Limestone golden glow - maintenance advice please - Limestone paving

[Telly]

Last May we had a patio laid in Golden Glow Limestone. I asked about maintenance when we bought it and was told by the local large reputable dealer that cleaning once a year is fine.
The problem is that it always looks a mess. Shows every wet/muddy footprint, dirt clings to it and there are patches of algae, and not only in the shade (part is under a pergola). Personally I dont feel the stone is suitable for a patio, or at least it is very high maintenance and this is a real problem for me. The guy who laid it made a very poor job, the edging has been described as 'amateurish'. I know we have made a huge mistake, but I have been left with a major problem and dont know what to do.
Any advice gratefully received.

[GB_Groundworks]

Use an experienced and reputable paving contractor next time whos work you can review and who would have advised you about the correct stone to you use for your patio.

You could have the edgings relaid properly have the patio professional cleaned by a patio cleaning company with hot water washer and rotating brush.

Let the patio dry out fully and keep everyone off it, then when we've got a dry week seal it with something like lithotin stain stop

[Telly]

Use an experienced and reputable paving contractor next time whos work you can review and who would have advised you about the correct stone to you use for your patio.

You could have the edgings relaid properly have the patio professional cleaned by a patio cleaning company with hot water washer and rotating brush.

Let the patio dry out fully and keep everyone off it, then when we've got a dry week seal it with something like lithotin stain stop

Thanks. We were over a barrel, as the original people pulled out, having taken up the old patio. We used someone who the supplier did not actually recommend, but said that other people had used him and they had not had any complaints - they then gave us his card.
I think you are right, and it has been at the back of my mind that it does need relaying. However it has taken all this time to face up to the fact. Will also look into getting it sealed.
Thanks again.

[Tony McC]

I think I'm right in saying that what you were sold as 'Golden Glow' is actually plain old Kota Yellow limestone, and to be fair, it is usually a low maintenance product, especially compared to many of the imported sandstones.

Poor laying won't have helped, but it may be that a sealant will reduce the amount of cleaning required. However, this is not the season to be applying sealants. Wait until the warmer weather returns, April is usually the earliest sensible date for applying sealants, and then do your research to ensure you get a *suitable* sealant that will give you the finish you desire and is suitable for your limestone, rather than one of the 'jack-of-all-trades' jollops sold at the DIY sheds.

[ilovesettsonmondays]

wherbts in essex do you live . i will come and have a look if your not far from me and will tell you what is wrong with it and ways forward.

[London Stone Paving]

If the stone is kota yellow limestone then it should be, as Tony says a fairly low maintenance stone.

Post some photos if you can so we can have a look.

[Telly]

If the stone is kota yellow limestone then it should be, as Tony says a fairly low maintenance stone.

Post some photos if you can so we can have a look.

Thanks for the comments, have been out this morning and taken some photos but unable to upload them. The image button just says you need to enter a URL?
Regards

[Tony McC]

An URL is the address for where you have the photos located, summat like....

http://www.mywebsite/images/thispicture.jpg