How to Safely Remove and Prevent Mould on Unsealed Travertine Pavers Travertine pavers are popular in Perth homes and surrounds. This wonderful construction material enables you to incorporate a touch of elegance and a sense of beauty to just about any outdoor space. However, to keep your travertine pavers from becoming a breeding ground for mould growth it’s important that you understand how to effectively remove and prevent mould from your unsealed pavers. This is especially important for pavers installed around pools, near taps or exposed to moisture and rainfall. In this handy article we’ll outline not just how to remove mould but how to prevent it and how to best care for your pavers. The importance of preventing mould growth Travertine is a porous natural stone. While this contributes to its intricate appearance and unique aesthetic it also means that it can easily absorb moisture. The more moisture that is absorbed, the more susceptible the pavers are to mould growth. Pool pavers especially, due to the exposure to significant amounts of water, can develop mould, but so can any unsealed travertine pavers in sufficiently humid and damp environments. While mould is unsightly and can ruin the appearance of your wonderful travertine, leaving mould untreated can also damage the stone itself. How to remove mould 1 – Wear protective gear We’ll be outlining a few ways to remove mould but before we do it’s important to emphasise that your personal health and protection is paramount. Before dealing with mould or using any mould-fighting chemicals, it’s highly recommended that you put on protective gear. This includes gloves, a mask and eye protection. 2 – Pressure clean Pressure washing your travertine pavers should be the first approach. Pressure washing will remove much of the surface mould though it may not eliminate it in its entirety. It will largely depend on just how deeply the mould has penetrated. In other words, how bad the issue is or how long the mould has had to grow in the pores of the stone itself. 3 – Use mould removers Mould removers and fungicides can also be used to help remove mould from travertine but we must warn you to be careful. For one, not all mould removers are safe for use on porous natural stone and outdoor surfaces. Secondly, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use it only according to the instructions. 4 – DIY Remover It is possible to put together your own mould remover with a simple mixture of bleach and water if you cannot find the right solution at the shop. However, bleach can be a highly damaging substance that should be used with care and sparingly. We recommend you test your solution on an inconspicuous area of the travertine before applying it properly to make sure that it does not cause any staining or damage. If it all works nicely you can then use a stiff brush to scrub the affected areas and get the mould off the pavers. 5 – Rinse and Dry After you have cleaned the travertine pavers and the mould has been successfully removed, rinse the stone with water and ensure that the stones are completely dried before you seal them. Which takes us on to preventing the ongoing growth of mould. Dealing with mould yourself We know that not everyone has access to all of the equipment and substances required to get rid of mould. Don’t worry if you don’t have access to a pressure washer – you can still use a cleaning solution and scrub with a stiff brush. If you cannot find a fungicide or cleaning solution, try the DIY version. And if you’re concerned or hesitant to use bleach, always consider calling a professional – like us here at Remastone – to come out and provide an expert opinion and custom solution. How to prevent mould from growing on your pavers Natural stone should be sealed for its protection and longevity. Travertine pavers’ porousness can be compensated through professional sealing. The sealer creates a protective barrier that reduces the moisture absorption into the stone and makes it more difficult for mould to take hold and grow. Resealing frequency For the best results and ultimate protection, resealing should ideally be done every two years or so. Of course, there are other considerations to take into account here as well. If you live in a particularly harsh climate, if the pavers are exposed to an unusual amount of water and moisture, or if they are exposed to particularly high foot traffic, you may want to consider more frequent resealing. Choosing a sealer If you would prefer, Sealing pavers in Perth requires a professional sealer that knows the local climate intimately. There are different ways in which travertine pavers may need to be sealed – based on everything from the colour to the finish – so getting an experienced, professional and reliable company to come out and do your sealing (or resealing) for you is a must. Contact Remastone for all things Travertine Pavers Perth The Remastone team knows what it takes to keep travertine pavers looking and functioning as good as can be. Whether you’re battling mould growth and re-growth or want to prevent the problem before it grows out of hand, make sure to contact our team today.