Blackspot and Algae

Blackspot and algae are common issues affecting various surfaces, including swimming pools, patios, and garden paths. Addressing them effectively requires tailored approaches based on the affected area.

What is blackspot?

Despite its name, blackspot can be black or white and it originates from plants and trees. This dust-like lichen microspore is carried by the wind and rain and it colonises on stonework, taking about 2-3 years to get really established below the surface.  Blackspot thrives in damp, shady places, sending its tendrils or ‘hyphae’ down into the stone’s pores, searching for nutrients.  It’s a particular menace in porous stone, as its open texture enables the microspores to spread more easily, but even less porous materials like porcelain aren’t immune.  Here, the lichen can still create a slippery residue on the tile surface.

Why water doesn’t work

A pressure washer and, sometimes, a dose of household cleaner is a common go-to treatment.  However, this doesn’t work because hyphae become anchored into place below the surface.  In fact, the extra dose of water only makes conditions even better for the rampant lichen.  Also, pressure washing can damage the surface of the stone, loosen the grout and, if any protective sealer is applied, it will damage that too.

A specialist, two-pronged attack is necessary in order to remove blackspot stains and the microspores below the surface.  Any treatment used needs to have a bleaching action, to restore the colour of the tile or paver.  It also needs to target the hyphae below the surface.  But care should to be taken.  If a treatment is acidic, it can damage acid sensitive material and erode the grout joint.

Removing stains and preventing regrowth

Giving results in as little as two hours, LTP Blackspot and Algae Remover targets organic residue, restoring appearance to natural stone, concrete, brick and porcelain.  Developed to deep clean new and existing paths, patios and driveways, the treatment targets black spot, lichen, moss, algae and other stains caused by damp and slippery leaf matter.

For a visual demonstration on cleaning blackspot and algae without using a pressure washer, you might find the following video helpful: