We hate to say it, but winter is almost here and the frost is slowly starting to creep up on us. With the night sky appearing earlier and the temperatures dropping, the garden is not usually the first place we think of relaxing after a long day of work. If you have a patio in your garden, whether it is porcelain, sandstone, slate or granite, you might want to start thinking about the best ways to protect it over winter, so there is less maintenance come the spring and it stays safe over the icy months.
Tip #1
Fill existing cracks
This preventative measure can stop cracks getting worse over winter, which they will in icy weather. When rainfall is followed by a frost, cracks can become far worse than they were before, which is not what you want to discover once winter has passed.
A simple way of filling in cracks is using Azpects EasyJoint. If you used EasyJoint to joint your current patio slabs together, you may even have some left over. As long as you filled the tub with 10cm of water to keep the product wet, it can be used as and when you need it.
Because EasyJoint is cement free it will not leave any marks on your patio. It is also resistant to freeze-thaw cycles and forms a solid joint that prevents weed and plant growth.
If you have not already got any EasyJoint, you can buy it from any of our stores.
Tip #2
Invest in an awning
A patio's worst enemy during the winter is rain. In cold weather, water will quickly freeze, making the paving more slippery and very dangerous to walk across. It also makes it easier for moss and algae to grow and spread.
An awning is a protective sheet that pulls out and covers you from the rain, often used at cafes and outdoor bars. It is also good for providing shade in the summer. They are actually fairly easy to fix above patio doors and can be bought for less than you would expect.
Tip #3
Seal your patio
We have two products in the Azpects range which provide great protection from water penetration and erosion, both of which are more common over the winter.
Easy Seal, SSP (Stone Sealer and Protector)
This will impede moss and fungal growth, as well as creating a strong and long-lasting protective layer on either natural or concrete paving. It is also environmentally friendly and 100% water based, with no toxic substances. This product can be easily applied with a roller, as seen above.
Easy Seal, Contract
This has been specifically designed with the professional contractor in mind. It seals and protects all types of concrete, including block paving, raw concrete, paving slabs, pattern imprinted concrete (PIC) and garage floors.
It penetrates deep into the substrate and delivers excellent oil and water repellent qualities, ensuring the surface is protected from a variety of staining substances. The hardwearing finish enhances the surface colour and extends the life of the substrate. Application is easy: simply apply to the surface with a roller. Applying additional coats increases the protection level and adds a greater sheen to the surface.
Both of these products can be bought in any of our stores. If you need any more information on sealing patios or protecting your patio over winter, call our friendly customer advisors on 01202 874207.
Thinking about a refresh once spring arrives? Our garden paving inspiration guide is a good place to start, and our Slim Setts range makes a smart border upgrade alongside any patio.
