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Installing pavers is an investment. While it can be costly, it increases your property value and curb appeal. However, stains are unsightly and can make your beautiful pavers look cheap, dirty and poorly maintained. Below are tips on how to avoid stains and fix any that may occur.
Prevention:
Sealing your pavers is the best way to prevent stains from occurring. Use a sealant that works for your paver materials. The manufacturer’s instructions should explain the type of sealant you should use. Sealant and applicators can be purchased from almost any hardware store. Be sure to fill any joints with polymeric sand before sealing to ensure your protect that as well. Experts recommend you make any repairs before sealing to ensure you prevent damages from worsening between seals. Every sealant’s application timelines will vary slightly. However, there is a quick test to check if your sealant is still working. Sealants not only prevent stains but they also waterproof your pavers. To check if the sealant is still good, spray water on your pavers. If it beads up, your sealant is still working. If it absorbs into the pavers, your sealant is gone and a new application is needed.
Regular cleaning and inspection can also help prevent stains. Any item that drips onto your pavers or sits in its own dirt can cause potential stains. Sweeping once a week, moving items around and fixing any leaks you notice before they cause stains will help.
Fixing:
How you fix already existing stains may vary based on the type of pavers you have and the stains themselves. In general, the below tips may help you remove various stains on your pavers.
Oil Stains:
Oil and grease stains often appear under vehicles or around grills. If the oil has freshly dripped onto your pavers, blot the area with a clean rag or paper towel. (Do not rub! This will actually smear and force the oil into the pores of the pavers.) Liquid dish soap can be applied directly to the stain after blotting. Allow it to sit on the stain for 20 to 30 minutes before scrubbing with a nylon bristly brush. Rinse this with warm water. If the oil stain is already dried, leave a granular oil-absorbent material over it for at least 6 hours. Afterwards, sweep up the granules and apply dish soap to the stain per the above directions.
Hard Water Stains:
Hard water stains on pavers are actually part of the efflorescence process new pavers go through. This process is actually a chemical reaction between rain, humidity and temperature changes and the soluble salts contained in the paver materials. To remove these, refer to your manufacturer’s instructions. An efflorescence remover will be needed to correct this and those instructions will explain the specific type required.
Rust Stains:
Rust stains are harder to remove. Not only are they unattractive, but the cleaners used may cause surface etching. You will need to reseal your pavers after applying a rust remover. For the type of remover you need, again refer to your manufacturer’s instructions. You will need a nylon bristle brush for scrubbing the area. Make sure you remove any metals from your pavers as soon as you notice rust.
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