Protecting Your Patio This Spring

As the days get longer and the temperatures begin to rise, spring is the perfect time to give your patio a bit of attention. After a long winter of wet weather, moss, grime, and general wear can leave even the best patios looking a little worse for wear. But with a bit of seasonal maintenance, you can have your paving looking fresh and ready for the warmer months ahead.

Here’s a guide to protecting your patio this spring — from cleaning to sealing, and everything in between.

Start with a Thorough Clean

Before you do anything else, it’s important to give your patio a good clean. This not only improves the appearance of the stone, but also prepares the surface for any treatments like sealing.

• Brush Away Debris: Start with a stiff brush to remove leaves, dirt, and surface-level grime. Pay attention to joints, where weeds and moss may have taken hold.
• Jet Washing: A jet wash is one of the most effective ways to clean natural stone. It lifts dirt, algae, and stains from the surface, restoring the colour and texture of the stone beneath. Just be careful on softer stones like sandstone or limestone — keep the pressure moderate to avoid surface damage.
• Patio Cleaners for Tough Stains: For areas where grime has built up or where marks from leaves, rust, or algae are particularly stubborn, it might be time to bring in a cleaner. We offer a range of patio-friendly cleaning solutions, designed to treat tough stains without damaging the stone.

Spring is the Ideal Time to Seal

Once your patio is clean and dry, spring offers the perfect opportunity to seal it. Why spring? Because consistent, dry and mild weather is essential for sealant to be applied properly and to cure effectively. Trying to seal in colder or unpredictable conditions can result in patchy protection or the sealer not bonding to the surface at all.

What is Sealing and Why is it Important?

Sealing is the process of applying a protective layer over your natural stone to guard against moisture, staining, algae growth, and general wear. While sealing is technically optional, it significantly extends the life of your paving and keeps it looking better for longer.

Benefits of sealing natural stone include:

• Protection from staining (from food, drink, leaves, or plant pots)
• Reduced algae and moss growth
• Easier future cleaning and maintenance
• Helps preserve the stone’s natural colour and texture

Different Types of Sealers

Not all sealers are created equal — and depending on the finish you’re after and how often you’re happy to reapply, you’ve got a few choices:

• Standard Sealers: Typically offer protection for 2–3 years. Great for regular upkeep and those who like to give their patio a seasonal refresh.
• Long-Lasting Sealers: Some advanced sealers can offer protection for up to 5 years or more, depending on usage and exposure. Ideal for those wanting a low-maintenance solution.
• Wet Look Sealers: These give your stone a richer, darker finish — enhancing colours and giving the surface a dampened, glossy look (without it actually being wet). A great choice for those who want to bring out the depth in their stonework.
• Invisible Sealers: For those who want to preserve the stone’s natural finish while still protecting it from the elements.

We stock a variety of sealer types at Miles Stone, so whatever your preference, we can help you find the right option for your patio.

Other Things to Consider This Spring

• Repointing Joints: If your paving joints have seen better days, spring is a good time to re-point them. Fresh jointing not only looks cleaner but also helps prevent water ingress and weed growth.
• Check for Shifting or Lifting Stones: Freeze-thaw cycles over winter can cause some stones to move. It’s worth checking for any wobbling slabs or signs of movement.
• Plan for Additions: If you’ve been thinking of adding new features — like extending your patio, adding steps, or changing the layout — spring is a great time to plan, especially before peak landscaping season kicks off.

Final Thoughts

A little spring maintenance goes a long way. By cleaning, sealing, and inspecting your patio now, you’ll set yourself up for a season of enjoying your outdoor space at its best. Whether it’s weekend barbecues, sunny mornings with a cup of tea, or simply a tidy garden to look out on, your patio deserves some seasonal care.

If you need advice on cleaning products or sealers, or you’re not sure which type of stone you have, feel free to get in touch with us at Miles Stone. We’re always happy to help you get the most out of your materials.