A house is one of the most significant investments that you make in the course of your lifetime. However, as with all investments, time, age, and weather can damage the quality. Rather than succumb to the elements, the best thing to do is to spend the time to properly care for your home, both inside and out. If you are currently focusing on the exterior of your home, particularly your flagstone and paver patio, then there are some particular steps you can take to achieve optimal results.
Here are some of the easiest ways to maintain your flagstone and paver patio:
Sealing the Flagstone
One of the easiest methods to protect your flagstone and paver against further wear and tear is to seal the flagstone. Ideally, you should perform this step when first implementing your patio – however if the patio is still in good condition, then do it after a certain period of time too. Sealing usually requires the help of a professional due to substance and method used. To find a professional, you can either look online or ask around. Regardless, taking the time to properly seal your patio will lead to great results and easy upkeep.
Sweep the Flagstone on a Regular Basis
Even after you sealed the flagstone and paver to protect it from water damage, you should still sweep away any debris, rocks, and other substances as often as possible. Most professionals recommend sweeping your patio at least once a week. Sweeping will remove sediments that can scratch and damage the material and it will also prevent your patio from looking unsightly to your neighbors. There is no specific type of broom you should use, since the flagstone can hold up well against nearly all types of materials that brooms are made of.
Flagstone and Paver Repairs
Sometimes, no matter how much you sweep or seal your patio, the material can still become damaged over time. One of the most obvious repairs that you may need to do is when the flagstone or paver chips or cracks. When this happens, it is best to have a professional repair the problem as soon as possible. Those who take immediate action can ensure that their patio looks well in the long term and they can prevent further damage from the cracks and chips. Most professionals perform chip and crack repair, you just need to find someone who does the job well.
Summary
If you are going to invest in a quality patio, then you might as well put in the extra money and effort to ensure that it is well taken care of. Those who care for their homes both inside and out are also able to maintain and increase the property value, thereby improving the chance that they will see a return on their investment. Also, another benefit of keeping your patio in good condition is that it makes your house look good overall both to you and those who drive by.
I am thinking about getting a back patio installed using pavers. I am excited for the look, but I am nervous about making them last for a long time. Thanks for explaining some good ideas for maintaining flagstone or pavers. I will have to look into getting them sealed when installed. Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the great advice, I will remember to sweep at least weekly. We are putting a flagstone patio in our backyard. The stone looks great and really compliments our home and yard.