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.

My patio's pointing looks like it's crumbling - can you still clean it?

We can, but we'll always tell you honestly if the pointing is too far gone to safely pressure wash, since force on failing joints can make things worse. In that case we'd recommend gentler cleaning and flag the re-pointing separately rather than risk the joints.

How long does a patio clean take?

A standard residential patio usually takes half a day to a full day, including biocide treatment, dwell time and the clean itself. Larger areas, heavier growth or mixed materials can take longer - we'll give you a realistic timeframe when we quote.

Can you clean a patio that's got moss growing between the joints?

Yes - joints are often where growth establishes first, especially on block paving and older concrete flags, and we treat and clean the gaps as a specific step rather than just the flag faces. Left untreated, joint moss tends to spread outward across the whole surface.

Trusted Patio Cleaning in Stamfordham and the Surrounding Area

Patio cleaning across Stamfordham: biocide treatment for black spot lichen, gentle cleaning for sandstone and limestone, plus sealing advice. Fully insured team.

Northumberland County Council · NE18 · 16.5 miles north-west of our Washington base

Why does a patio in Stamfordham go black in patches even when the rest of it looks fine? Nine times out of ten it's black spot lichen, not dirt, and it favours the shaded, damp corners of a garden - under trees, behind fences, on the north-facing side of the house.

Getting a patio treated and cleaned before the clocks change means it's ready for the first barbecue rather than still looking like it did in January. We can also advise on sealing at the same visit so it stays cleaner for longer through the next wet season.

Older concrete flags and reclaimed stone often have softer, more porous surfaces than modern porcelain, so what's safe pressure for one can etch or pit the other. We match the method to the material every time.

Porcelain Paving

Porcelain is dense, low-porosity and generally the most resilient of the common patio materials, so it can usually take a firmer clean without surface damage. Black spot lichen tends to sit more on top of porcelain than embedded within it, which makes treatment slightly more straightforward.
The joints between porcelain slabs are still worth checking, though - growth often establishes in the pointing before it shows on the tile faces.

Clean-and-Seal Process, from Treatment to Protection

1
Assess suitability for sealing
We check the stone and pointing are in good enough condition to seal - sealing over failing joints just traps the problem.
2
Biocide treatment
Lichen, moss and algae are treated and left to work before any cleaning begins.
3
Deep clean
Steam or pressure cleaning removes dead growth and ingrained dirt, matched to the material.
4
Full dry-out period
The patio needs to dry out properly before sealing - we won't seal a damp surface as it traps moisture underneath.
5
Sealant application
A suitable sealer is applied evenly across the surface to protect against future staining and slow new growth.
6
Cure and handover
We explain the curing time before the patio can be walked on or have furniture put back, and leave care advice for the months ahead.

Covering Stamfordham and the Surrounding Area

We work across a roughly 45-mile radius of our Washington base, which takes in Stamfordham and the towns and villages around it as part of our regular schedule rather than a special trip.

That regular coverage means we can often fit patio work in Stamfordham around other jobs nearby, which keeps things efficient and flexible on timing.

Patio Cleaning near Stamfordham

Fully Insured, Every Job

Fully insured
We carry full insurance for every job we take on, so you're covered throughout the visit.
Spill management trained
Chemicals and run-off are controlled properly, protecting your garden, drains and neighbouring plants.
Asbestos awareness trained
Trained to recognise and work safely around legacy materials on older properties.
Fully insured
Full insurance cover for every job, whatever the size.

Patio Cleaning in Stamfordham — common questions

We look after you and your property, on every job across Stamfordham and the surrounding area.

Get in touch with Trevor on 07501 060609 for a straightforward quote.

Call 07501 060609 to talk through your patio and get a straightforward quote.

Patio, Decking and Fencing in One Visit

A biocide treatment followed by the right clean for your material costs a bit more upfront than a straight pressure wash, but it lasts years longer. We'll explain exactly what your patio needs and why.

Ask About Add-Ons Call 07501060609

Patio Cleaning in Stamfordham — work in progress across the flagstones, in the Northumberland County Council area

Trusted Patio Cleaning in Stamfordham and the Surrounding Area

Porcelain Paving

Clean-and-Seal Process, from Treatment to Protection

Assess suitability for sealing

Biocide treatment

Deep clean

Full dry-out period

Sealant application

Cure and handover