From pumpkins on the front porch to mums in planters, autumn is a great time to decorate your outdoor spaces. All that fall décor may look beautiful to your family and guests but what’s happening underneath it all?
Brick and pavers are built to withstand Michigan’s tough weather, but moisture, organic material, heavy objects and improper cleaning may leave stains or contribute to existing problems. Here are a few preventive steps you can take to ensure your masonry work looks beautiful all season long.
Pumpkins Can Leave More Than Halloween Memories
A healthy pumpkin on your brick porch isn’t a problem until it starts to rot. As pumpkins soften and decompose, moisture and organic material can leave behind stubborn discoloration.
Keep an eye on your pumpkins and replace them when they start to leak or rot. Alternatively, you could place them on a tray or mat so they don’t have direct contact with porous masonry.
Remove carved pumpkins promptly after Halloween, and continue checking uncarved pumpkins and gourds for signs of deterioration.
Watch What’s Happening Under Your Planters
If you have planters filled with mums and other seasonal plants, keep in mind that the water from rainfall and damp organic debris can collect underneath or around the container. Brick and concrete are porous materials, and when moisture is allowed to sit for a long time, it can lead to temporary darkening, staining or other discoloration.
Make sure outdoor planters have proper drainage and clean underneath them periodically.
Don’t Let Wet Leaves Become Part of the Décor
Nothing says fall like a smattering of colorful leaves across your brick walkways. However, don’t let soggy piles of leaves sit there for weeks, as they can stain masonry surfaces. They can also make walking surfaces slippery and pose a fall hazard. Regularly sweep leaves from brick porches, patios, steps and paver walkways, especially from corners and areas around planters and furniture.
Move, Don’t Drag, Patio Furniture
When you put away your patio furniture in anticipation of winter, don’t drag heavy tables and lounge chairs across your pavers. This can scratch, chip or mark the surface, and damage pavers that are already loose or uneven.
Get help, and lift and carry furniture instead. Take a look at what was underneath and address any staining, weeds, deteriorating joints or shifting pavers.
Take Care in Removing Fall Stains
When you notice stains, don’t just reach for the strongest chemical cleaner you can find. That’s because different masonry materials can react differently to cleaning products and techniques. Harsh chemicals or aggressive cleaning can damage or discolor your surfaces.
Ask your masonry professional in Michigan for advice on which cleaning products to use. Be careful if you decide to pressure wash your patios and walkways, as too much pressure can damage brick pavers and mortar joints.
What Should Stay Outside All Winter?
Once you remove seasonal décor that’s no longer being used, decide what will remain on your porch or patio, such as grills, large planters, or limited seating.
Take the time to look for:
- Cracked or deteriorating mortar
- Loose bricks
- Uneven or shifting pavers
- Cracked steps
- Areas where water collects
- Damaged joints
- Persistent staining or unusual discoloration
Finding and addressing these issues before the first snow covers them up will give you a chance to make any repairs and head into winter with confidence.
Contact Mortar City Masonry
If fall cleanup reveals loose brick, deteriorating mortar, shifting pavers or other masonry concerns, call us to repair and restore brickwork, porches, steps, patios and other masonry features. Schedule service today at (586) 533-1305.
