Help! - Have i ruined my patio?

[paulpaco]

I have Atlas yorkstone riven effect slabs that have developed marks that look like the top surface has been rubbed off! The marks are darker than the normal surface which is a light sandstone effect and are slightly metalic in appearance. I don't want to clean it further in case I make it worse.

The patio was only laid 10 months ago. I have have not used any chemicals to clean only a stiff yard brush and a garden hose until yesterday, when I used a pressure washer. I have a digital camera and can send photos but don't know how to attach to posting.

Some of the edges seem to have worn away to reveal rough concrete also.

Has anyone had a similar effect and can advise on a solution? I have considered painting with a masonary paint and then using a sealant. Would I have a case to go back to the supplier after 10 months?

Cheers

[Mark B]

Some manufacturers say that pressure washers should not be used on some paving as it can result in the top surface/layer of the stone comming off. its due to the pressure washer being to powerful and harsh on the material.

[paulpaco]

Thanks Mark

Would that apply to brushing as well as at leat some of the problem occurred before I used the pressure washer. Any ideas on how I can clean them?

Cheers

[mouldmaker]

As far as I know all manufacturers recommend aagainst using pressure washers, as they weaken the surface making it more prone to wear, dusting and damage from freeze-thaw cycles.

Dark, metallic looking patches sound like they could be bloom, which occurs sometimes in concrete paving and is actually a deposit on the surface rather than wear and will probably - eventually - go of it's own accord.

Wear on edges showing exposed aggregate is another matter, and should be taken up with Atlas, as it sounds like a product failure. I'm not sure what Atlas's warranty limitations are, but most manufacturers don't give a fixed timescale for warranty claims for manufacturing defects.

[paulpaco]

Thanks for your help, I'll go back to the suppliers. Whilst the problems seem to have got worse since I used the pressure washer, they occured before I used it. Won't use it again though shame the supplier didn't warn me when I bought them