We all scrub away black spots on stone paving; these are eyesores and may pose a threat. Algae or fungus zones develop for many reasons, including insufficient drainage, inadequate sunlight, and excessive irrigation. Fortunately, several techniques can be used to eliminate unwanted features affecting the looks of your stone paving. In this article, you will learn how to get rid of black spots on stone paving and how to stop their formation.
Identify the Cause
The first thing to be done when combating black spots on stone paving is to understand the cause. It is important to know what the reason is for the problem because different causes will need different solutions. The black spot is often related to poor drainage, low light, watering overhead, and the use of chlorinated water.
Inspect the Drainage
Ensure the ground surrounding your stone paving has the correct drainage system. If water comes into contact with pavers and cannot drain off the surface, it will seep and cause algae and fungi to thrive. Make sure the slope and grade of the area are correct and if not, reconstruct them if possible, or place a catch basin or a French drain for proper drainage.
Assess Sunlight Exposure
Shaded areas are natural habitats for the growth of algae and fungus, and thus, it is important that your stone paving experiences adequate lighting. One should cut the trees or shrubs closely around the paving area to increase light intensity if possible.
Review Watering Practices
Failure to water your lawns appropriately is also a cause of black spots on stone paving. If your stone paving is always wet, this may be arising from watering or using a lot of water on the pavement. Try to water the plants better but avoid flooding the area with water.
Check the Water Source
Water containing chlorine can also cause black spots. Do not water your stone paving using tap water; if you must use it, ensure you filter out the chlorine.
Clean the Stone Paving
If you find out that fungus causes the black spots, you need to clean your stone paving. There are several techniques for cleaning stone surface paving.
Pressure Washing
Black spots on stone paving can be removed most efficiently by pressure washing. Pressure washing is useful and efficient in cleaning the stains of algae, fungus, and dirt in the pavers.
To pressure wash your stone paving, follow these steps:
- The selection criteria for the right pressure washer should include a minimum PSI of 2000 and a flow rate of 2 GPM; rent or buy one.
- Always take a patio cleaning attachment to the sprayer gun of the pressure washer.
- Spray the stone cleaner on the pavers using a pump sprayer.
- Mow the lawn and sweep or use the patio cleaning attachment to remove algae and fungus growth on the surface of the pavers.
- Clean them and then wash off the cleaning solution with the pressure washer.
Manual Scrubbing
If you cannot use a pressure washer to clean the stone paving, use a stiff brush and cleaning solution to clean it manually.
To manually scrub your stone paving, follow these steps:
- Dilute a portion of bleach in a pump sprayer with ten parts waters.
- Rinse and damp a towel and place it over the affected areas for 10-15 minutes.
- Clean the surface of the pavers with a stiff-bristle broom so that you can remove the algae and fungus growth.
- After cleaning, water off the pavers with water to remove the cleaning solution.
Prevent Black Spot Formation
Preventing their occurrence is the next thing that you need to do, especially after learning how to clean the black spots on stone paving. The following measures can be taken to ensure that your stone paving does not get unwanted marks and remains as beautiful as it was when it was newly laid.
Regular Cleaning
Regularly rubbing or washing is one way through which the formation of black spots can be prevented. This way, you will be able to control algae, fungus, and dirt on the stone paving in the first place.
Proper Watering
Water the soil around the pavers, preferably by using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system that doesn’t splash water on the pavers. This will help keep overcrowding and dampness in that area and thus fight against the algae and the fungal spores.
Use the Right Cleaning Agents
The appropriate cleaning products should be used, especially on the stone paving surfaces. Some chemicals may deteriorate the pavement area by causing stains or etching of the paver surface.
Regular Inspection
Black spots usually form in between the joint and cracks; therefore, you should conduct a periodic check on your stone paving. Since they are marks, getting rid of them in the initial stage is less challenging than when the spots are widespread.
Dark stains on stone pavements are not only aesthetically unpleasing but also troublesome. So, if you know what’s causing the issue, clean the stone paving. It is important to consider the following tips to enhance its usage; so even after a few years, you will be able to have the pleasing look of stone paving.