LANDSCAPING
landscaping season to enable more projects to be completed but also provides merchants with a wider opportunity to drive sales,” he continues.
First line of expertise For many tradespeople or DIYers, merchant branch staff are often the first source of advice. When faced with a multitude of cleaners, sealers, and protective treatments, it’s easy for customers to feel unsure about what they really need.
PROTECT NOW, ENJOY LATER
As Summer draws to a close, cleaning and protecting outside areas to prolong their life over the colder months becomes a priority. Merchants can help their customers by advising on the value of winter preparation before the weather turns.
F
ollowing months of sunshine, foot traffic, and BBQ’s, outdoor areas have withstood a barrage of activity. Dirt, grease, oil, spills, and green growth can impact the aesthetics of a much-loved space, leaving a bigger problem for the following year if not acted upon before the wet weather arrives.
Clean with confidence Andrew Scanlon, applications manager for UK Distribution at Sika UK says that the first step in any protection project is to clean the area, giving a fresh base on which to begin. “Quality landscaping cleaning products give professionals and homeowners the tools to tackle a range of stains, without damaging the surface,” he says. “Products such as Sika Brick and Patio Cleaner are designed to quickly remove ingrained dirt and stains from brick and concrete bringing a new lease of life to a paved area. These products can also be used to remove mortar and cement stains following any building work taking place outdoors.” During particularly warm summers, unsightly algae and green growth can be an issue in many gardens, appearing on patios, driveways, fences, and garden furniture, so Scanlon
recommends merchants look at specialist products, such as Sika MouldBuster as the ideal solution for removing this growth safely and effectively. “Fast acting, with no scrubbing required, these products can also prevent mould and algae returning for long lasting protection,” he says.
Once surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, the next step is to protect, sealing paved areas to create a barrier to withstand the elements. Using the right product can help to protect against the reappearance of green growth and minimise water ingress to prevent freeze-thaw damage giving overall effortless maintenance. Scanlon explains that solutions such as Sika Patio Seal provides high-performance protection to natural stone, concrete, and block paving, whilst enhancing natural colours to make surfaces appear fresh and vibrant. “When using natural stone, ready to use, resin-based compounds such as Sika FastFix All Weather are a popular choice, thanks to their ease of use, quick application time, and robust finish. As with products like this, they can usually be applied in cooler temperatures, and even when it’s raining, meaning work can continue later into the year. This not only benefits the installer by extending the
September 2025
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
“Knowledgeable staff can combat that confusion by asking the right questions to determine the best solution for the job, such as what surface is being treated, has it been cleaned recently, and is protection the immediate priority? By matching products to the scenario, staff can guide customers towards the right cleaning and protecting solution,” says Scanlon. “This transfer of knowledge, from manufacturer to merchant to end user, ensures the customer leaves confident and well- equipped to get the job done.“
Supporting merchants A quality landscaping range should offer professional performance with a user-friendly application. Incorporating clear instructions, fast- acting formulas, and a simple application ensure both tradespeople and DIYers alike can achieve effective results.
“This is where manufacturers like Sika are playing their part with clear product labelling, simple application guides, and how-to video content to ensure products are applied right first time. On-site product training is also becoming increasingly popular with branch staff who want to feel fully equipped to tackle any customer query that comes their way,” he continues. Alongside this, many manufactures are now bringing their expertise directly to the installer through trade mornings and roadshow events held at merchant branches, giving customers the chance to see products in action through live demonstrations.
“For the customer, outdoor preparation for autumn means more than just maintenance, it’s investing in the hard-work and dedication given to the space throughout the summer. For merchants, it’s a chance to be more than just a supplier; it’s about becoming the trusted expert who helps to keep those spaces looking great. “Whether the customer is a landscaper looking for reliable results or a homeowner searching for professional quality, by stocking a comprehensive range of cleaning and protecting products, merchants can deliver solutions that are easy to use and seasonally relevant giving customers the confidence to keep them returning,” he says. BMJ
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