Keep Your Terrace Free of Moss: 5 Easy Steps with Oppercon
A terrace free of moss is safer, cleaner and easier to enjoy throughout the year. The growth of moss and algae on your tiles, bricks or other kind of pavement. The green tarnish is ugly and makes your tiles dangerously slippery when rained on. How can you remove mosses, and how do you keep the moss gone? In this blog we will explore this. There appears to exist a great product which prevents the growth of moss on your garden tiles.
How to keep a terrace free of moss
Green staining, moss and algae on a terrace are usually caused by persistent moisture, shade and dirt held on the surface. Besides spoiling the appearance of paving, a damp terrace can become slippery, especially after rain.
This guide explains how to clean algae and moss from a garden terrace safely, avoid methods that can damage paving, and reduce water absorption in suitable porous stone and concrete afterwards. Oppercon is a water- and dirt-repellent surface treatment; it is not a moss or algae remover.
Moss and algae thrive where paving stays damp for long periods. Shaded areas, poor drainage, overhanging plants and rough or porous surfaces all hold moisture and make a terrace harder to keep clean.
They often begin in joints, edges and small surface imperfections where dirt and organic matter collect. Regular sweeping and removing leaves helps the paving dry more quickly after rain and makes future cleaning much easier.
Once the terrace is clean and fully dry, a suitable water- and dirt-repellent treatment can help reduce water absorption on porous mineral surfaces.
How to remove moss and algae from a terrace
Start by sweeping away leaves, loose moss and dirt. Clear the joints and edges first, because these are the places where moisture and organic material build up most easily.
For a thorough clean, use a suitable patio cleaner exactly as directed on its label and scrub the surface with a stiff brush. Test a small hidden area first, especially on natural stone or older paving.
Avoid household salt and chlorine bleach. They can damage nearby plants, affect the soil and may discolour some surfaces. A pressure washer can be useful on robust paving, but use a fan setting, keep the lance moving and do not blast out the joints.
Protect a clean terrace from dirt and moisture
After cleaning, allow the terrace to dry fully. A water- and dirt-repellent treatment is suitable for clean, dry, absorbent and uncoated mineral surfaces such as concrete, brick and many types of natural stone.
Oppercon helps reduce water absorption without creating a visible coating. The natural appearance of the surface remains unchanged, while rainwater and everyday dirt are less likely to soak into the paving.
Apply Oppercon evenly with a low-pressure sprayer, brush or roller, following the product label instructions. Do not apply it during rain, frost or on a hot surface. Keep the terrace clear of leaves and soil afterwards so it can dry quickly after wet weather.
Can Oppercon be used on every terrace?
Oppercon is intended for clean, dry and absorbent mineral surfaces. It is not suitable for glazed tiles, sealed paving, non-porous ceramic tiles or surfaces that are still damp. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first.
How do I keep my terrace looking its best?
Sweep away leaves, soil and plant debris regularly, especially in shaded areas. This helps the paving dry after rain and reduces the amount of cleaning needed through the year.
For independent advice on cleaning moss and algae from hard surfaces, see the Royal Horticultural Society’s guide to algae, lichens, liverworts and mosses on hard surfaces.
Regular care is the simplest way to keep a terrace free of moss throughout the year.
