How to Extend the Life of Your Patio

A patio is a welcome addition to your home, providing a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy the weather and entertain guests. However, because patios are outside, they’re consistently exposed to the elements. From dirt and debris to adverse weather conditions, things take their toll, aging your patio. With the right care and maintenance, you can keep it looking great for years and preserve its integrity. Keep reading for a few top tips that will help extend the life of your patio.

Seal Your Concrete

Outdoor patios get subjected to countless harsh outdoor elements like dirt and rain, putting them at risk for cracks, spalling, discoloration, and more. You need an extra layer of protection that’s built to preserve the strength of your patio. Sealing the concrete of your patio is a simple – and necessary – investment. A professional concrete sealer helps to prevent possible damage to your patio’s surface, preserve the integrity of the concrete, and protect against mold and mildew.

Generally, concrete is a long-lasting material – if it’s properly maintained and protected. Having your concrete sealed by a professional ensures that it retains its lifespan, protecting it from oxidation from the sun, cold climates, oil, grease, and anything else it gets exposed to day after day. 

Protect it from the Elements

While beautiful, the outdoors can be rough on your patio. One of the best (and easiest) ways to guard your patio against nature’s elements is to invest in a patio cover. Covers like awnings and canopies do more than provide shade on sunny days and add to the aesthetic and design of your home. They protect your patio and furniture in harsh temperatures and other weather conditions. 

Regardless of the material of your patio, it can be susceptible to heat and water damage. Sun, rain, wind, and snow can be extremely problematic, causing cosmetic and functional issues like the fading of color, weakening material strength, cracking, and structural damage. Protective covers are a simple, practical solution to this damage, helping to preserve the integrity of your patio.

Clean it Regularly

Outdoor maintenance is important for preventing damage and keeping your space looking next to new. Dust, dirt, leaves, and other debris can accumulate over time, which can cause it to look discolored and cause harm to your patio. Like most outdoor spaces or structures, patios need regular cleaning to maintain their appearance and functionality. 

Though it may sound extensive or difficult, cleaning doesn’t need to be time-consuming. The first step is to remove any dirt or debris from your patio using a broom, leaf blower, or vacuum. After that’s finished, you’ll want to clean your patio using some good old-fashioned soap and water. You could also create a simple cleaning solution with baking soda and distilled vinegar, or use a patio cleaner. Let your cleaner of choice sit for around 30 minutes, brush your patio clean, rinse with warm water, and you’re done!

Weed & Pest Control

Insects and weeds are nuisances to most outdoor spaces, whether you’re maintaining a garden or preserving your patio. Weeds are well-known for robbing moisture and nutrients from nearby plants, taking up space, devastating plants and flowers, and housing pests. As they grow and spread, they can also lead to patio damage. Without the necessary precautions, weeds detract from your patio’s appearance, cause cracks, and even create foundational damage. From protecting the plants in your garden to extending the life of your patio, weed and pest control is vital.

To safeguard your outdoor space, treat it with a quality herbicide or insecticide and regularly inspect areas for weed growth. Make sure you’re also clearing your patio of debris and leaves to reduce the spread of weeds and keep insects at bay.

Repair Cracks and Other Damage

While preventative measures are always beneficial for extending the life of your patio, you may have already incurred damage to your patio from years prior. Though preventative measures protect from future damage, you’ll need to have a good foundation for them to have a meaningful impact on your patio. To ensure a long lifespan, one of the most important steps for you to take is to repair any cracks or damage that your patio has acquired. 

Small cracks may seem inconsequential, but they can quickly and easily spread, resulting in even worse damage if they’re not tended to. Those cracks also provide space for weeds to grow, which can increase your patio’s issues. Repairing any cracks or other damage helps prevent further damage and issues that negatively impact the life of your patio.

Preserving Your Patio

Though outdoor patios are regularly exposed to harsh environmental elements, they can still retain a long lifespan with proper maintenance. Investing your time and care now will ensure that your patio will remain a charming fixture in your home for years to come.