Riven Garden Paving Slabs

[trish1234567]

Don't know if there's an answer to this problem! Our rather large patio area in our back garden appears to get blacker and dirtier every year. Because the paving slabs are the Riven variety with 'ripples' (made by Marshalls I think) they get dirtier than a plain smooth slab, also because they are made only from a concrete mix, they are pourous. No cleaning agent will get them clean so I have to hose the area down every Spring with a jet spray which does get them reasonably clean. However, I don't wish to use this method at the moment due to the water shortage.

Has anyone tried resurfacing such slabs or can recommend a paint they have actually used on concrete? I did paint my garage floor once to keep the dust down, but it made no noticeable difference. They were professionally laid about 25 years ago. Any suggestions really welcome.

[stevie-p]

I use bleach and water in a watering can once a week,it seems to work for me.The only other thing i could suggest is getting some kind of clear sealant,that may help.

[BillyNoMates]

Just to clarify - although you may have a hosepipe ban you are permitted to use a jet washer 'sensibly'.

Daft as it may sound but this comes from the water authority !

[BillyNoMates]

Just to clarify - although you may have a hosepipe ban you are permitted to use a jet washer 'sensibly'.

Daft as it may sound but this comes from the water authority !

Once clean you could try a product such as Waterseal.

[trish1234567]

Thanks Stevie, the sealant sounds a really good idea if and when I get them clean. I would say though that my front is paved with ordinary crazy paving, and because pavement slabs are non-pourous, they stay reasonably clean. I only wish I had this type of paving at the back.
Oh BillyNoMates, please consider me a friend. No, I have not got a hosepipe ban in my area, but I am fairly near the Thames Water ban so I am watering only with a watering can as I would suffer a guilt complex. However, regarding the water pressure jet, I may wait until my neighbours go on holiday and then I will do it !!! I will definitely try the Waterseal.

[WendyS]

The problem with jet washing paving slabs is that it's a very brutal process and removes the original sealant which is on the slabs when they are new. We've had our patio jet -washed several times. It looks great at first, and we covered it with a couple of coats of concrete (patio) sealant afterwards but this never seems to last longer than a year/18 months before it starts to look dirty again. Now I just opt for a stiff broom and get out there in my waterproofs when it's raining (as we're in a hosepipe ban area).

[trish1234567]

Thanks Wendy, I think you're right. No one seem to be able to crack the problem 100%. Also, the jet washer does take a bit more surface off the slabs with each wash. Doing the job in the rain sounds a good idea and I have found that washing detergent is quite good, especially one 'for whites' as I think there is a certain amount of bleach in it. I'm now off to get myself a good stiff yard broom.