Professional Patio Sealing Service in Hull, East Yorkshire

How To Seal A Patio

Discover the essential steps to effectively seal your patio by exploring the comprehensive guide we've assembled for you. Over time, we've safeguarded a myriad of patios and paving materials, from porcelain to budget-friendly concrete. Regardless of your stone type, sealing is a worthwhile investment, ensuring prolonged protection and enhancing aesthetic appeal.

Witness the transformative effect on garden patio stones as our sealing service restores their natural beauty and accentuates vibrant colours. Safeguard your patio against weather damage, erosion, weed growth, and other natural elements, while also considering the cost-effective option of sealing older patios for restoration rather than opting for an entire new set of slabs.

Sealing Different types of Patios

Tailoring our sealing services to the specific demands of your patio stone in Hull, we recognise that different surface types require different treatments. For instance, concrete pavers, flags, and slabs benefit from a water-based acrylic sealer, offering protection against UV rays and yellowing while facilitating moisture escape.

Navigating natural stone surfaces, such as Indian sandstone, demands a more meticulous approach due to their higher cost. While some may choose to forgo sealing natural stone, our range of patio sealers, including colour enhancers, brings out the innate tones, making a professional sealing service a valuable investment.

Before embarking on the sealing process, we advise testing the chosen sealer in an inconspicuous area to gauge the finish and ensure it aligns with your preferences. Whether opting for a matte or glossy look, conducting a test allows you to make an informed decision.

Weather Conditions for Sealing a Patio

Consider weather conditions when scheduling the sealing process, adhering to the general rule of performing it on a dry, sunny day. Moisture, especially in the form of rain, can impede the drying of sealant and lead to undesirable white patches on patio flags. To prevent a 'blooming' effect caused by sealing a damp surface, initiate the process after three consecutive dry days. Aim for a summer application, typically between May and August, for optimal results.

While we will always recommend using our professional patio sealing service, we understand that some people may wish to attempt the task themselves. We are happy to offer some practical advice to help you make the most of your patio sealing project.

1. Preparation Guidelines for Patio Sealing

Before embarking on the sealing process for your new patio, it's crucial to allow approximately 12 weeks for the emergence and evaporation of efflorescence. In case any residue remains, meticulously rinse it off and allow the patio to dry thoroughly before proceeding. Our expert patio sealing service strongly recommends a waiting period of 12 months before initiating the sealing application.

Once the patio is completely dry, initiate the clearing process. The sealing application will effectively 'lock in' any dirt, debris, and persistent moss or weeds present. Utilise a spade for the removal of stubborn greenery and a stiff brush to clear the surface.

When we mention 'clear,' it extends to relocating garden furniture, plant pots, and water features from the surface. Unless you intend to seal only a specific section of your patio, ensure the entire surface is devoid of any obstructions.

Thoroughly inspect the area for any damage. Address cracks, chips, or sunken stones before proceeding with the sealing process. It may be necessary to replace or re-joint some slabs to achieve an optimal surface for sealing.

Given that sealant is challenging to remove when freshly applied, meticulous preparation is key. Ensure your patio looks pristine and, for safety, equip yourself with gloves and goggles. Keep children and pets away during the application process.

For minor patio repairs and pressure washing service preceding sealing, trust the expertise of Hedon Exterior Cleaning's trained team.

2. Cleaning your patio surface

Once you've inspected your patio, ensuring the removal of loose debris, weeds, and any unwanted growth, the next crucial step is thorough cleaning.

For stubborn stains, consider investing in a specialised paving cleaning solution tailored to your specific paving type. Adhere closely to the product instructions for optimal results. Alternatively, a power washer can effectively eliminate tough dirt and stains from the surface. Whether you opt to rent or purchase one, exercise caution to avoid excessive pressure, which could potentially damage the flags and result in the loss of sand in the joints.

To achieve pristine results, it is paramount to ensure that all stones are clean before applying a sealant. Don't hesitate to invest effort in scrubbing with a stiff brush if necessary; sometimes, this proves as effective as a pressure washer. Follow the usage instructions of any cleaning products, rinse as required, and allow the patio to dry completely over a period of three days.

Our professional sealing service based in Hull incudes cleaning and treatment of your patio to remove weeds and algae and prevent future growth.

3. Re-jointing and pointing.

Should sand or mortar inadvertently be dislodged from your patio joints during the cleaning process, it becomes essential to reapply jointing sand prior to sealing. This step may prove necessary, especially if your patio is old.

Achieving optimal results in re-jointing can be accomplished using various products tailored to the task. While a jointing compound is often recommended, alternatives such as kiln-dried sand and epoxy mortar can be suitable in different scenarios.

Recognising the significance of re-jointing is crucial, as inadequately compacted joints can lead to the sinking and imbalance of your patio. It is imperative not to commence the sealing of your patio until the joints have undergone the necessary curing process.

Our professional patio sealing service in Hull completes tasks like re-sanding and pointing as part of the standard process.

4. Application of Paving Sealant

The utilisation of patio sealing products varies, so it is imperative to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. Nonetheless, the initial coat plays a crucial role in penetrating the stone; thus, it is essential to apply it uniformly. This can be accomplished using either a sealant sprayer or a fibre rolling brush.

Consistency is paramount. If you opt for spraying, employ uniform motion, overlapping to always ensure a wet edge to guarantee even coverage across the entire area.

For brushing, concentrate on the edges and corners initially, progressing towards the center. A paint roller can also be employed for a consistent application of the sealer on the patio surface if necessary.

The patio sealing service offered by Hedon Exterior Cleaning ensures a professional and uniformed application of patio sealer to the surface.

5. The Dilemma: Opting for One Coat or Two Sealing System?

When it comes to sealing patios, the decision of applying one coat or two can be subjective. Some sealant products do not explicitly recommend a second coat, yet the additional layers, typically the second and third coats, can bestow an enhanced gloss or sheen while providing extra protection. The initial coat locks in the vibrant colour, and subsequent coatings serve to amplify it and add additional protection.

Choosing a single coat imbues your patio slabs with an invisible, deeply penetrating protective seal that reaches into the stone pores. A second coat, on the other hand, often augments this protection or imparts a subtle alteration to the appearance. Certain sealers advocate a second application to accentuate the colour, presenting a nuanced shift in aesthetics.

Importantly, the necessity of a second coat hinges on the specific paver sealer being employed. It's essential to consider product recommendations to ensure optimal results. A patio sealing service can offer you professional advice on which route to take.

6. Allow Sufficient Sealer Drying Time

Ensure your patio sealer is given ample time to dry before traversing it or permitting your pets to roam freely.

This process is typically swift, especially on dry days, with a recommended drying period of around three to four hours.

An essential consideration when applying a second coat, especially with colour-enhancing sealers, is not allowing it to completely dry. This precaution is crucial to enable the additional layers to effectively penetrate the stone surface.

For optimal results, adopting a "the longer, the better" approach to drying the patio sealer is advisable. If feasible, leaving the patio undisturbed overnight before resuming foot traffic will yield pristine outcomes.