Natural Stone Cleaning and Maintenance - Driveway, Patio & More

This section is not applicable to Limestone.

Natural stone is beautiful, but it can also be prone to dirt and stains. Additionally, pointing can be a weak spot that can crack and allow weeds to grow through. Our team also offers re-pointing services for added durability.

Optimal Cleaning for Natural Stone with Pressure Washing / Jet Washing

To clean natural stone, both pressure washing and softwash methods are recommended. When pressure washing, it's important to use the right nozzle and pressure to avoid damaging the delicate stone. For best results, use a flat surface cleaner or flat vario nozzle with a wide spray pattern.
Avoid using a turbo nozzle, or if necessary, reduce pressure and angle the nozzle at 90 degrees.

Softwash (sodium hypochlorite-based) is also a crucial step in cleaning natural stone. This should be done after pressure washing and initial rinsing. The chemical will remove organic buildup and improve the finish of the stone.
Natural stone is porous, making it susceptible to lichen and staining. In 99% of cases, multiple applications of the chemical followed by rinsing or additional pressure washing can achieve the best results.
 
Always refer to health and safety instructions and use protective equipment when using chemicals.

Sealing Your Natural Stone for Protection & Easy Maintenance

Sealing your natural stone is optional, but we recommend using a high-quality breathable sealant for added protection and ease of maintenance. Cheap sealers from DIY stores will not deliver the same results. We work with SmartSeal sealants for optimal results.
The benefits of sealing include:

•    Protecting the stone from damage
•    Increasing water repellence and stain resistance
•    Making the surface less porous and less attractive to organic growth
•    Simplifying cleaning and maintenance
•    Enhancing the color of the stone

Before sealing, make sure the surface is cleaned to the highest standard. Any dirt left on the surface will be difficult or impossible to remove once the sealant is applied. Allow a minimum of one day for the surface to dry completely after cleaning, and make sure no rain is forecasted for at least 6-8 hours after sealing. If the surface is not fully dry, the sealant will trap moisture and cause surface whiteness.

Apply the sealant with a roller, saturating the stone with one coat. The sealant should be absorbed immediately and will repel excess. Do not leave excess sealant on the surface, as it will cure and become difficult to remove. In rare cases, if the stone is very porous, repelling may not be achieved even after multiple applications. Always test a small area first.