As autumn settles in and summer's warmth fades, you might be turning your attention to any garden improvements you can get done before winter appears, with new paving often at the top of the list!
We're experts in paving at Bridge Street Stone . We have over 30 years of experience importing, manufacturing and holding stone for both trade and DIY customers, so we're well-versed in the ins and outs of laying the perfect paving. With England's notoriously unpredictable weather, you might wonder if it's actually okay to lay paving when it's raining; in fact, we get this question a lot, and the short answer is: it's best to avoid it, and here's why.
What’s more, wet conditions can dirty your paving stones before you’ve even had a chance to lay and seal them. Paving stones should be clean and dry before sealing, and one thing you can't do is seal stones when it’s raining.
If you are going to do this in autumn, have a tarp and a few stones handy just in case any unexpected showers appear. Keeping your paving clean, dry, and properly sealed will help you enjoy a beautiful and durable outdoor space for years to come!
If you need any help, our experts are here to offer advice and assistance to ensure your paving project is completed to the highest standards. So, if you need further information on any of our products, such as our limestone, Yorkstone, and porcelain paving, or you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team on 01282 860571 or send us an email at salesoffice@stonepaving.co.uk!
We're experts in paving at Bridge Street Stone . We have over 30 years of experience importing, manufacturing and holding stone for both trade and DIY customers, so we're well-versed in the ins and outs of laying the perfect paving. With England's notoriously unpredictable weather, you might wonder if it's actually okay to lay paving when it's raining; in fact, we get this question a lot, and the short answer is: it's best to avoid it, and here's why.
Why rain can ruin your paving project
While light rain might not entirely derail your plans, heavy rain is another story. When paving in wet conditions, standing water can disrupt the drying process of cement and compromise the adhesion of your stones. This can lead to a range of problems, including a longer drying time and potential structural issues with your new paving.What’s more, wet conditions can dirty your paving stones before you’ve even had a chance to lay and seal them. Paving stones should be clean and dry before sealing, and one thing you can't do is seal stones when it’s raining.
Key problems that come with laying paving in rain
- Drying time: When cement becomes waterlogged, it takes much longer to dry which can delay the entire project.
- Poor adhesion: Rain can affect how well the cement bonds with the paving stones, potentially leading to uneven surfaces and weaker joints.
- Dirty stones: Rain splashes can soil your paving stones with water and surrounding dirt and mud, complicating the installation process and making it harder to achieve a clean, professional finish, especially if they're light, like porcelain, or porous, like limestone.
- Sand drying time: If you’re using sand in the project and it gets wet, it may dry unevenly, affecting the stability and appearance of your paving.
What to do if it starts raining when you’re mid-paving
If the rain catches you off guard while you're laying your paving, don't panic. The best approach is to cover the area with a tarp or plastic sheeting and weigh it down so it doesn't move in the wind to protect your work from further rain. Allow the rain to pass and wait until the area is dry before continuing. This will help you avoid some of the common pitfalls. It might take a bit longer than you expected, but it will be worth it for a beautiful final result.Best practices for laying paving
The weather app is your best friend when you're about to start a paving project. Always check the forecast before beginning, even if it says it is going to be sunny (it’s better to be safe than sorry!). Also, try and aim for a dry day with mild temperatures - anything above 5 degrees Celsius should be fine.If you are going to do this in autumn, have a tarp and a few stones handy just in case any unexpected showers appear. Keeping your paving clean, dry, and properly sealed will help you enjoy a beautiful and durable outdoor space for years to come!
If you need any help, our experts are here to offer advice and assistance to ensure your paving project is completed to the highest standards. So, if you need further information on any of our products, such as our limestone, Yorkstone, and porcelain paving, or you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team on 01282 860571 or send us an email at salesoffice@stonepaving.co.uk!