Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Problem with stone walkway

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James0816
11-13-06, 01:01 PM
I have built a stone walkway and have put sand in the seams. Looked very nice after the install and for short time afterwards. Now...after several rains....I have one section of it turning green! I guess it is some sort of algea or something. This area doesn't get much sun light and if the temperature is not high enough to really evaporate it...I recon it will stay wet. Is there something that I can treat it with to prevent this or what can I do? I want my nice looking way back.

Help!

Thx


Concretemasonry
11-13-06, 02:21 PM
Do you have any kind of sand under the stones for drainage or are they just laying on the local dirt?

Water has to have a way to run off to give the stones a chance to dry.

Dick

bigfred
11-14-06, 01:35 AM
You might try mixing outdoor bleach with water (following instructions on bleach) and spraying it on with garden sprayer. You could do this periodically to keep the mildew off. You could also try sealing the concrete, but from my experience the periodic spraying with bleach is best solution.


James0816
11-14-06, 11:24 AM
Do you have any kind of sand under the stones for drainage or are they just laying on the local dirt?

Water has to have a way to run off to give the stones a chance to dry.

Dick

yes...it is all on a bed of sand. drainage is good. the area just stays damp.

Concretemasonry
11-14-06, 12:28 PM
Since you have drainage, you should concentrate on prevention of the "green".

Limestone has a wide range of properties and some will absorb moisture, which is good for green growth. Spray the area with a diluted bleach in a garden sprayer. This will kill the algae/future mildew. Start witha diluted solution (1/3 bleach) and work up if that does not give a long term solution. - Remember the limestone (if absorbant) will absorb some chemicals and provide residual protection, so sneak up rather than overdoing it.

If you over-do the bleach, you may have a detrimental effect on surrounding vegitation and roots, so take it easy unless you have a lot of concrete or pavers.

Dick