How to Protect Your Patio from Frost and Bad Weather in the UK

It can seem like a daunting task to get your patio ready for the warmer months after such a long time under leaves, dirt, and snow. Whilst your patio is hiding away underneath the autumn and winter elements, it can be subject to unseen damage that you will be only too shocked to learn when clearing and cleaning for spring and summer. In this article, we aim to advise you on the best types of outdoor surfaces to survive the harsher, colder months of the year and what you can do to protect them so you can make the most of a beautiful outdoor space.

Best Types of Patio Paving for Bad Weather in the UK

There are many types of paving to choose from when it comes to your patio, each with varying pros and cons depending on individual circumstances and preferences, including:

Block Paving – an excellent choice for bad weather, including frost as it’s highly durable and able to withstand high volumes of traffic, ensuring longevity.
Indian Stone – well-known for its robust nature and unique appearance, meaning your patio will stand the test of time while still looking elegant.
Resin Bound – popular surface option for patios due to its use of premium materials, ensuring resilience against heavy foot traffic and unpredictable British weather.

Top Tips for Protecting Your Patio this Autumn and Winter

To ensure that make the most out of the little spring and summer weather we have here in the UK, you want to ensure you look after your patio when you’re not using it. As a specialist surfacing company in Staffordshire and Shropshire, here are our tips for patio maintenance. Sweep Your Patio. This may already be on your patio to-do list throughout the months where you use it the most, but it’s also important to ensure you sweep any leaves and dirt up throughout the autumn and winter months to ensure that mould and algae don’t build up. Consider Using a Pressure Washer. To ensure your patio is extra clean, you can use a pressure washer to remove the more stubborn and smaller pieces of dirt and debris. You should always ensure, however, that the nozzle is kept at least a foot away from the surface of your paving to prevent damage. Seal Your Patio and Driveway. After sweeping and pressure washing, consider sealing your patio and driveway using an impregnating sealer, which will intensify the colour while protecting it from stains, chipping, and erosion. Sealing will also fill in small cracks where water can sit and turn to ice, causing expansion and bigger cracks in your paving. Sealing also offers protection from oil, water, and grease staining, which are notoriously difficult to remove. Consider a Patio Awning. An all-weather awning can be a great way to protect your patio from harsh weather and can be bought in a variety of sizes, allowing the water to drain off to a more suitable area of your garden. Be Cautious When Gritting in Colder Months. Some rock salt used to dissolve ice and snow can have a corrosive effect on the natural stone when mixed with water, which can also seep into any cracks, freeze, expand and cause bigger cracks. Rock salt also has the ability to degrade the mortar which holds your paving slabs in place, over time making them loose and uneven. An alternative to salt would be to use rubber anti-slip mats in your walkways. Take Care When Shovelling. When the snow has settled and you need to shovel in order to walk safely from A to B, ensure that you use a shovel with a rubber or plastic head to decrease the chance of chipping or cracking your paving.

How a Specialist Surfacing Company Can Help You with Your Patio this Winter

When it comes to the unpredictable weather in the UK, it’s always good to be prepared for all eventualities, whether that be an adjustable pressure washer, a heavy-duty sweeping brush, or even some rubber mats for when the snow has really fallen. The elements can take a toll on your outdoor paving, but utilising the above techniques can help to keep your patio and driveway looking in great condition for years to come, as well as ensure it still does its job and keeps extra expenses to a minimum. Our comprehensive patio services offer a range of options to suit your preferences and needs, from stylish block paving, elegant Indian slate and slabbing to contemporary resin-bound solutions, our professional team are here to help. Contact Premier Surfacing today, your specialist surfacing company serving areas from Stoke on Trent to Market Drayton and many other areas in and around Staffordshire and Shropshire.