A Guide on After Care for Porcelain Paving
Keeping your paving clean and at the standard that you want can sometime be tricky, especially with the UK weather conditions. Although External Porcelain Paving is a non-porous and harder waring than Natural Stone, it is essential that the laid patio is maintained regularly. As minimum, we recommend thoroughly cleaning the paved areas around three or four times a year by simply using warm soapy water, a stiff broom, and a bit of elbow grease.
As External Porcelain has a R11 rated non-slip texture applied to the top surface, it is more tactile than an Interior Porcelain Tile, therefore, it is normal for patios created with External Porcelain to get dirty and gain marks through day-to-day use. The advantage of Porcelain Paving is that there will generally be something that will get your patio clean and back to the beautiful space that is desired. To maintain your patios appearance, it is suggested that jet washing should be regularly carried out, a minimum once a year. Shaded areas and especially areas located under trees, cleaning is likely to be required more often.
Professional companies are available to provide these types of cleaning services, but please seek professional advice before commencing, if you are planning to carry out this procedure yourself. Â Due to the production process, and its ultra hardwearing qualities, Porcelain products can withstand the force of domestic high-pressure washers, but care must be taken when cleaning, especially when cleaning near the joints, as the force of the water jet may dislodge the jointing compound. As always, before cleaning the joints, seek advice on recommended cleaning methods from the manufacturers of the jointing compound that has been used.
If rust marks or discolouration left from patio furniture, planters, or any other reason, cannot be removed with washing alone, a stronger cleaning product may be needed. We stock a full range of Lithofin aftercare and cleaning products; therefore, we can literally offer solutions for most of your requirements, allowing your outside area to be back to its original condition.
If using cleaners on External Porcelain, please take care:
Always
- Read the label before buying to make sure the product is suitable
- Read instructions very carefully and always seek advice from a professional if you are at all unsure of anything
- Test a small, hidden area first
- Wear protective clothing such gloves, eye protection, boots, and overalls
- Ensure anyone working in the same area are protected too
- Make sure you are outside or have good ventilation
- Be careful not to damage, contaminate or stain any adjoining material
- Dispose of any runoff material carefully and responsibly.
There is no need to seal External Porcelain Paving, as it is a non-porous product and even if the top surface marks and/or discolours, there will generally be a cleaning agent to remove the stains.
The above is a guide, and RF Paving cannot be responsible for damages and/or injuries caused whilst maintaining your stone. Please get in touch if you need any further advice or require more details on manufacturers guidelines.