Home Swimming Pools: A Care and Maintenance Guide

Tips To Prevent Patio Stains

28 December 2017

Ruben Franklin

A concrete patio is often the central area for your backyard living enjoyment. For this reason, you want to make sure it stays in good repair and that it doesn't become damaged. Concrete is durable, but it isn't immune to stains. This is because the material is slightly porous and can absorb stains. After your patio services company finishes the installation, the following tips can help you avoid discoloration so you can enjoy your patio for years to come.

Tip #1: Remove moisture traps

Moisture is a main source of concrete stains. This is because trapped moisture increases the chances of algae, moss, and mold growth, which can all stain the patio. Leaf and dirt buildup on the patio are the most obvious culprits, but they aren't the only ones. Moisture can become trapped beneath rugs and outdoor furniture as well. Move everything off the patio at least once a week to sweep and to allow the concrete to dry.

Tip #2: Invest in a grill mat

An insidious stain maker is your grill. Grease from cooking lands on the concrete, where it slowly seeps in and causes discoloration. Other dirt also sticks to the grease, so stains can become quite dark. Grease is hard to remove, so prevention is key. A grill mat solves the problem, since all cooking residue lands on the mat where you can mop it up once you are done cooking.

Tip #3: Protect special use areas

A common patio special use area is the table. If you have kids or messy eaters, place an outdoor rug under the table to guard against food stains. Another example is if you do any type of repair work on the patio, such as tuning up a bicycle or motorcycle. If so, only work on top of a tarp so no grease or oil gets onto the patio surface. Just remember to remove these when they aren't in use so that you don't develop any moisture related stains.

If stains do occur, there are often options. Power washing should be your first choice for many stains, since this removes any surface dirt or oil. If you have deeper grease stains, an acid-based concrete cleaner will sometimes work, but these must be used carefully and label precautions must be followed. For heavy staining, the best option may be to paint or add a decorative stain to camouflage the damage. Working with a patio services company can help you make the best choice.

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