Some folks considering flagstone wonder, “Do flagstone patios perform well in Northern Virginia? The answer is yes – if they are installed and maintained correctly. For the purpose of this article, we will be talking about Bluestone flagstone, the most popular flagstone in the mid-Atlantic area.
Naturally Strong and Beautiful
Bluestone is a type of sandstone used in flagstone patios in Northern Virginia. Bluestone is naturally strong and beautiful; it comes in shades of blue, gray, and purple.
Bluestone flagstone can be cleft into flat slabs, which can be used to create a free-form natural looking patio. Or, if you prefer a more formal looking patio, Bluestone flagstone can be cut into 1-4 foot squares and rectangles, with straight edges and corners. Whatever type of Bluestone flagstone you choose, it needs to be at least 2 inches thick in order to avoid breakage.
While cleft Bluestone flagstone can be installed with sand, mortar is typically used. And when mortar is used, the patio needs to be installed on top of a stable slab. For a cut flagstone patio, mortar is always used.
Bluestone flagstone patios can be covered or left completely open. They can support heavy grills and outdoor kitchens, and are easy to keep clean. However, they do require a proper sealing to preserve color, to resist chlorine or salt water, and to protect from scratching and staining.
Weather Performance
Flagstones are natural stones, and flagstone patios hold up well under our weather in Northern Virginia. Flagstones do not expand and contract due to heat or cold, and that are not easily damaged by hail. Flagstones reflect the sun, and when temperatures soar, the stones can be quite hot on bare feet.
In the Fall and Spring, Bluestone flagstone patios should be swept and cleaned with a mild detergent. Any repairs needed should be done by an expert, such as Premier Paving & Planting. If flagstone patios in Northern Virginia haven’t been resealed in the last 5 years, a call to the Premier Paving & Planting can get that done quickly.
For more information about flagstone patios in Northern Virginia, please contact Premier Paving. Established in 1987, Premier Paving & Planting, Inc. provides free estimates, and delivers a full compliment of high quality landscape services, including concrete work and lawn and garden services, along with installation of permeable and non-porous paver and hardscape surfaces (such as flagstone) and structures. NCMA and ICPI certified, Premier Paving is licensed and insured, and carries an A+ rating from Angie’s List.
