Over the last ten years, we’ve seen the popularity of porcelain pavers skyrocket. Generally chosen in large format natural-effects, these tiles provide a wood or stone-look combined with the durability and low maintenance benefits of porcelain. They do, however, get dirty in the same way as traditional pavers which, to some consumers, comes as a surprise!
Just like a limestone or sandstone tile, porcelain pavers can become dirty due to environmental elements, muddy boots, animal excretions, fallen leaves, algae and everything else that they come into contact with. They are really stain resistant but they’re not self-cleaning. Just like a porcelain tile installed indoors, pavers will need to be cleaned to maintain that just-installed look. But, being a textured surface, it can sometimes be quite difficult to release residue that’s become trapped within the high-low surfaces – and that’s where barrier and enhancing treatments can make a big difference.
The benefits of applying a barrier treatment
Textured matt porcelain pavers don’t need to be sealed but applying a barrier treatment before grouting can offer multiple benefits. For example, our own water-based ECOPROTEC Pre Grout Protection is designed to protect the surface of the tile from cement and resin staining during installation.
The barrier within our Pre Grout Protection is mildly acidic, so it’s able to penetrate deeply into the textured porcelain’s fissures. Once dry, the treatment leaves invisible active ingredients behind and they cross link within the low points of the glaze. This provides the protection and makes the removal of any residues much easier. It also helps to improve and increase the working time of grouts and jointing compounds. Once residues have been removed and the surface is dry, a further coat makes ongoing cleaning and aftercare easier.
Porcelain enhancers – the challenges and the benefits
Whilst textured, natural-effect tiles are popular, many consumers wanted to switch-up the matt look to something glossy. This created the development of various film-forming sealers but, unfortunately, they didn’t tend to wear well and, when they did de-bond, they were difficult to remove.
We embraced this challenge head-on four years’ ago, when we started to research our own ECOPROTEC Porcelain Paving Enhancer. Two years down the line, we had developed a water-based solution which we applied to an external test area where delivery drivers stopped to unload goods. We monitored the area every month and, as of late last year, the ‘wet-look’ finish was as good as new. The new treatment, which was launched in early February this year, provides lots of benefits in addition to enhancement; resistance to foot traffic, general wear and stains, UV resistance and it also makes maintenance easier. And, as well as being water-based, it’s also PFAS-free, so it’s safe and environmentally-friendly.
Recommendations for ongoing maintenance
Just like indoors, outdoor tiles will benefit from a periodic clean. Keeping the surface relatively clean will prevent a build-up of dirt in the textured surface. This, in turn, will make ongoing cleaning easier and will maintain the tile’s slip resistance. As a general rule of thumb, it’s worth cleaning porcelain paving every couple of months or so – ideally, three times during late spring/summer and twice during the winter. Surfaces that are regularly cleaned will be far easier to keep clean. Regular cleaning of inside-to-outside surfaces, like those that run through bifold doors, will also help maintain a seamless aesthetic.
Jet washing may seem like the best method for a fast clean but it will only wash dirt off the surface of the slabs. High pressure water will also damage grout joints. A specialist treatment, like our ECOPROTEC Intensive Cleaner, will react with the dirt and grime, whilst our ECOPROTEC Black Spot & Algae Remover will tackle organic matter and help prevent regrowth.
For more advice, browse ECOPROTEC TV on YouTube, contact the ECOPROTEC team direct on 01823 662722 or email technical@ecoprotec.co.uk
