As summer draws to a close, many homeowners begin the process of maintaining their patios. Fall is the ideal season to perform patio maintenance, because it is past the season of peak usage and before more inhospitable weather sets in. There are a number of ways you can prepare your hardscapes for the winter and ensure that they are looking great for next spring and summer.
Caring for your brick hardscape features can be a daunting task, no matter the time of year. If you are struggling with its upkeep, you may want to consider hiring hardscape contractors in Kansas City, MO.
Replacing pavers
If your hardscape is suffering from a broken piece of pavement, you will want to address it immediately. Broken pavers can cause excessive ice formation that may crack adjacent pavement panels.
You will need to use a pry bar or hammer and chisel to lift the cracked or broken stone out of your hardscape. A certain amount of pressure will need to be applied, but you must be extremely careful so as not to damage adjacent pieces of pavement.
Once the stone is removed, you can lay fresh mortar on the ground, level it off with a trowel and place the new stone on the ground. If it is not even with the adjacent pieces of pavement, use a rubber hammer to gently tamp it down into place.
Avoid algae
During the damper fall and winter months, standing water can accumulate on your hardscapes, resulting in algae growth. You will want to address algae growth as soon as possible so that it doesn’t become a tripping hazard.
Pressure washing your hardscape is the best way to mitigate algae growth. Some areas, such as those covered in permanent shade, will often need to be treated with a fungicide.
Patch asphalt
If there are small cracks or holes in your hardscape’s asphalt or concrete, you will want to patch them as soon as possible. Water can collect and freeze inside small holes and cracks, expanding them and causing more extensive damage.
You can use cold-mix asphalt to fill in the hole or crack, and then tamp it down using the wooden butt of a tool or an unneeded dowel. More extensive work should always be left to hardscape contractors in Kansas City, MO.
Fix gravel paths
Gravel paths are fun and inviting ways to accentuate your patio area. Unfortunately, they are often susceptible to weed growth.
You can mitigate potential weed growth by relaying your gravel path with a piece of geotextile fabric beneath it. Once you have laid the weed-proof membrane, you can replace your gravel stones and even them out to achieve a professional and invitational aesthetic.
If you are in need of professional assistance for your patio maintenance and repair, you should contact MSE Hardscapes LLC. We are the premier hardscape contractors in Kansas City, MO. You can count on us to deliver reliable, comprehensive patio repair and maintenance services throughout the year. We are here to help you keep your patio looking great no matter the season!