Basic Guide to Maintaining Your Natural Stone Paving
Natural stone paving such as Indian sandstone and limestone is a great investment for your garden which will stand the test of time.
The affordable yet attractive stone has become increasingly popular in recent years and as with any paving stone, will require a little maintenance.
Before you purchase and install your sandstone, limestone or slate, we recommend familiarising yourself with the best way to maintain your stone and keep it looking its best for years to come.
JOINTING COMPOUND
Using a quality jointing compound once your slabs have been laid is recommended to prevent the growth of any weeds.
A brand such as Everbuild Geofix Paving Jointing Compound is suitable for all types of natural stone and is very hardwearing and long lasting.
SEALANTS
It is good practice to seal the newly laid stone with a high quality impregnating sealant. These types of sealants will penetrate the stone, offering the best protection.
Be sure to select a reputable brand such as Resiblock Indian Sandstone Sealer. Providing the sealant is applied in accordance with manufacturer instructions, you stone will be resistant to stains and algae growth.
Keep in mind that natural stone is porous. How porous it is depends on the density of the stone that you choose. Softer stone such as Pure Mint sandstone will require sealing all sides before being laid, due to the risk of absorbing moisture and colour from jointing compounds, whereas harder slate or limestones are fine to seal afterwards.
Always check with your supplier or your landscape contractor, they will be able to advise you on the best method of protecting your natural stone.
REGULAR CLEANING
A simple sweeping of dirt and debris at regular intervals should keep your stone looking pristine. If a little extra cleaning is required, brushing with soapy water should suffice. Make sure to use an acid free soap and always test a small indiscrete area beforehand.
If you do find that some areas that cannot be cleaned easily, we would always recommend contacting a local contractor for advice and to carry out treatment work.
LOOSE PAVING
Loose paving is not only a potential trip hazard, but can affect the surrounding jointing compound which could end up costly to rectify in the long term. Contact your local contractor to repair any loose slabs as soon as possible.
Following these few simple steps and consulting your landscaping contractor will keep your natural stone looking its best for years to come.
Take a look at the large range of natural stone paving available online or view our project gallery for inspiration.