Aftercare & MAINtenance
📄 Block Paving Driveway Aftercare & Maintenance Sheet
Service Completed: Driveway Pressure Washing & Re-sanding (XTX Ltd.)
Date of Completion: [Date of Service]
Thank you for choosing XTX Ltd. for your driveway restoration. To ensure your block paving stays clean, stable, and weed-free for the longest possible time, please follow these instructions.
1. Immediate Aftercare: Stabilization of Joints
The stability of your block paving depends on the joints being completely filled with sand. Kiln-dried sand provides immediate interlock and does not need time to cure.
Foot and vehicle traffic may resume immediately after the kiln dried sand has been swept in. The kiln-dried sand offers immediate interlock and stability, and light traffic can help settle the sand deeper into the joints.
Avoid Water: Do not hose down the area or allow external water (sprinklers, etc.) onto the surface for at least 24 hours. Water is the primary threat to the new jointing sand. Water will wash the loose sand out of the joints, destabilizing the blocks and leading to movement.
Residual Sand: You may see a small amount of residual sand on the surface. We recommend sweeping this off after 3 days, once the sand in the joints has had time to consolidate naturally. This ensures the joints are packed tight and prevents tracking the residual sand elsewhere.
2. Long-Term Maintenance: Weed and Growth Control
Pressure cleaning removes existing growth, but spores (moss, algae, weeds) are airborne and will return over time, particularly in damp UK conditions.
🌱 Weed Prevention
The key to long-term control is vigilance:
- Routine Sweeping: Sweep the driveway regularly to remove organic debris (leaves, dirt) which provide a food source for weeds.
- Targeted Treatment: Apply a suitable proprietary weed killer every few months, or as soon as you see new growth emerging.
🌿 Organic Growth (Moss & Algae)
- We recommend professional biocide application to keep the surface sterile and prevent the return of green/black growth for longer periods.
3. Maintenance Service (Biocide Treatment)
To minimize the need for frequent and repeated intensive cleaning, we offer a specialized Biocide Maintenance Service.
We apply an HSE-approved, commercial-grade biocide that sterilizes the surface, killing airborne spores and biofilm before they can become visible moss or algae. Every 12 to 18 months (depending on shade/moisture) to maintain a clean appearance. This service is significantly cheaper and faster than full pressure washing and protects your investment in your driveway.
Please note that the biocide treatment is not for controlling weeds.
Ready to protect your investment? Ask us about scheduling your first Biocide Maintenance Treatment.
Contact us today via our website or by calling 07738519252.
📄 Patio Cleaning Aftercare & Maintenance Sheet
Service Completed: Patio Cleaning (XTX Ltd.)
Date of Completion: [Date of Service]
Thank you for choosing XTX Ltd. for your patio cleaning service. Following these simple steps will help maintain the pristine look and long-term integrity of your patio.
1. Immediate Aftercare: Jointing and Stabilization
If your patio uses jointing sand, mortar, or a specific jointing compound, this section is critical.
If the service included the application of new jointing sand or mortar, you must keep all foot and vehicular traffic off the paved area for a minimum of 24 hours for epoxy grouts, 48 hours for polymeric sand and 5 days for mortar. This allows the jointing material to settle, cure, or consolidate properly, ensuring the structural stability and preventing immediate damage.
Avoid Water: Do not use a garden hose on the area or allow external water (sprinklers, etc.) onto the surface for at least 48 hours (or longer, if specified by the jointing material used). Premature exposure to water is the leading cause of joint failure, washing away mortar or interfering with the curing process of mortar/polymers.
2. General Long-Term Maintenance
Pressure washing removes the bulk of organic growth, but maintenance is necessary to prevent its return.
🌱 Weed Prevention and Control
- Expected Regrowth: Weeds, moss, and algae are airborne and will return. This process is often faster in damp, shaded areas.
- Routine Sweeping: Sweep the patio regularly to remove organic debris (leaves, soil, petals). This debris traps moisture and provides the nutrients weeds and moss need to grow.
- Weed Treatment: We recommend applying a suitable proprietary weedkiller (available from garden centres) every few months, or as soon as new growth is visible in the joints.
🧼 Routine Cleaning
- General Cleaning: Use a brush and warm water for routine spot cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleaners unless necessary for heavy stains.
- Cleaning Residual: The patio surface may occasionally develop a small layer of white residue (efflorescence) as the surface dries out over the first few weeks. This is normal and will typically wash away with time and rainfall.
3. Maintenance Service (Biocide Treatment)
To minimise the effort required for long-term algae control, we offer a specialized preventative treatment.
We apply an HSE-approved, commercial-grade biocide that sterilises the surface, eliminating airborne spores and biofilm deep within the porous surface before they can become visible moss or algae. We recommend a treatment every 12 to 18 months (depending on shade and weather exposure) for continuous protection. This preventative service is highly effective, significantly extending the time before intensive pressure washing is required again.
Please note that the biocide treatment is not for controlling weeds.
Ready to protect your investment? Ask us about scheduling your first Biocide Maintenance Treatment.
Contact us today via our website or by calling 07738519252.
