Sandstone cleaning and sealing in Belrose

In a typical Belrose garden, sandstone holds up a sloping lawn, lines the driveway, forms steps to the front door and paves an outdoor area at the back. Tall trees overhead mean leaves and bark land on almost every surface. Over time the paving develops brown tannin rings, the steps and shaded wall faces turn green and black, and lichen spreads across capping stones. Retaining walls sometimes show damp lines where water seeps from the soil. Our technicians walk through each area with you, identify what is on the stone, and run small trials so the cleaner and dwell time are matched to each surface before the job is booked.

Mould, algae and moss are treated with a biocide suited to sandstone and left long enough to work, so the growth is killed rather than just knocked back. Once it has released, we brush it off and rinse at low pressure. Tannin and leaf stains get spot treatments or a poultice. Driveway edging marked by tyres or oil is degreased separately. Sloping blocks are cleaned from the highest point downhill, and at the foot of each area a bund and a wet vacuum catch the water. Garden beds, pool fences and decks are protected before any product goes down, and nothing is washed into the street.

Most Belrose homes benefit from sealing the paving, steps and driveway edging with a breathable penetrating sealer. It reduces how much tannin, dirt and oil soak in, so routine sweeping is more effective, and it keeps the stone's texture and grip. Retaining walls and natural rock are generally left unsealed so they can release moisture, and lichen on rock can stay if you like its look. We apply sealer only once the stone has dried properly, which may mean a second visit for shaded areas. Trial patches show natural and enhancing finishes side by side, and we record the products used and suggest when to check the stone again.