Sandstone cleaning and sealing in Davidson

Because Davidson's ground is so uneven, sandstone does a lot of structural landscaping work. Retaining walls hold up driveways and gardens, steps climb from the street, and paving creates flat outdoor areas. Most of it dates from the late 1970s onward, so it is generally in sound condition, but decades of leaf fall and shade have left it stained and grown over. Liquidambar leaves leave dark autumn marks, eucalypt bark and leaves add tannin through the year, and shaded walls and steps go black and green. Our technicians assess each area and run trial cleans so you can see what to expect before the job is booked.

Our first step on growth is a biocide, left to do its job until the mould and algae are dead, followed by brushing and a low-pressure rinse. Leaf and tannin stains get a targeted treatment and, for stubborn marks, a poultice. Steep driveways are tackled in sections from the top, with bunding at the base of each so water is captured before it reaches the street. Seepage stains on retaining walls are cleaned, though we will point out where moisture is coming through. A wet vacuum gathers the water at each stage, which keeps it out of the national park creeks.

For Davidson homes, sealing is most useful on driveways, paths and terraces. A breathable penetrating sealer helps them resist leaf tannin, oil and dirt while keeping their natural grip, which matters on a slope. Retaining walls stay unsealed to let soil moisture out. Sealing is done only when the stone is fully dry and the forecast is clear. Before you choose, we lay down small trial patches of both a natural and an enhancing product, record the products and areas treated, and suggest a check after each autumn, when leaf fall is heaviest and any weakness in the sealer shows first.