If you are looking to keep your patio looking fresh and prevent it from turning green throughout the years, then it is vital to prevent the growth of algae and moss on your paving slabs.
But what causes the patios to turn green and how can you prevent it?
Patios turn green due to the growth of algae, moss, mildew, and mold. Your patio slabs tend to collect moisture due to their porous composition. When these surfaces aren’t completely dry, they can become breeding grounds for various substances such as algae and moss that cultivate in moist places.
You can keep your paving slabs from turning green by keeping using chemical sprays, keeping them dry, and increasing sun exposure.
Be sure that your patio has a proper drainage system and keep it clean from any debris. Keep reading to learn more about how to keep your patios from turning green, and how to clean them if they do.
What Causes Patios to Turn Green
Patio paving slabs are prone to getting wet from rain, snow, and other types of precipitation.
Over time, due to concrete’s porous composition, moisture seeks into the slabs, making it difficult to dry completely.
When your patios are moist and blocked by trees and debris, they are more likely to become breeding grounds for green substances such as moss, algae, mildew, and mold.
They can even become slimy and damp if they aren’t given proper sunlight and care.
How To Keep Patios from Turning Green
Keeping your patios from turning green is easy to do. All you need to do is follow a few simple instructions every few months.
You can use all of the instructions, or just take your pick to decide which ones will work best for your patio slabs.
Apply Algae and Moss Killers
The best way to prevent green substances on your patio is to use algae and moss prevention spray!
When your patio is dry, you can spray on the solution and your slabs will be protected for months at a time.
There are a few different options that you can use to spray your patio, some natural and some made with chemicals.
Here are a few options recommended by patio owners:
- Lilly Miller Moss Out!
- Copper Sulfate Crystals
- Wet and Forget
- Pro-Kleen Simply Spray & Walk Away
- Patio Magic!
- Gardeners Dream Kennel Cleaner
- Ultima-Plus XP Patio Cleaner
Expert patio cleaners recommend using copper sulfate crystals in water to spray down the paving slabs for good prevention of algae and moss.
The other cleaners will also clear any green substances from your patio, and prevent them from growing in the future.
Be sure to apply it when the patio slabs are dry, typically in early spring or autumn. This will allow you to reapply less often and get the best results!
Removing Shade and Increasing Sun Exposure
Moss, algae, mildew, and mold are often found in extremely damp places. If your patio is covered with shade, then it may be necessary to increase your sun exposure to dry it up a bit.
A few ways to increase sun exposure are:
- Trimming trees
- Trimming bushes
- Removing any umbrellas
- Cleaning any debris
If you can move your plants around to give your patio more sunlight, then you should do it! Any shade can prevent your patio slabs from drying correctly, so if you can trim it, do it!
You should also only keep your umbrella open on days that you need it. Try to keep it closed after a rainy day so that your patio can receive direct sunlight and dry more thoroughly.
Proper Drainage and Maintaining Dry Slabs
As stated above, to keep your paving slabs from turning green, you need to keep them dry!
Having a proper drainage system is critical, especially in rainy months if you want to keep your patio free of bacteria and other green substances.
Your patio is all set if you installed your slabs sloped away from the house for excess water to drain from the concrete.
If you have not sloped your patio slabs or sloped them towards your house, you may be in for a bit of trouble with moss, algae, and mildew soon. Yet, you can fix it with the following options:
- Cut a drainage channel into the slabs
- Overlay the slabs with a slope
- Drill drain holes
- Redirecting gutters from the house
Cut a drainage groove into your patio slabs to drain them away from the house. Then fill them with gravel or decorative stones.
Overlaying the slabs with a slope is a drastic change and should only be done if your patio floods.
Another easy solution for draining your patio is to drill drain holes into the patio slabs. These can be about 3mm in diameter and then filled with gravel or rocks.
If your patio is collecting water from your gutters and house runoff, then try changing the direction of your gutters and aiming them away from the patio.
How To Clean Patio Slabs
You can keep your paving slabs free of mold and algae by maintaining a regular cleaning schedule and applying mold-killing chemicals or natural sprays.
Although, the green substances can be difficult to remove if you haven’t cleaned the patio in a long time.
You can use the following tools to remove mold, moss, and algae from your patio:
- Broom
- Vinegar
- Powerwasher
A powerwasher will most likely be the quickest way to deep clean your slabs, but don’t forget to follow up with bacteria-killing soap or sprays to prevent bacteria growth in the future.
When cleaning your patio, it’s best to do it when the slabs are dry. This will allow for the easy removal of moss and mold.
Once they are dry, you can try to remove the substances with a broom and scraper. If this isn’t powerful enough or the stains are stubborn, then it may be time to powerwash.
Once you finish pressure washing the patio, you can clean it with vinegar and water. Spray down the moss and let it sit for a few minutes. Then either powerwash or scrape the area to clean the residue.
Can Keeping Your Patio Cool Help Prevent Mold Growth on Paving Slabs?
Keeping your patio cool outdoors can indeed help prevent mold growth on paving slabs. Mold thrives in warm, moist conditions, so ensuring your outdoor space remains cool and well-ventilated can minimize the risk of mold developing on your paved surfaces. Regular cleaning and proper drainage also contribute to preventing mold growth.
Final Thoughts
Green paving slabs can be unappealing but are easy to avoid. Give your patio a lot of sunshine and make sure to use algae and mold killer before the rainy and wet seasons.
Otherwise, just keep it clean and make sure the patio drains properly, and the slabs will look good as new!