Granite Setts Maintenance & Aftercare Guide – How to Protect and Maintain Granite Paving
Granite setts are a durable and long-lasting natural paving material, commonly used for driveways, pathways, and decorative features. However, correct granite setts maintenance and aftercare is essential to preserve their appearance, performance, and structural integrity over time. This guide outlines routine, annual, and long-term care practices to help protect your investment.
A series of downloadable aftercare information sheets produced for customers to ensure that they enjoy the results of their investment by offering advice on the maintenance regime essential to keep the work in good order. Granite setts may include footpaths, driveways or feature panels in a domestic garden, laid in patterns or grid fashion.
Routine Maintenance – Weekly or monthly, dependent on site conditions
Sweeping – by hand broom or leaf blower, remove leaves, dirt and detritus, grit or organic debris to prevent staining and to discourage moss or algae growth.
Remove any stains, including oil, leaf tannins, sap or wine/coffee etc. promptly. Oil, fats and red wine may be removed with a proprietary poultice type cleaning product. Leaf, timber tannins or saps can also be removed using proprietary cleaning products. Avoid using any chemical cleaners unless specifically recommended by the manufacturers.
Annual Maintenance – Depending on Site Conditions
Clean the setts using warm water and a cleaner specifically designed for such use. Avoid harsh chemicals including acids of any kind, (including vinegar or bleach based) as these can cause damage to the surface of the setts. (and sealants if applied)
Remove any weed growth within the surface area, including joints. If necessary, a proprietary and specific weed killer should be applied, following the manufacturers instructions.
Power washing, using a low-pressure unit, may be required on occasion, to remove difficult dirt and grime. Use a wide spread nozzle to avoid dislodging and damaging the pointing material. Do not use the power washer as a power jet, especially in the joints.
Long Term Maintenance – As required, according to site conditions
Some sites may require the sealing of the surface of the setts, especially those that are in full shade or exposed to harsh elements. Sealing prevents moisture absorption and staining, and helps to counter the freeze/thaw effects that can cause cracking and delamination of the setts in the winter months.
(Check for moisture absorption by pouring some water on the setts, and if it enters the pores of the stone after a few minutes, it may require sealing – or re-sealing – which may be required once every three or four years)
Keep a close eye on the condition of the joints. Any signs of damage or breaking down, repoint as necessary to prevent water ingress into the sub-base and laying bed, as this can cause problems with structural issues.
To ensure the longest possible life for your investment, keep a diary log of the site conditions and works programme undertaken.
ALL NATURAL MATERIALS CHANGE COLOUR AFTER EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT AND THE ELEMENTS. Any changes should not be seen as defects.
