After what felt like an endless winter, spring has finally sprung and the first signs of summer are starting to show. The air carries the smell of fresh cut grass and you just got the first of many farmers tans at one of the kids soccer games. It’s time to fire up the grill, layer on that sunscreen, and kick back on the patio with your family. But what if winter gave your patio a beating? You may be ready for outdoor get togethers with friends and family, but is you patio?
A beautiful design with patio pavers is a great way to spice up your backyard.
How Winter Wrecks Patios
While you’ve been inside staying warm, your patio has been outside, taking all the abuse nature can hit it with. And nature can do a lot of damage.
The most common problem is water damage. Patios will inevitably absorb water as rain and snow collects on it. That water will flow through the material, and pull away some of its water-soluble minerals. A little rain is not a big deal, but over time, enough minerals will wash away that cracks will form in your patio.
Water damage isn’t the worst of it though; ice has the potential of destroying your patio. Just like water can collect and freeze underneath roads, buckling the pavement, the same thing can happen to your patio. The displaced concrete cracks and can fill with ice, forcing cracks wider. And the more cracks and damage your patio has, the easier it is for water to get through, washing away minerals, and speeding up the process.
Finally, there’s just the fact that your patio will see a lot of use. People will walk on it, sit on it, and generally use it; that’s going to cause wear. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options to protect it.
How You Can Protect Your Patio
The best way to keep your patio protected is to keep up on your sealing. Applying sealant to your patio will help keep the water out and thus help keep cracks from forming.
Of course, you should always keep your patio clean. Many people power-wash their patios, which is a great way to get rid of unwanted stains, but could also result in damage – so be careful. Some materials, such as limestone, can’t handle the high pressure washing of a power-washer and need to be cleaned with care.
The final method, though, is probably the best. Rebuild your patio, from the ground up.
AC Paving is here to help create a beautifully paved patio just for you.
Why Use Patio Pavers?
Some patios are damaged beyond repair, and winter has the power of making that happen.
Patio pavers are carefully designed stones and bricks built to be laid in a decorative pattern and to handle what nature can dish out. Compared to old-fashioned styles of patio construction, patio pavers have some considerable advantages.
The first is that if a crack appears in a paver… you can just replace it. Instead of having to patch concrete, or try and find a replacement for a slab of stone, the paver can be easily removed and replaced with a paver of the same color and style. Furthermore, pavers are built to be hard-wearing, so it might be years before you have to replace a single one.
Patio pavers also allow for more creativity and style. Instead of a dull piece of concrete or stone, you can lay patio pavers in a variety of patterns and styles to complement your home décor. Pavers come in an enormous variety of colors and styles, so talk to your local paving experts and see how creative you can get.
Patios are built to be enjoyed, and they shouldn’t be limited by cracks and damage. So, get your patio up to par, and enjoy your summer!