Keeping block paving looking clean, safe and attractive can be a constant battle, especially when moss starts to take over. Moss makes hard surfaces look scruffy and neglected, and it can also create slippery, hazardous areas that also damage your paving over time. If you’ve been wondering whether to tackle moss removal yourself or call in a professional, let’s explore why a Westermann block paving cleaning machine is the best tool for the job.
Why does moss build-up on block paving?
Block paving is particularly vulnerable to moss because moisture collects easily between the joints. Add shade, organic debris and a bit of time, and you’ve got the perfect environment for moss and weeds to thrive. While occasional cleaning keeps growth under control, long periods of neglect often require dedicated tools or specialist help to restore your driveway or patio.
The problem with traditional DIY moss removal methods
Manual removal methods of moss removal make for backbreaking work, requiring hours of labour with brushes and scrapers. It’s hard to reach into the cracks to be thorough enough, and moss quickly regrows if the roots aren’t fully removed.
Chemical treatments can kill moss, but they also pose environmental risks that can harm nearby plants and wildlife. These chemicals contain toxic elements that can wash into the surrounding soil and persist in the environment, leading to long-term ecological damage. You might even live in an area where the local council has introduced a pesticide ban, taking this option out of the equation completely.
When to invest in a block paving cleaning machine
Using a purpose-built moss removal brush machine like a Westermann WR870 offers a major upgrade over traditional scrubbing or harsh chemicals. The Westermann Moss Brush features a large, powerful wire brush that efficiently lifts moss, weeds and debris from block paving joints without damaging the surface - ideal for homeowners who want faster results and less physical strain. The Honda GCVx170 model in particular offers a slightly cheaper option that’s perfect for occasional use such as in a personal, domestic setting.
Investing in a professional clean with a block paving cleaning machine of your own can be a smart move if your situation fits one or more of the scenarios below:
- Your driveway or patio accumulates moss frequently: Shaded areas, north-facing surfaces, and damp climates encourage constant moss growth. Regular cleaning becomes easier and cheaper with your own machine.
- You prefer to maintain your paving on a schedule: Owning your machine means no waiting for appointments. Clean weekly, monthly or seasonally - whatever works for you.
- You want to save long-term maintenance costs: If you’d otherwise pay for professional cleaning once or twice a year, a one-time investment in a moss brush machine can quickly pay for itself.
- You manage multiple properties: Landlords, caretakers and groundskeepers often find a brush machine essential for routine upkeep across several paved areas.
- You want better results than manual scrubbing can offer: A paving brush machine delivers consistent, high-quality cleaning without the physical strain.
The benefits of choosing a Westermann for professional moss removal results
Choosing a block paving cleaning machine offers a range of advantages when you want exceptional results with minimal effort. While manual DIY maintenance plays an important role, a professional clean provides a deeper level of restoration and long-term protection for your block paving. Here’s what makes it such a powerful option:
Deep, high-powered cleaning for superior results
A Westermann Moss Brush delivers a level of cleaning that most homeowners simply can’t match with manual labour. It removes embedded moss, algae, weeds and grime from both the joints and the surface of the slabs, restoring the original colour and finish more effectively than manual or consumer equipment.
The Westermann’s 87cm diameter bi-directional brush rotates both clockwise and anti-clockwise, allowing you to get into the cracks and crevices where the moss resides without the use of harsh chemicals or water. And because the Westermann removes moss from the root, any regrowth is significantly reduced. This means that you won’t have to keep regularly repeating the process, saving time and effort in the long run.
Expertise that protects your paving
The Westermann Moss Brush has been engineered to clean block paving without causing damage. The jockey wheel under the brush means you can adjust the height of the bristles to adapt to the surface you’re working on, avoiding undue stress or damage to the body, the machine or the surface itself. As a result, it won’t scratch surfaces such as brick, drive setts, concrete or tarmac, and it doesn’t strip away the jointing sand to preserve the integrity of the paving.
Fast and efficient cleaning for large areas
A professional moss removal machine can clean driveways, patios, pathways and outdoor spaces much faster than traditional DIY methods. What might take you an entire weekend with manual labour can often be completed in a fraction of the time thanks to the specialist tools of a Westermann.
Ideal for heavy build-up or restoration projects
If moss has built up over several seasons or if the paving hasn’t been cleaned for years, professional cleaning can reset the surface back to near-new condition. This creates an ideal foundation for ongoing DIY maintenance using your own cleaning equipment.
DIY moss removal can be highly effective with the right equipment, and a block paving cleaning machine bridges the gap between manual scraping and hiring professional services. If you’re committed to keeping your block paving looking fresh year-round for years to come, investing in your own Westermann machine is a smart, cost-saving option in the long-run that’s worth considering.
Whether you're tackling a small patio or maintaining a large driveway, the right tool makes all the difference. A Westermann offers power, convenience and long-term value to help you keep moss under control with far less effort.
Contact us
If you’re looking for new garden maintenance machines, here at SPA Power Machinery we stock a range of Westermann equipment, from ride-on brushes to sweepers and scrapers, that are ready to get the job done.
If you’d like to know more about using Westermann machinery for garden and grounds maintenance purposes, please get in touch with us via the contact form on our website, or you can call us on +44 (0)114 2699 119 or email info@spapowermachinery.com.