What’s Growing on Your Driveway? The Hidden Dangers of Moss and Algae.
Have you ever wondered just why your driveway seems to attract weeds and moss? Do you want to know what you can do about it? Continue reading to discover the answers to these puzzling problems.
What Causes Moss and Algae on Driveways?
Damp and Shady Conditions - Moss and algae thrive in damp conditions. They require moisture to grow and reproduce (spread). Shaded areas keep the surface damper for longer. As most driveways are near buildings/fences/walls some parts of the driveway are covered from the sun. The conditions in these areas are optimal for growth.
Poor Drainage – Standing water keeps the surface of the driveway wet, providing perfect conditions for moss and algae growth. Sunken or uneven parts of the driveway has the same eLect.
Unfilled/wide joints in bricks – Organic debris such as leaves and soil can be blown into the gaps. By providing a shield from the elements this provides a perfect environment or weed seeds to sprout and begin to grow.
Surrounding environment – Woodland areas or areas with humid and wet conditions can create the perfect setting for growth. Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire is a perfect example. Many of the houses there are covered by large trees providing shade for moss to form.
Neglecting regular maintenance – By avoiding looking after the driveway with regular weed and biocide sprays, the small areas of moss and weed can spread rapidly.
The Dangers Moss and Algae Pose
The dangers can be split into three categories: personal, structural and value.
Personal
These are dangers that could aLect somebody physically who uses the area in question. Moss and algae are naturally slippery when wet. When left untreated on hard surfaces around a serious slip risk is posed. It’s not uncommon for elderly people to avoid the use of their patio in the winter months due to the fear of slipping. Broken bones, cuts and bruises could all be from a result of slipping.
Structural
These are dangers that could aLect the integrity of the driveway. As weeds grow they create an underground network of roots. If left to grow too big these roots will grow and cause parts of the drive to sink or move. The stems of certain weeds can also grow in-between the joints. If allowed to grow without maintenance these can become too thick and begin to move blocks.
Moss stores moisture. In subzero temperatures, this moisture freezes and expands. In doing so repeatedly, the bricks can potentially move. This creates wider gaps for even more weeds and moss to grow in.
Value
These are dangers that aLect the saleability of the property. Having a driveway that is covered in weeds and moss massively reduces the kerb appeal of a property. Prospective buyers or renters are less likely to be interested in a property with an unmaintained front drive. A block paved drive can be a real asset when going to market. If its left in disrepair, this can have the opposite eLect.
How To Effectively Keep The Driveway Clean
This section will cover the do’s and don’ts when it comes to cleaning a block paved drive. Why not a pressure washer?
A pressure washer cleans surfaces through the repeated, high velocity blasting of water. This method is neither soft nor forgiving. A pressure washer doesn’t discriminate; everything is simply blasted away.
The sand in the joints has usually settled over several years, holding the blocks together and creating a solid structure able to withstand cars and heavy footfall. By blasting out this sand and replacing it, that structure is significantly weakened. Fresh sand will still attract new weeds. Over time, dirt and mud will mix in with the sand – especially in the Lincolnshire countryside.
Sealant is sold to solidify the sand. This is supposed to stop weeds growing. However, when this solid sand begins to crack, weeds grow through. Once the sealant wears oL maintenance is required. This maintenance is often harder than before due to the sealant wearing at diLerent speeds. In some cases, the drive needs to be pressure washed again to strip the old sealant.
DIY Jobs
DIY driveway cleans never last. Days of back breaking work ends up for nothing. Two weeks down the line the stubborn weeds inevitably return. The equipment required to clean a driveway professionally costs thousands of pounds. The chemicals required are available to professionals only. Attempting a DIY job may seem cheaper in comparison to calling a professional, however the results will never stand the test of time.
The Alternative
Soft washing a block paved driveway will not only extend its life but cost less in the process. By ensuring that all the growth is first dead and then removed with care, long-lasting results are guaranteed. The Moss Man has revolutionised how driveways are cleaned in areas such as Lincoln, Skegness and not Retford. The four key steps to a cleaner driveway are listed below:
Weed Kill – Attacking the problem from the root. Professional grade products, applied by trained professionals.
Moss and Weed Removal – Specialised machinery and fully trained operatives carefully clear the joints of the blocks.
Chemical Treatments – Both a heavy cleaning chemical and biocide are applied targeting specific issues on the driveway. Both, professional grade, to achieve the best results.
On-going Maintenance – A quarterly visit by a team member to ensure that the drive retains its ‘new drive look’.
The Moss Man specialises in driveway cleaning. Stretching from Grimsby to Woodhall Spa and now expanding past Lincoln into Retford and Worksop – The Moss Man has over 800 maintenance customers.
So, if you are wanting a clean drive, not just for this year but forevermore why not visit our website and sign up for a free no obligations quote.
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