Keeping on top of the maintenance of your paving is key to preventing any irreversible damage creeping in with the colder weather.
“By using one simple supermarket ingredient, you could save you £1000s in unnecessary paving replacements and even prevent any accidents from mossy paving slabs.”
Combining dish soap commonly found at any grocer with boiling hot water offers an easy remedy.
Pour this concoction over the affected areas and allow it to seep in. This softens dirt and moss, setting the stage for a thorough sweep with a stiff outdoor broom.
Post-cleanup maintenance boils down to a simple routine – sweeping away leaves and detritus to maintain grip and curb the erosion of your beloved patio.
It’s also advisable to periodically reseal the pavement. Keeping your paving slabs sealed is crucial to stop any moss or mould from penetrating them and causing irreversible damage.
Typically, this should be done every three years, but depending on the weather, it may need to be done more often for protection.