Paving Maintenance

General cleaning advice suitable for most stone

Light general cleaning; scrub with soapy water (i.e. standard washing up liquid) and rinse well with clean water. This can and should be tried on most stains first as it may have the desired effect but is highly unlikely to cause any further issues.

Jet washing can be done with care on “normal” detritus, we advise only using a widespread spray used like a broom in a sweeping motion.

• Avoid high powered pointed jets on stains as this can lead to odd markings on the surface.
• Avoid neat jet washing oil-based stains as this can push the oil deep into the stone with is likely to re-appear again.

Oils or similar should be removed as soon as discovered by removal with an absorbent cloth or tissue paper etc, any staining left behind should be cleaned with a suitable stone-safe detergent or specialist contractors.

Rust caused by external contact; these type of stains will require specific chemical intervention and specialist advice should be sought.

Algae or moss growth, the general light cleaning method may help remove the worst of this in the first instance but if this has little effect or is very heavily stained then specific chemical intervention and specialist advice should be sought.

On some stones, certain acids can cause irreparable visual effects which is why we state, the use of acid-based chemicals should be carefully trialled prior to any use as some stones can be acid-sensitive which may result in further issues.

Granites and Basalts

Basalt Paving

Generally, both Granites and Basalts are very good for maintenance as they are strong and not as absorbent as sedimentary stones. Some igneous stones (more likely some Basalts) can be acid sensitive so be aware and trial if considering using these type of cleaners.

Sandstones

Sandstone Paving

The advice for sandstones is generally the same as the Granites although Sandstones by their nature are generally more absorbent and thus can be more susceptible to staining (especially with lighter stones), they can also be slightly less durable than Igneous stones so care should be taken with any very heavy cleaning.

If the area has the potential to have high usage and therefore more potential staining we would urge you to consider the use of a suitable impregnator to help aid in keeping the stone more maintainable. Some sandstones may be slightly acid sensitive so again trial before using.

Yorkstone (sawn or riven)

Yorkstone Paving

Yorkstone is slightly different to other sandstones especially in the UK, the normal course of action is to leave well alone and allow the pores to take on the natural detritus that will build up over time and with weathering creates a natural defence. If there is any specific staining i.e. oils etc then refer back to the general advice above.

Chemical protection can be applied but due to the higher absorbency of Yorkstone it is generally not done due to the quantity of chemical required.

Limestone

Moleanos Limestone Paving

Limestones are normally very acid sensitive and so the advice is to not use any acid-based products on these at all!

Take extra care to remove all jointing residue on Limestone as removal of this without the use of acid can be problematic. The advice for Limestone is generally the same as the Granites although Limestone by its nature is generally more absorbent so can be more susceptible to staining (especially with lighter stones), they can also be less durable than Granites so care should be taken with any heavy cleaning.

If the area has the potential to have high usage and therefore more potential staining we would urge you to consider the use of a suitable impregnator to help aid in keeping the stone more maintainable.

Please Note

This guide has been produced with the assumption that no chemical protection nor other cleaning products have been applied to the supplied paving and that the stone has been installed in accordance with the relevant standards for the use intended and with a fully bound construction.

The advice here is generally applicable to most stone within the categories listed however, natural stone by its nature does vary in colours, minerals and may have adverse reactions to certain scenarios therefore we suggest trialling any cleaning or maintenance regimes on inconspicuous zones within the area to ensure no issues arise.

There are many various chemicals claiming to be suitable for natural stone cleaning and protection, should any chemical protection be applied then you will need to adhere to the advice given by the supplier of the specific product.

CED cannot accept responsibility for any detrimental effects or damage caused by products not supplied by us. We do have a very good range of tried and tested products that we would be happy to advise further on if requested or discuss any other options you may have.