Slippery Green Driveway or Patio This Winter? What to Do Now

A green, slippery driveway or patio is usually moss and algae growing in the damp. A quick rinse won't fix it for long. The growth needs removing, the surface cleaned, and a treatment applied to slow it coming back.

Why driveways and patios go green

Moss and algae love damp, shaded surfaces, and the West gives them plenty of both from autumn on. Overflowing gutters make it worse, by dumping water on the same spot every time it rains.

What you can do now

• Sweep off leaves so they don't sit and rot on the surface.
• Check that gutters and downpipes aren't spilling water onto the path or patio.
• Take extra care on steps and slopes until the surface has been cleaned.
• Pull weeds out of the joints if you can do it safely.

How we clean a green driveway

1. 1 Weeds and moss removed, and the surface pre-treated.
2. 2 Oil and stains spot-treated.
3. 3 The whole driveway pressure washed.
4. 4 Re-sanding and sealing for block paving, if you want them.

How we clean a green patio

1. 1 Weeds and moss cleared from the joints first.
2. 2 A pressure wash with the pressure and technique matched to the surface, so the surface isn't damaged.
3. 3 Kiln-dried sand brushed into block paving joints, to help lock the pavers and slow weeds.
4. 4 An optional sealant.

A biocide treatment after cleaning helps stop the growth coming back. Without it, algae can grow back within months.

What it costs

Every driveway and patio is different, so we give a free quote first. Send us a few photos on WhatsApp to get started. See our driveway cleaning, patio cleaning and moss treatment pages, or the local driveway pages for Mayo, Galway and Tuam.

If overflowing gutters are what's turning the path green, see why gutters keep overflowing.

Frequently Asked Questions