Your patio is a valuable extension of your home, offering a space to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors. However, patios are constantly exposed to the elements, leading to a build-up of dirt, algae, moss, and other contaminants over time. While some homeowners may attempt a quick clean with a garden hose or basic scrubbing, there are signs that indicate it’s time to call in professional patio cleaning services.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 signs that your patio needs professional attention, helping you maintain its appearance, safety, and longevity.
1. Persistent Algae and Moss Growth
One of the most common indicators that your patio needs professional cleaning is the presence of algae, moss, or lichen. These organisms thrive in damp, shaded areas, making patios particularly vulnerable. While a quick scrub might remove surface moss, the roots often remain embedded within the porous material, causing regrowth in a matter of weeks.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Moss and algae can create slippery surfaces, posing a safety risk, especially after rain.
- They can also damage your patio over time, breaking down materials like stone, concrete, and brick.
- Algae and moss can make your patio look neglected, giving off a dirty, unkempt appearance.
Why Choose Professional Cleaning:
Professional patio cleaners use advanced softwashing techniques that not only remove the visible moss and algae but also target the root structure, ensuring a long-lasting clean. Additionally, professional treatments include protective coatings that help prevent future growth.
2. Discolouration and Stains That Won’t Budge
Patios naturally accumulate stains from organic matter, outdoor furniture, food spills, and even rust from metal objects. Over time, these stains can become ingrained in the material, making them difficult to remove with standard household cleaning products.
Common Stains That Signal You Need Professional Help:
- Black spots caused by lichen or mould
- Rust stains from garden furniture
- Oil and grease stains from barbecues
- Leaf and sap stains that leave unsightly patches
- Discolouration from dirt and grime buildup
Why It Matters:
Stubborn stains not only make your patio look aged and neglected but can also weaken the surface material if left untreated. Professionals use specialised detergents and low-pressure cleaning to lift these tough stains without damaging your patio.
3. Weeds Growing Between Paving Stones
If you’ve noticed weeds sprouting between your patio slabs or bricks, it’s a clear sign that your patio needs more than just a quick sweep. Weeds often take root when debris accumulates between paving stones, providing a fertile ground for growth.
Problems Caused by Weeds:
- Weeds can dislodge patio slabs, leading to uneven surfaces.
- The root systems of some weeds can cause cracking and structural damage.
- They give your outdoor space a neglected and untidy look.
Why Professional Cleaning Helps:
Experts not only remove existing weeds but also address the root cause by deep cleaning the gaps between stones and applying weed prevention treatments. This ensures that your patio remains clean and weed-free for longer.
4. Slippery or Uneven Surface
A slippery patio is more than just an inconvenience, it’s a safety hazard. Moss, algae, and dirt can create slick surfaces, especially in wet weather. Uneven surfaces caused by displaced stones or sinking paving can also pose a trip hazard.
Potential Hazards:
- Increased risk of slips and falls, especially for children and elderly family members.
- Uneven surfaces can cause accidents and make the space less functional.
- A neglected patio may not meet safety standards for commercial properties.
The Professional Solution:
Using softwashing and pressure washing, professional cleaners eliminate slippery growths while ensuring the surface remains intact. They also assess the condition of the paving and recommend repairs if needed.
5. Dull, Faded, and Weathered Appearance
If your patio has lost its original vibrancy and appears dull, faded, or weathered, it’s a sign that dirt, algae, and environmental factors have taken their toll. Over time, the natural colours of your patio can become buried under layers of grime.
Why It’s Important:
- A faded patio reduces the overall curb appeal of your property.
- Dirty and dull surfaces may give the impression of neglect, impacting the value of your home.
- Regular DIY cleaning may not be enough to restore the original look.
The Professional Touch:
Professional patio cleaning can rejuvenate your outdoor space, removing ingrained dirt and restoring the natural colour of your patio. Techniques like softwashing and pressure washing are employed to clean without causing surface damage, bringing your patio back to life.
Why Choose Servos Exterior Cleaning for Your Patio?
With over a decade of experience, Servos Exterior Cleaning offers expert patio cleaning services designed to tackle all the issues mentioned above. Our team uses state-of-the-art equipment to ensure a deep, thorough clean. Whether your patio is made of concrete, natural stone, brick, or block paving, we have the right techniques to restore its beauty and safety.
Our Patio Cleaning Process:
- Comprehensive inspection to assess the level of dirt and damage
- Softwashing to remove organic growth without damaging the surface
- Pressure washing where appropriate for a deep, revitalising clean
- Resanding and sealing for block paving to keep it stable and protected
- Final tidy-up to leave your space spotless and inviting
Call Servos Exterior Cleaning Today!
Don’t let a dirty, neglected patio bring down the look of your outdoor space. Whether you’re preparing for a summer barbecue or just want to refresh your garden area, we’re here to help. Call Servos Exterior Cleaning today on 01745 289055 or email clean@servosuk.co.uk to book your professional patio cleaning service.
