HOW TO TREAT SLIPPERY PAVERS

Before treatment with LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover. Kindly supplied by Tom Barnard, Floor Restorer.

In periods of wet weather, paths and paving slabs can very quickly become slippery and potentially dangerous.  This can also be a problem year-round in areas that tend to be damp and get very little sunlight. Moist conditions cause slippery residue and algae to build up – and trying to solve the issue with more water can exacerbate the problem.  However, a thorough clean using the correct treatment will restore surface appearance, grip underfoot and help to reduce future build-up. 

This issue isn’t limited to any particular hard landscaped surface; it’s common on most, including natural stone pavers, porcelain pavers, concrete pavers, block paving, wood decking and composite decking.

Different types of algae

Algae comes in different forms and often creates a film or powdery deposit on pavers.  The term algae also includes cushion-like moss; Liverwort, which is a flat green growth with tiny leaf-like lobes, and Lichen, which is more crust-like and can also be yellow or orange. Jelly-like growths are also common; they’re often black or dark green and these are caused by a cyanobacteria called Nostoc.  None of these growths are hazardous – infact, lichen is particularly common in areas with clean air, so its appearance can be a positive sign – but slippery hard surfaces can be.

Another common problem is black spot – a speckle-like deposit that can be black or white.  Black spot is a dust-like lichen that originates from plants and trees. It colonises on pavers, sending tendrils or ‘hyphae’ down into any cracks or porosity, searching for nutrients. It takes about 2-3 years to become established below the surface and it creates a slippery residue on the surface of pavers. 

Addressing problem areas

Why water doesn’t work

A pressure washer and often a dose of household cleaner is a common go-to solution for slippery pavers.  However, excessive water only makes conditions even better for algae to flourish and pressure washing can damage the surface of the pavers, any sealer applied and it will loosen grout.  Water also won’t target hyphae or filaments anchored into place below the surface.   A specialist approach is necessary to effectively remove residue and microspores below the surface; any treatment used needs to break-down the slippery residue, to have a bleaching action to restore the colour of the paver and to target any growth below the surface. 

Care should be taken in selecting a suitable treatment.  If a solution is acidic, it will damage acid sensitive material and erode the grout joint.  We recommend LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover which can be safely used on all types of natural stone, concrete, brick and porcelain.  This treatment removes all types of organic residue, slippery matter and stains, breaking down hyphae below the surface, as well as preventing regrowth.  When applying the Remover, it’s also important to treat the whole area of paving, for a uniform appearance.   

Before treatment with LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover. Kindly supplied by Tom Barnard, Floor Restorer

After treatment with LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover. Kindly supplied by Tom Barnard, Floor Restorer

How to use LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover

Before washing pavers, any large, mossy deposits should be removed.  A long-handled block paving brush is a useful tool.  The whole area should then be swept clean to remove other residue, dirt and leaves.  

LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover should be applied neat to swept pavers, using a watering can or light pressure garden spray, where it fizzes during treatment.  It should be left to act for 2-4 hours and surfaces then hosed with clean water.  The solution can be used on dry and slightly damp surfaces and should be applied during a morning or afternoon of fair weather.  See a video aid on the product page.  Also, see LTP’s range of tools, including deck brushes and grout brushes.

After treatment, it’s worth protecting the surface; we recommend LTP External Stone Sealer for natural stone and barrier treatment, LTP Porcelain Tile Protector, for matt porcelain pavers.  Both will help prevent the absorption of moisture and organic particles, reducing staining and the spread of algae.

For more support and advice, browse the LTP blog, visit and subscribe to LTP TV on YouTube or contact the LTP team on tel. 01823 666213 or email info@ltp-online.co.uk

Patio maintenance – staying one step ahead

As summer draws to an end, we tend to turn a blind eye to outdoor spaces. Even outdoor hospitality areas generally get little attention over the autumn and winter – and yet, they would benefit greatly from a little maintenance. It would also remove the need to carry out a time consuming – and often costly – deep clean in the spring.

A regular sweep and occasional clean will maintain both the aesthetic and performance features of a paver. Dirt and residue, decaying leaf matter and algae can quickly build-up, staining unsealed surfaces and causing a slip hazard. Keeping on top of maintenance can help eliminate these issues and ensure that outdoor areas are safe and usable year-round.

Why pressure washing makes matters worse

Pressure washing may seem like the quickest and easiest way to clean pavers but it will only wash dirt off the surface. Use of excessive amounts of water can exacerbate staining and slip issues. It will also do little to remove black spot and algae which, once established, sends its tendrils or ‘hyphae’ down into the paver, searching for nutrients. (In fact, the extra dose of water improves conditions and encourages spread.) Pressure washing can also loosen grout, erode the surface of the paver and damage any protective sealant applied. It also uses large quantities of water, which can be both costly and detrimental in environmental terms. A specialist treatment, on the other hand, will react with ingrained residue and organic matter, drawing it out of the stone’s porosity. It will also help to prevent regrowth of algae and other organic material – and, being diluted in a bucket of water, will conserve water.

Specialist treatments, like LTP Grimex, draw out dirt and are especially effective at removing leaf stains. Application is fast and easy: the cleaner is diluted with water according to conditions – 1:10 for mild staining and 3:10 for severe staining – and applied with a brush, broom or mop. When tackling severe staining, the pavers should be agitated with a scrubbing brush and the treatment left to act for 5-10 minutes, adding more solution to keep the surface wet. Any residue should then be swept up and the surface rinsed with clean water.

LTP Grimex application on porcelain paving

Tackling a build-up of black spot & algae

If paving hasn’t been regularly maintained, there is likely to be a build-up of algae. Algae thrives in damp places, so can be particularly prevalent in the autumn and winter. It comes in lots of different forms and often causes a green film, growth or powdery deposit on pavers. The term algae includes: moss; liverwort – the flat green growth with tiny leaf-like lobes, crust-like lichen, black spot and jelly-like growths caused by a cyanobacteria called Nostoc.

Black spot can be particularly hard to remove, once it has become established. Originating from plants and trees, black spot is a dust-like lichen microspore carried by the wind and rain. It leaves tell-tale black – or sometimes white – spots on the surface of pavers. Black spot colonises on stonework, taking about 2-3 years to get really established below the surface.

Certain leaves can also be a particular menace, especially Sycamores. Aphids that live on the surface of the leaves excrete a sugary substance that provides a food source for algae. The combined sugar and bacteria leaves a tell-tale black spot stain and sometimes whole leaf prints.

None of these growths are hazardous – in fact, lichen is particularly common in areas with clean air, so its appearance can be a positive sign – but slippery hard surfaces can be. The open texture of a stone paver enables microspores to spread more easily if surfaces aren’t maintained – but even less porous materials like porcelain aren’t immune.

Any treatment used to remove a build-up of algae needs to have a bleaching action, to restore the colour of the paver. It also needs to target the hyphae below the surface. But care needs to be taken – if a treatment is acidic, it can damage acid sensitive material, erode grout and damage any sealer applied. We recommend treatment with LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover, which can be used on all types of natural stone, concrete, brick and porcelain. It removes organic residues – including black spot, lichen, moss and algae – shifting surface stains and breaking down the hyphae below the surface, preventing regrowth. When applying the remover, it’s important to treat the whole area of paving, for a uniform appearance. It should also be left to act for the correct amount of time, so that it’s able to penetrate deep into the porosity; if hyphae are left untreated, they will spread back to the surface and throughout the paver.

Stopping water ingress

Once pavers are clean and dry, it’s an ideal time to replace any lost jointing sand or cement mortar. This will stop the ingress of water and will help protect paving during the freeze and thaw cycle of winter.

Adding in protection

If pavers haven’t been sealed, consider applying a protective treatment. We recommend LTP External Stone Sealer, LTP Colour Intensifier & Stainblock H2O for natural stone and our barrier treatment, LTP Porcelain Tile Protector, for matt porcelain pavers. These treatments are non-film forming and will help prevent the absorption of moisture and organic particles. They are also water-based, so can be applied over some residual moisture. As a rule of thumb, it is safe to apply a treatment provided that no rain is forecast for 24 hours, either side of application.

To find out more about surface maintenance, please visit http://www.ltp-online.co.uk. For further information, please contact LTP on tel. 01823 666213 or email info@ltp-online.co.uk

ends –

For media information and photography, please contact Angela Fitzhugh PR Ltd on tel. (01590) 622521 or email angie@afpr.co.uk

How to clean a patio when there’s a hose pipe ban

After the dry spell early in the summer, the rather typical ‘summer holiday’ weather has arrived.  Despite this, there are still hose pipe restrictions in the South West and South East Water regions.  In Cornwall, this has been the case since last August.  This can make all manner of outside jobs more difficult, especially watering, but in the case of patio cleaning, it shouldn’t hamper your progress.  In fact, a mop and bucket – and the correct cleaner – will do a far better job than a blast of water.

Jet washing may seem like the best method for a fast clean but it will only wash dirt off the surface of the slabs. High pressure water will also damage grout joints. A specialist treatment, on the other hand, will react with ingrained residue and organic matter, drawing it out of the stone’s porosity.  It will also help to prevent regrowth of algae and other organic material.

The mop-and-bucket approach is one that’s very much routine in other countries.  Patios are mopped in the same way as indoor floors, on a regular basis. This makes ongoing maintenance far easier.  Regular cleaning of inside-to-outside surfaces, like those that run through bifold doors, also helps maintain a seamless aesthetic.  

Porcelain and slate are really easy to mop. Here’s an example of a beautiful slate patio, finished with Blue Black Slate from Nustone.

What to put in the bucket

To properly remove stains and ingrained dirt, we recommend a thorough wash with deep cleaner and stain remover, LTP Grimex. Before cleaning, remove furniture, pots and other objects, and sweep the slabs to remove any leaves and residue. Then, test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area.

How to apply LTP Grimex:

To remove mild staining, dilute one part of Grimex with 10 parts of warm water. Mop the surface and rinse with clean water. For more severe staining, dilute one part of Grimex with 3 parts of warm water. Agitate with a scrubbing brush and leave to act for 5-10 minutes, adding more solution to keep the surface wet.  Sweep up any residue and rinse thoroughly with clean water.  Once stubborn staining has been removed, a regular clean will keep on top of things.

Dealing with slippery paving slabs

If your patio is prone to slippery black spot, lichen, moss and algae, it will benefit from a targeted treatment with LTP Blackspot & Algae Remover. This solution is designed to break down microspores and black spot ‘hyphae’ before they colonise and it’s acid-free, so safe to use on acid-sensitive stone. However, it does contain a bleaching action to remove stains, so test first on an inconspicuous area.  

Oil & Grease – and protecting for the future

If you regularly cook outside, and your pavers have become stained with oil and grease, you’ll find plenty of advice in our blog – Removing Oil & Grease from Paving Slabs.

If your patio hasn’t been sealed, consider applying a protective treatment once the surface has been deep cleaned. We recommend LTP External Stone Sealer for natural stone and LTP Porcelain Tile Protector for matt porcelain pavers. Both treatments are non-film forming and will help prevent the absorption of moisture and organic particles, reducing staining and the spread of algae, mould and black spot.  

To find out more about patio maintenance, please visit http://www.ltp-online.co.uk.  For further information, please contact LTP on tel. 01823 666213 or email info@ltp-online.co.uk

ALL ABOUT ALGAE

Algae build-up can be a problem on paths, steps, driveways and patio areas, creating a slippery residue and a hazard underfoot.  Algae tends to flourish in damp, shady and humid areas and, in the UK, build-up is especially common in the autumn and winter.

Different types of algae

Algae comes in different forms and often causes a green film or powdery deposit on pavers.  The term algae also includes cushion-like moss; Liverwort, which is a flat green growth with tiny leaf-like lobes, and Lichen, which is more crust-like and can also be yellow or orange. Jelly-like growths are also common; they’re often black or dark green and these are caused by a cyanobacteria called Nostoc.  None of these growths are hazardous – infact, lichen is particularly common in areas with clean air, so its appearance can be a positive sign – but slippery hard surfaces can be.

Another common problem is black spot – a speckle-like deposit that can be black or white.  Black spot is a dust-like lichen that originates from plants and trees. It colonises on pavers, sending tendrils or ‘hyphae’ down into any cracks or porosity, searching for nutrients. It takes about 2-3 years to become established below the surface and it creates a slippery residue on the surface of pavers. 

Addressing problem areas

Why water doesn’t work

A pressure washer and often a dose of household cleaner is a common go-to solution for slippery pavers.  However, excessive water only makes conditions even better for algae to flourish and pressure washing can damage the surface of the pavers, any sealer applied and it will loosen grout.  Water also won’t target hyphae or filaments anchored into place below the surface.   A specialist approach is necessary to effectively remove residue and microspores below the surface; any treatment used needs to break-down the slippery residue: to have a bleaching action to restore the colour of the paver, and to target any growth below the surface. 

Care should be taken in selecting a suitable treatment.  If a solution is acidic, it will damage acid sensitive material and erode the grout joint.  We recommend LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover which can be safely used on all types of natural stone, concrete, brick and porcelain.  This treatment removes all types of organic residue, slippery matter and stains, breaking down hyphae below the surface, as well as preventing regrowth.  When applying the Remover, it’s also important to treat the whole area of paving, for a uniform appearance.   

Removing large deposits and applying LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover

Before washing pavers, any large, mossy deposits should be removed.  A long-handled block paving brush is a useful tool.  The whole area should then be swept clean to remove other residue, dirt and leaves.  

LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover should be applied neat to swept pavers, using a watering can or light pressure garden spray, where it fizzes during treatment.  It should be left to act for 2-4 hours and surfaces then hosed with clean water.  The solution can be used on dry and slightly damp surfaces and should be applied during a morning or afternoon of fair weather.  See a video aid on the product page.

After treatment, it’s worth protecting the surface; we recommend LTP External Stone Sealer for natural stone and barrier treatment, LTP Porcelain Tile Protector, for matt porcelain pavers.  Both will help prevent the absorption of moisture and organic particles, reducing staining and the spread of algae.

For more support and advice, browse the LTP blog, visit and subscribe to LTP TV on YouTube or contact the LTP team on tel. 01823 666213 or email info@ltp-online.co.uk

Getting paths & patios ready for spring

As the nights slowly draw out, now’s the perfect time to seize a fine day and get your paths and patio ready for spring. From small terrace to lavish, landscaped setting, all will benefit greatly from a tidy and deep clean – and using professional treatments will make a real difference in terms of ongoing maintenance.

End of winter clean

To properly remove stains and ingrained dirt, we recommend a thorough wash with LTP Grimex.  A blast with a jet wash may seem like a quick and easy way to clean pavers but it will only wash dirt off the surface. Use of excessive amounts of water can exacerbate staining and slip issues and jet washing can also loosen grout, erode a stone surface and damage any protective sealant applied. A specialist treatment will react with ingrained residue and organic matter, drawing it out of the stone’s porosity, and will also help to prevent regrowth of algae and other organic material.

Before cleaning, remove furniture, pots and other objects, and sweep the pavers to remove all leaves and residue.  Then, test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area.

How to apply LTP Grimex:

1. To remove mild staining, dilute one part of Grimex with 10 parts of warm water. Wash the surface thoroughly, using a brush or yard broom, and rinse with clean water.  
2. For more severe staining, dilute one part of Grimex with 3 parts of warm water.  Agitate with a scrubbing brush and leave to act for 5-10 minutes, adding more solution to keep the surface wet.  
3. Sweep up any residue and rinse thoroughly with clean water. 

If your pavers are stained with slippery black spot, lichen, moss and algae, they will benefit from a targeted treatment with LTP Blackspot & Algae Remover.   Designed to break down microspores and black spot ‘hyphae’ before they colonise, LTP Blackspot & Algae Remover is acid-free, so it’s safe to use on acid-sensitive stone.  However, it does contain a bleaching action to remove stains, so test first on an inconspicuous area.  

How to apply LTP Blackspot & Algae Remover:

1. Remove furniture and other items from the area to be treated.
2. Apply neat Blackspot onto clean pavers with a plastic watering can or light pressure garden spray.
3. Leave to absorb for 2-4 hours; the product will begin to fizz as it gets to work.
4. Hose off thoroughly with clean water.  

Stopping water ingress

Once you’ve cleaned your pavers and they’re dry, it’s an ideal time to replace any lost jointing sand or cement mortar.  This will stop the ingress of water and will help protect paving during next winter’s freeze and thaw cycle.

Added protection

If your pavers haven’t been sealed, consider applying a protective treatment. We recommend LTP External Stone Sealer for natural stone and our barrier treatment, LTP Porcelain Tile Protector for matt porcelain pavers.  Both are non-film forming and will help prevent the absorption of moisture and organic particles, reducing staining and the spread of algae, mould and black spot.  

LTP External Stone Sealer is a water-based, impregnating sealer that’s applied using a foam roller or paint brush. It can be applied over residual moisture and will protect pavers from moisture, stains, weathering and efflorescence.  It’s also UV resistant and non-yellowing.  

LTP Porcelain Tile Protector creates a barrier against organic matter and makes ongoing maintenance easier.  On newly laid tiles, it also protects against staining and helps increase working times.  Our External Porcelain Tile guide includes lots of useful information on cleaning, protecting and caring for these surfaces. 

To find out more, please visit http://www.ltp-online.co.uk or visit LTP TV on YouTube to access our library of demo videos.

For further information, please contact LTP on tel. 01823 666213 or email info@ltp-online.co.uk

GETTING YOUR PATIO WINTER-READY

Patios have become really important areas, extending property footprints and allowing us to make the most of the great outdoors.  Whatever the size or setting, periodic maintenance will be greatly beneficial – and late summer is an ideal time to get to work.  It will cut down the ‘elbow grease’ required come springtime and will make outdoor spaces more pleasant over the winter months. 

Time to tidy

Whilst most aluminium and wooden furniture can be left outdoors year-round, materials like wicker and rattan generally need to be protected – under covers or indoors.  It’s a few weeks (hopefully) before we need to pack things away but it’s worth planning ahead now and clearing some storage space.

At this time of year, fallen petals and leaves quickly start to build up, especially behind pots and containers.  If left in place, they’ll quickly decay, leaving stains and slippery deposits.  It’s worth emptying and stacking pots before the temperatures drop – especially if they’re not frost-resistant.  Surfaces can then be swept with ease and any weeds removed.  The clearer the surface now, the less dirt will be picked up on footwear over the winter months. 

The pre-winter clean

To properly remove stains and ingrained dirt, we recommend a thorough wash with LTP Grimex.   A blast with a jet wash may seem like a quicker and easier option but it will only wash dirt off the surface.  A specialist treatment will react with ingrained residue and organic matter, drawing it out of the stone’s porosity.  

Before cleaning the patio, remove furniture, pots and other objects.  Then, test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area.

How to apply LTP Grimex:

1. To remove mild staining, dilute one part of Grimex with 10 parts of warm water. Wash the surface thoroughly, using a brush or yard broom, and rinse with clean water.  
2. For more severe staining, dilute one part of Grimex with 3 parts of warm water.  Agitate with a scrubbing brush and leave to act for 5-10 minutes, adding more solution to keep the surface wet.  
3. Sweep up any residue and rinse thoroughly with clean water. 

If your patio is prone to black spot, lichen, moss and algae, it’s worth targeting these now too.  Periodic treatment with LTP Blackspot & Algae Remover will break down microspores and black spot ‘hyphae’ before they colonise.  LTP Blackspot is acid-free, so it’s safe to use on acid-sensitive stone, but it does contain a bleaching action to remove stains.  So, as before, test first on an inconspicuous area.  

How to apply LTP Blackspot & Algae Remover:

1. Remove furniture and other items from the area to be treated.
2. Apply neat Blackspot onto clean pavers with a plastic watering can or light pressure garden spray.
3. Leave to absorb for 2-4 hours; the product will begin to fizz as it gets to work.
4. Hose off thoroughly with clean water.  

Both LTP Grimex and Blackspot & Algae Remover can be used on natural stone and artificial stone surfaces, including porcelain pavers.

Stopping water ingress

Once you’ve cleaned your pavers and they’re dry, it’s an ideal time to replace any lost jointing sand or cement mortar.  This will stop the ingress of water and will help protect paving during the freeze and thaw cycle of winter.

Added protection

If your patio hasn’t been sealed, consider applying a protective treatment. We recommend LTP External Stone Sealer for natural stone and our new barrier treatment, LTP Porcelain Tile Protector for matt porcelain pavers.  Both are non-film forming and will help prevent the absorption of moisture and organic particles, reducing staining and the spread of algae, mould and black spot.  

LTP External Stone Sealer is a water-based, impregnating sealer that’s applied using a foam roller or paint brush, as shown in the Video Aid.  It can be applied over residual moisture and will protect pavers from moisture, stains, weathering and efflorescence.  It’s also UV resistant and non-yellowing.  

LTP Porcelain Tile Protector creates a barrier against organic matter and makes ongoing maintenance easier.  On newly laid tiles, it also protects against staining and helps increase working times.  Our External Porcelain Tile guide includes lots of useful information on cleaning, protecting and caring for these surfaces. 

To find out more, please visit http://www.ltp-online.co.uk.  For further information, please contact LTP on tel. 01823 666213 or email info@ltp-online.co.uk