Algae and moss? Tackle it with Thompson’s

Thanks to the perfect mix of dampness, low light and mild temperatures, moss and algae flourish during the UK’s winter months. The constant rain and humidity create a perfect spot for them to grow, especially in shady areas or on north-facing paths and patios.

While most of us recognise the slimy green stains that appear on our garden patio as spring approaches, many of us tend to overlook removing them in favour of other gardening tasks, such as planting and repotting. 

Big mistake. Algae can make brick and stone paths quite slippery, especially in shaded areas of the garden, where drainage is poorer, moisture lingers and sunlight is limited. And thanks to the UK’s damp climate, these slippery conditions may last for months. Without regular maintenance, this can contribute to long-term wear and tear. Moss traps moisture against stone or concrete, meaning that when that water seeps into small cracks and freezes, it can expand and cause damage. Before you know it, it’s a year-round problem.

The good news is that it’s easy to remove. But while a quick blast with a pressure washer will wash it away and spruce up outdoor spaces ready for spring and summer, it can also remove patio grout, leaving you with another problem. 

For a gentler but equally effective solution, Thompson's Advanced Patio & Block Paving Cleaner will revive any patio and block paving and protect them from algae growth for up to six months. 

First, brush the area to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, pour the cleaner onto the surface and thoroughly scrub the area with a stiff-bristle brush. You should be able to see the dirt and debris lift and rinse away as you go, but remember to scrub diagonally; this will be gentler on the jointing compound and less will come out during cleaning. 

Allow it to work for 15 minutes, then give the area another good scrub. After brushing down the whole area, it's a good idea to hose it down to wash off the suds, and let it dry. This will leave the outdoor space looking fresh and ready for summer barbecues. Simply repeat this process twice a year to maintain a patio's appearance and prevent algae and mould regrowth.

Prevention is better than cure, so make sure to finish with Thompson's One Coat Patio & Block Paving Seal. This potent formula seals and protects patios from the weather in just one coat, resisting the growth of additional algae and safeguarding against oil and fuel spills.

 
Before you start, ensure that any cleaners are rinsed off the patio and that your block paving, jointing sand, and paving slabs are clean and dry. Ideally, apply on a dry day when the temperature is above 10°c. On cold and damp days, drying and recoating times will be longer. First, give the tin a good shake. Then, pour the contents into a roller tray and apply the product in long, smooth strokes using a long-pile roller. Ensure any puddles are spread into dry areas on textured block paving. It's just one coat, so that's it, job done! Unless you have any particularly rough surfaces that might need an extra coat. 

So, give moss and algae the brush-off. Follow these steps to ensure that any patio remains clean, free of green growth and looks Summer-ready!