The Best Ways to Care for Pavers
Installing paving slabs in your backyard, driveway, or sidewalk is a great idea. Paving slabs not only brighten up your outdoor living spaces and add curb appeal, but they are also durable and low maintenance.
However, low operating costs do not mean no maintenance. Many people make the mistake of spending a lot of money installing great pavers and then neglecting it for years. Those same people are often surprised when their “durable” paving stones become dirty and dirty, or start to shift and crack. To stop this process, they require (some) regular maintenance.
The good news is that it’s not that hard to protect your investment, and because paving stones are quite durable, with minimal effort, they will keep them looking great for years to come. Here’s how to properly care for pavers.
Clean them regularly
Stone or brick paving is meant to be lived outside: it can be walked on, walked on in the rain and snow, and subjected to other treatment. But your pavers need regular cleaning to keep their bright appearance. Sweeping and occasional hosing will do wonders, and removing stains such as grease, paint, or tar with a mild detergent and a stiff brush can help prevent stains.
You can use a pressure washer on pavers, but keep it low – high pressure can damage pavers or otherwise damage them. A good car wash every year or two is all you need. Never use sandblasting or acid cleaning on paving stones; While these methods will produce dazzling looking paving stones in the short term, they will also affect the longevity of your paving stones.
weed between stones
If your pavers have been in place for a while, you almost certainly have some weeds sticking out of the cracks. You will need to remove them before they become too strong; left alone, these weeds will spread and dislodge your paving stones, as well as leave your patio or sidewalk neglected and abandoned.
Pulling out weeds can dislodge the seam sand they’re rooted in, plus it’s a pain in the back that only slows them down – they’re weeds , they’ll come back. Using a weed killer is the best choice if you apply it immediately after growth appears, but you can use a natural, non-toxic solution to keep children and dogs from being exposed to chemicals on the patio. A little vinegar, water, and dishwashing liquid will do the job without putting anyone at risk.
Sand gaps again
If the sand between the paving stones has corroded, leaving visible gaps, you should sand it again before the paving stones loosen and begin to move. It’s a lot easier than you think: just buy some grout for the joints (when choosing sand, pay attention to the width of the pavers’ joints), clean the area thoroughly. Cover any plants or furniture you don’t want the sand to get on, then pour the sand onto the paving stones and rub it gently into the seams with a broom. You may need to dampen the sand here and there a bit to allow it to settle. Then sweep away the excess. Soon your sand will harden and block the pavers.
Seal your pavement
Finally, once your paving stones look like new again, keep them that way with paving sealant. Sealing pavers is not absolutely necessary, but sealants can lock in dirt and grime, stiffen your grout and backfill sand, and prevent water damage. You have several basic options for choosing a paving sealer , depending on your paving material (brick, stone, concrete, etc.) and the desired final look (glossy or matte). You can also opt for a non-slip finish to help prevent accidents.
Different sealers last for different times, so depending on the specific product you choose, you may need to reseal your pavers after one to five years.
Paving stones are a beautiful and durable design choice, especially if cared for properly. With just a few hours a year, you can keep your paver nearly new and ready for any challenge.