Can you clean Indian sandstone without damaging it?

Yes - sandstone is porous and can be relatively soft, so we treat black spot lichen and algae with a biocide first, then clean with steam or low-pressure washing rather than high pressure, which protects both the surface texture and the pointing between flags.

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 offer decking and fencing cleaning too?

We do, as add-ons alongside patio work - decking gets algae and grime buildup in a similar way to stone, and fencing can green up in shaded, damp spots. It's often more efficient to have it all done in the same visit.

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, Sealing and Re-Pointing Advice in Shildon

Fully insured patio cleaning in Shildon. Biocide trained, spill management trained, honest pricing. Decking and fencing add-ons available on request too.

Durham County Council · DL4 · 19.4 miles south of our Washington base

Call Trevor on 07501 060609 for a straightforward quote. We're fully insured, biocide trained, and happy to give honest advice on re-pointing or sealing even if it's not something we end up doing ourselves.

We treat, clean and can seal patios across Shildon - sandstone, limestone, porcelain, concrete flags and block paving all covered, with a biocide treatment for black spot lichen and moss before any washing starts.

Patio Cleaning near Shildon

Fully Insured, Every Job

Fully insured
We carry full insurance for every job we take on, so you're covered throughout the visit.
Asbestos awareness trained
Useful on older properties where garden structures or outbuildings may contain legacy materials we need to work safely around.
Asbestos awareness trained
Trained to recognise and work safely around legacy materials on older properties.
Run by Trevor, directly contactable
Speak to the person doing the work on 07501 060609, not a call centre.

Homeowners

New Homeowners Inheriting an Old Patio

Moving into a property with a patio you didn't lay yourself often means inheriting someone else's neglect - years of black spot lichen, unknown pointing condition, or a material you're not sure how to look after. We'll tell you honestly what it's made of and what it needs.

That includes flagging anything beyond cleaning, like joints that need re-pointing, before we start, so you're not surprised by an issue a wash uncovers rather than causes.

Tree-Lined and Shaded Gardens

Gardens in Shildon with mature trees or dense boundary hedging keep patios shaded for much of the day, which slows drying after rain and creates the damp, low-light conditions black spot lichen and moss thrive in. Falling leaves and sap can also stain the surface between cleans.

These patios often need the joints cleared as much as the flags themselves, since moss and algae take hold in the gaps first and spread outward from there.

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 Shildon fall into the ranges below. These are guide figures - we'll always confirm a fixed price after seeing the patio.

Medium patio (15-30m²)	typically £150-£280
Sealing (per m², after cleaning)	typically £6-£12 per m²
Block paving joint re-sanding	typically £3-£6 per m²

Indian Sandstone

Indian sandstone is porous and slightly variable in hardness between batches, which means it can hold onto black spot lichen and algae stains more readily than denser stone. It responds well to biocide treatment followed by gentle steam or low-pressure cleaning rather than high pressure, which can strip the natural texture off the surface.
Sealing is often worthwhile on sandstone once it's clean and dry, as it helps resist future staining and makes the next clean considerably easier.

Patio Cleaning in Shildon — common questions

From Victorian terraces to modern estates, we've cleaned patios across Shildon and the surrounding 45-mile area we cover from our Washington base, in sandstone, limestone, porcelain, concrete and block paving.

A patio in Shildon covered in black spot lichen or green algae doesn't need replacing - it needs treating properly before it's cleaned. We handle sandstone, limestone, porcelain, concrete flags and block paving, with honest advice on sealing and re-pointing where it's actually needed.

Get Your Patio Looking Its Best Again

Send a couple of photos and we'll give you an honest read on whether it's lichen, algae or something else, and a rough idea of cost - no obligation.

Ask Trevor Call 07501060609

Patio Cleaning in Shildon — work in progress across the flagstones, in the Durham County Council area