Outdoor Patio Block Paving Restoration – Licensed Premises

The Situation

We were called in to handle the outdoor patio area of a licensed venue. For a business like this, the external space isn’t just a path; it’s revenue-generating floor space.

However, the block paving had taken a beating from the elements. Extensive moss and algae had taken hold, particularly around the shaded perimeters and edges where moisture hangs around. The surface had turned visibly green, but the real issue was the grip—or lack of it. In wet weather, the patio was becoming a genuine slip hazard for staff carrying glasses and customers trying to relax.

The Challenge: Safety First

For a licensed premises, “slippery” isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a liability. The venue needed the space back in action quickly, but the job had to be thorough.

We needed to strip away layers of ingrained organic grime without damaging the block work or making the surface too smooth. The goal was to uncover the natural texture of the paving to get the grip back, while also being careful around the fixed features like drainage points and nearby planting.

Our Approach

We treated this as a precision clean rather than a heavy industrial blast.

1. Controlled Mechanical Clean: We used equipment set to the right pressure for block paving. This allows us to lift the heavy moss and algae from the joints and surface without blowing apart the sand bed underneath.
2. Detail Work: We paid special attention to the building edges and corners—the areas that often get missed but cause the biggest headaches with damp and regrowth.
3. Texture Restoration: The focus was on removing the “slime” layer to restore the paving’s original non-slip properties, ensuring it was safe for immediate foot traffic once we left.

The Outcome

The patio has been completely reset. The “green haze” is gone, and the original colour of the blocks is visible again, making the whole area look far more welcoming.

More importantly, the surface is safe. We successfully eliminated the slip risk, meaning the venue can open its outdoor area with confidence, knowing they are fully compliant and their customers are safe.