The patio is the entrance to your home. It is the area that welcomes you and sends you out every day, making it crucial to be well-maintained.
Due to different meteorological conditions, especially if you live in an area with a lot of rain or humidity, the outside area of your property can start to develop moss. This may look like a small issue to you at the beginning, and many people make the mistake of ignoring it, but it is crucial to address the problem in time if you want to save money on costly repairs in the future.
In the following rows, we will let you know a couple of tips and tricks to keep your patio protected from moss. We will also discuss how to get rid of it for good once it is already there.
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Why Is My Patio Turning Green?
So, you have noticed that your patio is turning green or has green spots, and you are wondering why this is happening.
The main reason can be only moss, algae, or green mould thriving in damp, shady areas. These can cause serious problems, like slippery surfaces, where you can hurt yourself, or a damaged patio if you let it stay like that for a longer period of time. These are all issues that you should not underestimate.
The green staining is due to the moisture that settles on the irregular and soft surfaces for extended periods of time. This happens mostly in areas lacking dryness and enough sunlight. Wetness and shadow are the perfect conditions for algae and moss to thrive and unless you interfere, they will spread very quickly.
Common Places Where Green Staining Appears
The green moss and algae can basically grow everywhere, but there are several frequently encountered areas which provide the best conditions for them to thrive and spread.
The most common places where staining can appear are:
- Shaded corners: they are usually the places in your outdoor space that get the least sunlight. Since the direct sun is blocked from casting light on the corners, they become the perfect places for breeding green stains.
- Beneath furniture or planters: heavy objects, such as tables, chairs, or flower pots, are amazing nests for mould and moss to appear. Not only is there no way for the sunlight to shine there, but also, in cases of rain, water staying under garden furniture and accessories can take a long time to dry. However, if you move such objects regularly and make sure the surfaces underneath are dry, you will prevent the unwanted greenery from appearing.
- On the patio edges: this is another area that is preferred by the moss and algae due to its poor drainage and the lack of proper sunlight.
- Between the slabs: a notorious area where moss and algae often flourish. The gaps or cracks between the paving slabs collect water, dirt, and debris like no other place outdoors, which creates the perfect conditions for the green spots to develop.
By addressing moisture buildup and cleaning your patio often to remove algae and green mould, you can keep your home outdoors dirt-free, good-looking, and most importantly – free from any unwanted green.
How Do I Stop My Patio From Going Green Again in the Future?
The most important investment you can make to stop your patio from turning green is regular maintenance. Make sure the area is clean by sweeping away the leaves and removing any unnecessary debris. You could also ensure that your drainage systems work perfectly.
However, if you are looking to remove green staining once and for all, then you need a few extra steps in maintaining your patio.
Here are five best practices you can follow to stop your patio from turning green:
- Clean your patio: the simplest yet most important thing to do is regular cleaning of your patio. Create and strictly follow the cleaning schedule that suits you best. Also, regularly sweep the surface of the patio to remove green algae, leaves and dirt because they can trap moisture. We recommend also washing your patio surfaces with a pressure washer every couple of weeks with water and soft detergent. Just remember to dry with a towel or a damp cloth in all areas that can’t dry naturally.
- Ensure good drainage: poor drainage is another leading cause of moss and algae appearance. An adequate slope is a must if you want to prevent the unwanted green growth on your patio. It will allow the water to run off and won’t allow it to pool in areas where these issues can thrive.
- Practice prevention: it is a good idea to apply inhibitors to your patio surface. This will prevent future green staining. This kind of treatment will last for months and provide a protective barrier against moisture and organic growth. If you want to keep your plants and pets safe, look for organic inhibitors that won’t harm them.
- Make way for the sun: as we specified above, green growth appears in damp, shaded areas. Make sure all the overhanging shrubs are trimmed, so nothing blocks the sunlight from hitting your patio. The more sunlight you have, the dryer your patio will be.
- Apply sealant: adding a sealant with a water-repellent coating to your patio is another great way to prevent the surfaces from turning green. The sealant will protect the surface material from moisture and will make it resistant to algae and moss growth.
While regular cleaning is crucial to undertake, it is not sufficient to stop algae and moss from spreading. A general advice we can offer here is to integrate all five steps, even if you do not have the time or means to complete them all simultaneously.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean and green-free patio is not a hard thing to do. You just need to be familiar with why the greenery appears and how to prevent it.
By understanding why your patio is turning green and taking the steps needed to get rid of the moisture buildup, your outdoor area will look clean and beautiful all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my patio to prevent green stains?
It is best to clean your patio every few months and even more frequently when the weather offers wet weather conditions.
Will sealing my patio stop it from going green?
Applying sealant will protect your patio from going green. You have to remember though to reapply the sealant every few years.
