New sandstone patio

[oblio]

We have just had a sandstone patio installed and I would like to seal it so as to reduce the impact of weathering and fungal/lichen growth.

Anyone had good results with any products which are suitable for sandstone?

I'd also like to know if this then reduces the need to jet wash it annually as that is a ball ache of a job.

Thanks

[Simpo Two]

oblio said:

I'd also like to know if this then reduces the need to jet wash it annually as that is a ball ache of a job.

When you get that far, I'd recommend you get a patio cleaner head, if you haven't already got one. It's much more efficient than using just the jet.

[wolfracesonic]

Paving Expert to the rescue, againPaving sealer 101

[The Three D Mucketeer]

If it's polished natural sandstone , I would advise not using a power washer directly ... I did to my regret... Bradstone Indian Sandstone very expensive and a power washer started to remove the surface , it was quite soft , so take care .

I would recommend products from extensive , who know a lot about natural stone treatment (worth a call very helpfiull)

https://www.extensive.co.uk/unitedstonecare.html

[oblio]

Thanks all.

I'll do some reading.

[Accelebrate]

I'm no expert, but I'm in the process of laying a sandstone patio and I've seen a few suggestions that you should wait a year before sealing to allow any efflorescence to be released.

[oblio]

Good to know. Thanks.

I'll get onto the chap who installed it and see what he says.

[Andeh1]

Accelebrate said:

I'm no expert, but I'm in the process of laying a sandstone patio and I've seen a few suggestions that you should wait a year before sealing to allow any efflorescence to be released.

I've also heard this, on our block paving... Albeit it they are now so grubby, you're damned if you do...damned if you don't!

[Flat6er]

Wet and forget. Its all ive ever used and oursandstone has been down 9 years still looks as fresh as when it was laid.

A spray once every year keeps it topped up.

[The Gauge]

For block paving I recommend Resiblock, expensive but fantastic, it sets on the surface and on the jointing sand and prevents weed seeds taking root from the surface. I'm sure they also do a sandstone sealer but I've never used that, thankfully my Indian sandstone patio doesnt suffer from algae etc, maybe because it is south facing?

I was going to seal my patio when it was installed but I couldn't find a sealant that was universally recommended, so didn't bother. Plus you have to consider if it will wear or peel off after a few years and need reapplying.

[mikey_b]

oblio said:

I'd also like to know if this then reduces the need to jet wash it annually as that is a ball ache of a job.
Thanks

Ha - I find the annual patio jetwash to be one of the most satisfying tasks of the year!

[oblio]

I love the end result but not the hours of work to get there

[smifffymoto2]

Have a mooch around www.puresealservices.co.uk.

They have a product for nearly everything.

[The Gauge]

Simpo Two said:

When you get that far, I'd recommend you get a patio cleaner head, if you haven't already got one. It's much more efficient than using just the jet.

I was a non believer of these 'fake news' patio attachments for years, assuming that the lance nozzle would always be much better. But I recently bought a new Nilfisk pressure washer and their patio attachment. The patio attachment is amazing and cleans my patio in minutes, instead of the hour it used to take with the lance.

[oblio]

I spoke with the patio installer bloke and he recommended Azpects Sandstone Sealer which I have now put on (2 coats). Not the cheapest stuff at £45 a throw.

Hopefully this should do the trick and keep it pristine but I am now thinking next year should I then treat it with wet and forget (or similar) to bring it back to it's current new state?

[joshcowin]

oblio said:

I spoke with the patio installer bloke and he recommended Azpects Sandstone Sealer which I have now put on (2 coats). Not the cheapest stuff at £45 a throw.

Hopefully this should do the trick and keep it pristine but I am now thinking next year should I then treat it with wet and forget (or similar) to bring it back to it's current new state?

I really hope your pointing was completely dry! A client of mine treated theres and the sealent they put on all went milky and looked terrible!

I like the natural look so always recommend to just leave it, keep it swept to avoid staining and jet wash every other year.

Got a pic of your patio?

[Arranguez]

The Gauge said:

Simpo Two said:

When you get that far, I'd recommend you get a patio cleaner head, if you haven't already got one. It's much more efficient than using just the jet.

I was a non believer of these 'fake news' patio attachments for years, assuming that the lance nozzle would always be much better. But I recently bought a new Nilfisk pressure washer and their patio attachment. The patio attachment is amazing and cleans my patio in minutes, instead of the hour it used to take with the lance.

I’ve got that but the patio lance thing is so short I had to bend over double to use it. I must be doing something wrong as I’ve only used it once as a result.

[The Gauge]

Arranguez said:

I ve got that but the patio lance thing is so short I had to bend over double to use it. I must be doing something wrong as I ve only used it once as a result.

Are you sure you have all the correct parts? Sounds like you may have a section of lance missing.