3 Most Common Patio Problems and How to Fix Them

Hardscapes are an integral piece of every property type, composing the sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways that we utilize on a daily basis. Common areas are another piece of property often found atop a hardscape, and many times this is a patio. Whether it be your backyard oasis, filled with hosting amenities, or an HOA clubhouse, people love to gather on patios as they are an important part of any landscape. For most property owners, they are also a significant investment, especially those patios of high quality, or specifically installed by a landscaping company. In order to maximize your return on investment, keeping your patio in good condition is very important. Luckily, most patio problems that may affect conditions are not unique and are faced by many other patio owners. We are going to cover the three most common patio problems, and how to fix them. Ideally, this blog will allow you to get your patio back in working order, looking better than ever.

General Cleanliness: Stains and Weeds

Before we enter into the territory of any new hardscaping work, we will touch on the most common problem faced by any patio owner. Whether it be kids, a corporate event, or a birthday party, there are all sorts of ways stains and debris can end up on your patio. Removing debris is not a difficult task, but there is a common misconception that stains cannot be easily removed. Actually, a hose will do most of the time for those small, easily removable stains. For tougher stains, a cleaning solution and brush scrubbing should do the trick. If there is significant dirt build-up or an extremely tough stain, a run-through with a pressure washer will make your patio look brand new. That pristine look is exactly what you are going for with any patio, so do not hesitate to keep it looking clean. Additionally, if weeds become a problem, sprouting up between pavers, hand removal will be necessary.

Shifting: Rising Or Sinking

Obviously, the ideal surface of any patio is flat. When your pavers begin to rise or sink in various areas, you have a problem on your hands. Not unique to just patios, foundation issues like this are also common with homes in relation to the movement of soil. To avoid this problem with your patio, there is nothing you can do but work with a high-quality landscaping company. The key is to excavate down to the firmest level of soil, clay. Then, when the foundation is laid the patio will not have anywhere to go. At OakLawn, we do just that, but your landscaper should be consulted to ensure that their preparation and installation processes meet your standards.

Loose or Cracked Pavers

One thing about your patio is that it is not immune to damage over long periods of time. It is nothing but the fault of mother nature if pavers become loose or crack due to wear and tear. The solution to this issue is to keep extra pavers on hand, as replacing one or two tiles is no big deal. The real problem that can arise is using the wrong company, which does not perform the installation job properly. Avoid this by being thorough in your research, as the last thing you want is a patio full of loose, cracked pavers that you are embarrassed to show off.

 

Your landscaping is the first thing noticed by your visitors, friends, and customers. Let OakLawn Landscaping ensure that your first impressions are top notch and have your guests in awe before they even reach the door. For any other patio problems visit our website or contact us today at (301) 854-0684 for any of your landscaping needs, commercial or residential.