At Pressure Fresh we have spent many years in the building exterior cleaning business and have cleaned most, if not all surfaces from stone to block paving to imprinted concrete, as well as many others.

People ask us all the time about the benefits of sealing exterior surfaces. In some cases sealing adds to a patio or driveway – but there are some things to be aware of, so let’s look at the benefits as well as the pitfalls.

All exterior surfaces are susceptible to the weather elements. Over time they can fade and become stained meaning organic growth can easily take over. Sealing can help prevent stains occurring and damage from adverse weather. When washed, sealing will prevent residual effects settling into the surface.

Timing is important when sealing an exterior surface, as the weather plays a large part in a successful outcome. The best time to seal an exterior surface such as a patio or driveway is when the temperature is warm. Sealing in damp conditions traps moisture under the sealer, which not only looks unsightly, but compromises the integrity of the surface. This can be costly and time consuming to fix, so summer really is the ideal time.

Sealing stone is a very specialized job that should be carefully researched. Stone is porous which means it draws moisture up from the ground, so if sealer is used solely on the surface the rest of the stone will still be at risk from moisture damage.

Ideally, stone should be sealed before it is laid – on the top, bottom and sides of the entire stone slab. A completely sealed stone slab gives the best chance of avoiding moisture damage, so you’ll not only retain the integrity of the stone, but you’ll be avoiding unsightly bloom marks.

In essence, cleaning the exterior of a building, driveway or patio can be carried out at anytime of the year but sealing is very much a warm weather exercise – if applied professionally and at the right time, which is where Pressure Fresh can help!

For further information please contact us on info@pressurefresh.co.uk