Should I seal my patio after it's been cleaned?

Often, yes, though it depends on the material and condition. Sealing helps protect against future staining and slows new lichen and algae growth, but the patio needs to be fully clean and completely dry first - we'll only recommend it where the stone and pointing are in suitable condition.

Do you clean block paving driveways as well as patios?

Yes, and it's a common combination since many driveways lead straight into a patio area. Block paving needs the joints cleaned as well as the block faces, and we can advise on re-sanding afterwards if the jointing sand has washed out or gone green.

What's the difference between softwash, steam and low-pressure cleaning?

Softwash uses chemical treatment with minimal mechanical force, steam uses heat to lift dirt and kill growth without high pressure, and low-pressure washing uses controlled water pressure below the level that risks damaging softer stone. We choose between them based on the material and how established the growth is.

I'm not sure what my patio is made of - does that matter?

It matters quite a bit, since sandstone, limestone, porcelain, concrete and block paving all respond differently to pressure and chemicals. We identify the material as part of the initial assessment, so you don't need to know beforehand - just get in touch and we'll work it out on site.

Patio Cleaning in Monkton

Patio looking patchy or slippery in Monkton? Proper biocide treatment plus expert cleaning gets black spot lichen gone for good, not just for a fortnight.

Patio Cleaning in Monkton — work in progress across the flagstones, on a NE32 property

Patio Cleaning in Monkton — close detail on the cleaned stone, on a NE32 property

07501060609 Get a free quote

Late winter and early spring is when patios in Monkton look their worst - months of damp weather have given algae and black spot lichen a head start, and the low sun shows up every dark patch. It's also the point where most people start thinking about the garden again.

Pressure washing alone can blast the surface clean for a few weeks, but it leaves the spores in the pores of the stone ready to come back within a season. We treat first, then clean, so the lichen actually goes rather than just getting knocked back.

For patios around Monkton that means sandstone and limestone get treated gently enough to protect the pointing, while block paving and concrete flags that can handle more get a proper deep clean including the joints, not just the flag faces.

Part of the Jarrow Area We Cover

Monkton is one of the areas within Jarrow that we cover regularly, alongside the neighbouring streets and estates nearby, so local knowledge of typical patio types and access here is something we bring to every quote.

If you're just outside Monkton itself but still within the Jarrow area, we almost certainly cover you too - just ask when you call.

Monkton, Tyne and Wear — 12 neighbouring areas plotted within 4.7 miles. Distances are straight-line from Monkton centre.

Concrete Flags

Older concrete flags, especially from the 1960s-80s, tend to be more porous than modern cast slabs and can show surface crazing after decades outside. We check condition before deciding on pressure, since heavily worn concrete can be more fragile than it looks.
Concrete takes biocide treatment well, and a proper clean can bring genuinely tired-looking flags back to a much more even, presentable finish.

Coastal Exposure and Salt-Laden Air

Being roughly 3.4 miles from the coast, patios around Monkton pick up salt-laden air alongside the usual rain, which speeds up algae growth and can accelerate wear on softer stone like sandstone and some concrete finishes.

The combination of salt spray and damp sea air means these patios often need cleaning slightly more often than inland gardens, and sealing becomes more worthwhile as a way of protecting the surface between cleans.

Cost Per Square Metre

Prices vary with size, material and how established the black spot lichen or algae is, but most standard residential patios in Monkton fall into the ranges below. These are guide figures - we'll always confirm a fixed price after seeing the patio.

Heavy lichen/algae surcharge

often an extra £20-£60

Heavy black spot lichen, any material

around £7-£9 per m²

Restricted access or heavy growth

typically £20-£80 more

Combined patio + block paving driveway

often quoted as one job, ask for a combined price

Patio Cleaning near Monkton

Careful Around Your Garden, Not Just the Patio

Biocide trained (2024): Up-to-date training means black spot lichen and algae get treated at the root, not just blasted off the surface.
Fully insured: Every visit is covered by full insurance for your peace of mind.
Before-and-after evidence: We can provide photo evidence of the condition before and after treatment, useful for landlords, letting agents or your own records.
Fully insured: Cover in place for every job we do.