Following on from my question regarding Geofix, I have a more general question about the best sort of stone of a shady and therefore damp patio. The Indian Sandstone we currently have lasts about two months before it starts to go green with algae. Would an alternative type of stone fair any better? Two options I like the look of are slate (although I think this would need to be sealed?) or granite. Are these options naturally more resistant to general growth? Does sealing help reduce this issue? Or is this a universal problem that is basically the same regardless of stone etc.?
pretty much universal in north facing or shady areas
if you clean it properly then seal it it should be easier to maintain
r and a pressure washing may cover or know someone who covers your area
you still got those parakeets down your way?
I was laying flags down there at george's hill and they were spitting stones at my head
LLL
I think R&A cover my area, I did find them and that is an option once the jointing is sorted out. Originally the rear was block paved and I'm wondering if that would in fact have been a better option because it would drain more easily (although I realise that it's not going to remove the problem entirely).
Haven't seen any parakeets recently - in fact, I did see one about 3 months ago - I don't live in SGH, but am about 300m from the main entrance....
i think in this country its just something you have to live with if you are surrounded by beautiful trees and inclement weather
roger has special techniques for getting the brand new look back and also if you use lithofin mn stainstop it is effectively invisible once it has dried
my patio is north facing and I normally have it done once a year
cheers LLL
Slate and granite are both denser than the majority of Indian sandstones. Generally they dont need to be sealed but sounds like in your situation it would do no harm to seal them. Some of the Indian sandstones are extremely hard.
Also from your first post it sounds like you may have insufficient fallls on your patio which could be why the water is pooling. Sealing will slow the alage down but not eradicate it completely
